DSM is launching a new line of high concentrate and customizable EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) products derived from fish oil, plus a high concentrate DHA from vegetarian algal oil.

The customized solutions, which contain up to 85 percent omega-3, are designed specifically to allow dietary supplement manufacturers to develop targeted products with the precise quantities of EPA and DHA required to support cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Omega-3s provide important heart and brain benefits. More than 25,000 studies demonstrate the nutritional value they offer at every stage of life. Nevertheless, many people are nutritionally deficient due to the lack of oily fish in their diet. Globally, only 2 out of 10 adults get the recommended 250 milligrams (mg) to 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA per day; the average intake among Americans is only 30 mg per day and 60 mg per day, respectively.

The global value of the omega-3 market is forecast to reach $43 billion by 2019,  and DSM continues to invest in being the world’s leading supplier of both marine- and vegetarian-based omega-3 ingredient solutions. “In a fast-moving category, it is critical that dietary supplement manufacturers create tailored product messaging to target specific consumer groups,” said Brent MacDonald, director of global business development & marketing at DSM. “Earlier this year, we published the results of our 2015 Global Consumer Usage and Attitude Study, which surveyed 11,000 shoppers across 10 markets. The findings provide detailed insights that can be used alongside our new customized solutions to help our customers create the omega-3 products of tomorrow.”

DSM’s existing omega-3 portfolio includes MEG-3 omega-3 EPA/DHA products from fish oil, which features neutralized products that have no fishy taste or smell; life’sDHA, a vegetarian form of DHA derived purely from a sustainable algal source; and life’sOMEGA 60, the first high potency vegetarian DHA/EPA product available. “Traceability is another topic that is of increasing importance to consumers,” MacDonald said. “Our portfolio is sustainably sourced from clean, omega-3-rich ocean fish, as well as being purified to exceed safety and quality standards.”

With the recent facility upgrade of its Canadian manufacturing plant, DSM expects to bring many innovations to the omega-3 market in 2016, which will open the door for further formulation advances.