Lipid Nutrition Market

Market Definition

The market focuses on the development and use of lipids such as omega-3, omega-6, MCTs, and phospholipids in food, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. It involves processes like extraction, purification, and microencapsulation to enhance bioavailability and stability. 

Its applications extend across functional foods, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, and personal care. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of key drivers, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape expected to influence the market over the forecast period.

Lipid Nutrition Market Overview

The global lipid nutrition market size was valued at USD 13.89 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 15.19 billion in 2025 to USD 29.23 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.68% during the forecast period. 

The growth of the market is influenced by the expansion of clinical and medical nutrition applications, particularly in managing cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Additionally, advancements in lipid extraction and purification technologies are enabling the development of higher-quality formulations, improving product efficacy and increasing their acceptance in healthcare and consumer segments.

Major companies operating in the lipid nutrition industry are dsm-firmenich, BASF, Nordic Naturals, Inc., Croda International Plc, Cargill, Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Group plc, FMC Corporation, Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc., AKER BIOMARINE, Omega Protein Corporation, Polaris Nutritional Lipids, Clover Corporation Limited, Solutex GC, and Lonza Group AG.

The increased use of omega-3 fatty acids in managing heart health, inflammation, and cognitive function is influencing the growth of the market. 

Consumers are becoming more proactive about health maintenance and shifting focus toward functional ingredients with clinically backed benefits. Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are being incorporated into supplements, foods, and beverages, leading to higher product launches and growing consumer awareness.

• In December 2024, Nature's Bounty launched a plant-based Omega-3 supplement containing 1,000 mg of vegetarian algae oil, providing 510 mg of combined EPA and DHA. Designed to support heart, joint, and skin health, this product offers a vegetarian alternative to traditional fish oil and is available at major retailers like Amazon, CVS, and Walgreens.

Key Highlights:

1. The lipid nutrition market size was valued at USD 13.89 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.68% from 2025 to 2032.
3. Asia Pacific held a market share of 35.03% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 4.87 billion.
4. The omega-3 & omega-6 segment garnered USD 3.90 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The liquid segment is expected to reach USD 17.95 billion by 2032.
6. The infant formula segment secured the largest revenue share of 33.24% in 2024.
7. The marine segment is poised for a robust CAGR of 9.80% through the forecast period.
8. The supermarkets segment secured the largest revenue share of 26.26% in 2032.
9. North America is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.18% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

Expansion of Clinical and Medical Nutrition Applications

Hospitals and clinical settings are using lipid-based nutrition in enteral and parenteral formulations to support patients with specific dietary requirements. Conditions such as malabsorption, metabolic disorders, and critical illness require tailored lipid sources for energy and recovery. 

The rising need for targeted medical nutrition and the shift toward personalized healthcare solutions are contributing to the growth of the market, particularly in regions with aging populations and rising incidence of chronic disease.

• In May 2024, Baxter International received an FDA approval to extend the use of Clinolipid 20% Lipid Injectable Emulsion to neonatal and pediatric patients. This approval allows for the broader application of Clinolipid in parenteral nutrition, providing essential fatty acids and energy to critically ill infants and children who cannot receive adequate nutrition orally or enterally.

Market Challenge

Stability and Shelf-Life of Lipid-Based Products

A significant challenge hindering the lipid nutrition market is ensuring the stability and shelf-life of lipid-based formulations, especially those rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These lipids are prone to oxidation, which can affect taste, reduce efficacy, and shorten product lifespan.

To address this, companies are investing in advanced encapsulation technologies, such as microencapsulation and emulsification. These methods help protect lipids from environmental exposure and improve product stability. 

Additionally, firms are using antioxidant blends and optimizing packaging materials to reduce oxygen exposure, ensuring longer shelf-life without compromising nutritional value or consumer safety.

Market Trend

Advancements in Lipid Extraction and Purification Technologies

Improved techniques, such as supercritical CO₂ extraction and molecular distillation, are enhancing the quality and yield of nutritional lipids. These innovations are making it possible to produce high-purity lipids with better stability, shelf life, and bioavailability. 

This is especially important for products used in pharmaceuticals and infant nutrition. The ability to meet strict quality standards is attracting more formulators to lipid-based ingredients, influencing the expansion of the market.

• In July 2024, researchers from the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture published a study on optimizing supercritical CO₂ extraction for Hetian rose essential oil. The study focuses on enhancing the purity and stability of extracted lipids, which are crucial for applications in pharmaceuticals and infant nutrition.

Lipid Nutrition Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Product	Omega-3 & Omega-6, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), Phospholipids, Plant Sterols, Others,
By Form	Liquid, Powder
By Application	Infant Formula, Pharmaceutical, Dietary Supplements, Others
By Source	Plants, Marine, Animal
By Distribution Channel	Supermarkets, Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Online
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

Market Segmentation

• By Product (Omega-3 & Omega-6, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), Phospholipids, Plant Sterols, and Others): The Omega-3 & Omega-6 segment earned USD 3.90 billion in 2024 due to its strong demand in functional foods, dietary supplements, and clinical nutrition for heart, brain, and inflammatory health.
• By Form (Liquid and Powder): The Liquid segment held 62.12% of the market in 2024, due to its higher bioavailability, easier incorporation into functional foods and beverages, and broader acceptance in clinical and dietary applications.
• By Application (Infant Formula, Pharmaceutical, Dietary Supplements, and Others): The Infant Formula segment is projected to reach USD 9.62 billion by 2032, owing to the high demand for essential fatty acids like DHA and ARA in early childhood nutrition.
• By Source (Plants, Marine, and Animal): The Marine segment is poised for significant growth at a CAGR of 9.80% through the forecast period, attributed to its high concentration of bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA.

Lipid Nutrition Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The Asia Pacific lipid nutrition market share stood at 35.03% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 4.87 billion. Several companies in Asia Pacific have invested in local production of omega-3 oils, including algal and fish-based sources. These efforts reduce dependency on imports and lower product costs, making lipid ingredients more accessible to local formulators. 

Countries across the region are improving their marine processing infrastructure and refining techniques, allowing scalable output for domestic use and export. 

Moreover, several government-backed incubators and private investors are funding product innovation, particularly those addressing heart health, metabolism, and cognition. This startup activity is fueling the demand for lipid-based ingredients, contributing to the growth of the regional market.

• In September 2023, Aker BioMarine and Swisse launched the Swisse Ultiboost High Strength Krill Oil in Australia, featuring Superba Boost Krill oil. The product received approval and is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, expanding access to high-quality omega-3 supplements.

The North America market is poised for significant growth at a robust CAGR of 10.18% over the forecast period. Major pharmacy and health retail chains across North America stock a wide range of lipid-based supplements, particularly omega-3 softgels and MCT capsules. These products are well-positioned and widely promoted through loyalty programs and in-store health campaigns. 

The high availability and preference of lipid products in mainstream retail has made them a staple for many consumers, contributing to the steady growth of the lipid nutrition industry in the region.

• In May 2024, NOW introduced omega-3 gummy chews utilizing the ConCordix technology. Each passion fruit-flavored chew contains 750 mg of fish oil, delivering 300 mg of EPA and 225 mg of DHA. This format enhances bioavailability and offers a convenient alternative to traditional softgels.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., lipid-based supplements fall under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring safety and correct labeling. The FDA prohibits disease-related claims unless the product is approved as a drug. Products must include a Supplement Facts label and comply with nutrient content and structure-function claim regulations. for transparency and consumer safety.
• In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) governs lipid-based food supplements. Products must meet the Food Supplements Regulations 2003 and follow rules from the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, which remains in UK law post-Brexit. All health claims require authorization, and labels must be clear, accurate, and not misleading. Companies must comply with ingredient safety assessments and present nutritional values under the Food Information Regulations 2014.
• In China, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) regulates lipid nutrition products classified as “health foods.” Products must be registered or filed with the NMPA depending on their composition. Labeling must comply with GB 28050-2011 standards, disclosing total fat, saturated fat, energy, and sodium per serving. Health claims must meet approved categories and companies must also pass product safety evaluations, as certain ingredients require prior approval before commercialization.
• Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) regulate lipid-based products through two categories: Foods for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU) and Foods with Function Claims (FFC). FOSHU requires clinical data and government review, while FFC products must submit scientific substantiation but can enter the market faster. Labeling must include nutritional data and stated functions in Japanese. Functional lipids like DHA and EPA are commonly regulated under this system.

Competitive Landscape

Market players are adopting strategies such as launching high-potency products with targeted health benefits, expanding their online presence and focusing on innovation in formulations to meet specific consumer needs. 

These approaches attract health-conscious customers seeking effective solutions for heart, brain, and joint health. Such strategic moves help companies strengthen their market position and respond to evolving demand trends in lipid nutrition.

• In December 2024, Coromega introduced Max Gold, a high-concentrate omega-3 fish oil supplement delivering 3,000 mg of omega-3s per serving, including 1,562 mg of EPA and 1,060 mg of DHA. The product is designed to support heart, brain, and joint health and is available for purchase online.

List of Key Companies in Lipid Nutrition Market:

• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• BASF
• Nordic Naturals, Inc.
• Croda International Plc
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Kerry Group plc
• FMC Corporation
• Neptune Wellness Solutions Inc.
• AKER BIOMARINE
• Omega Protein Corporation
• Polaris Nutritional Lipids
• Clover Corporation Limited
• Solutex GC
• Lonza Group AG

Recent Developments (M&A/Expansion/Product Launch)

• In October 2024, KD Pharma Group acquired dsm-firmenich's Marine Lipids business, including the MEG-3 brand and production facilities in Piura, Peru, and Mulgrave, Canada. This strategic move positions KD Pharma as the world's largest omega-3 manufacturer, enhancing its capabilities in pharmaceutical and nutritional lipids. The acquisition expands KD Pharma's product range and customization opportunities, supported by increased manufacturing capacity.
• In April 2024, dsm-firmenich introduced Veramaris Pets, an algal-based omega-3 ingredient tailored for pet nutrition, at the Petfood Forum in Kansas City. This launch aligns with the company's commitment to sustainable and plant-based solutions in the omega-3 industry.
• In July 2024, Polaris Nutritional Lipids launched Omegavie DHA 650 Qualitysilver 5, a high-concentrate algal omega-3 oil produced sustainably in France, catering to the demand for plant-based omega-3 solutions.
• In September 2023, Nordic Naturals expanded its retail presence by introducing Ultimate Omega and Algae Omega supplements to Sam’s Club stores nationwide. The 100-count size of Ultimate Omega and 80-count size of Algae Omega are now available, providing consumers with high-quality omega-3 supplements at feasible prices.