Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the major classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids, with another one being omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids statistics show that they are commonly found in most animal foods and plants, and that they cannot be synthesized in the human body.
Unlike most fats that are simply stored or used as energy, omega-3 fatty acids play other vital roles in the body. They have numerous health benefits crucial to the proper functioning of the human body.
Omega-3 deficiency is linked to several health problems such as depression, lowered cognitive abilities, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.
That’s why we compiled relevant facts and statistics on omega-3s to help you learn more about these fascinating fatty acids. Dive in to find out more about omega-3s, their benefits, dosage, market value, etc.
Top 10 Omega-3 Fatty Acids Statistics and Facts
- The human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids.
- The typical diet in the Western world contains 10 times more omega-6s than omega-3s.
- There are high concentrations of DHA and EPA in fish oil.
- There are 23 grams of ALA in every 100 grams of flax seeds.
- In 2019, the global omega-3 market was valued at $4.07 billion.
- In 2018, infant nutrition had the highest share in the global omega-3 products market.
- Fish oil supplements can reduce heightened triglyceride levels in the blood.
- High amounts of omega-3s can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 55%.
- Adults are advised to consume 250 mg of DHA + EPA omega-3 acids per day.
- Consuming omega-3s may cause hypomania in people with bipolar disorder.
General Omega-3 Fatty Acids Facts You Should Know
1. Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
Omega-3 fatty acids have a carbon-carbon double bond positioned three carbons away from the methyl end of the chain. While several other omega-3s exist, scientific studies mostly focus on alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
2. EPA and DHA are originally produced by microalgae.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
While fish and fish oils are popular EPA and DHA sources, these omega-3 fatty acids are first synthesized by microalgae. Omega-3 fatty acid facts show that fish are rich in DHA and EPA because they are consuming these phytoplanktons and storing omega-3s in their tissue.
3. The human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids.
(Healthline)
Because the human body is not capable of producing them, and because they are vital nutrients, they are known as essential fatty acids and must be obtained from food.
4. ALA must be converted to EPA or DHA before it can be utilized for something other than energy.
(Healthline)
However, the process is said to be inefficient as only 0.5%–5% of ALA can be converted to DHA and 1%–10% to EPA in the human body. ALA that is not converted or stored is a type of omega-3 fatty acids used for energy only.
5. Omega-3s have an absorption rate of 95%.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
When omega-3 fatty acids are ingested, they are hydrolyzed in the intestinal lumen. The hydrolyzed products are then incorporated into bile salt by passive diffusion. These products enter the blood and are delivered to various organs for use.
6. The mean value for plasma phospholipids EPA and DHA among US adults not taking omega-3 supplements is between 3%–4%.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
Omega-3 status is determined by measuring the individual omega-3s present in the plasma phospholipids and showing them as the total phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids percentage by weight.
7. The typical diet in the Western world contains 10 times more omega-6s than omega-3s.
(Healthline)
Processed foods, which constitute a significant part of the Western diet, are a rich source of omega-6. To enjoy the beneficial effects of omega-3s, the omega-6s to omega-3s ratio should be closer to 2:1.
8. Omega-3 deficiency can cause scaly skin and dermatitis.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids results in a significant reduction of the plasma and tissue concentration of DHA. This can cause brittle hair, dandruff, dry skin, fatigue, sleeping problems, thin nails that peel and crack, etc.
Common Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
9. Algal oil is a good source of omega-3s for vegetarians and vegans.
(UW Integrative Medicine)
Although algal oil derived from aquatic plant-like organisms is rich in EPA and DHA, most algal oil supplements primarily provide DHA. They are, however, rarely contaminated as these organisms are at the bottom of the food chain.
10. There are high concentrations of EPA and DHA in fish oil.
(UW Integrative Medicine)
Omega acids from fish oil are derived from oily fishes like herring, mackerel, sardine, tuna, and anchovies. There are about 180 milligrams of EPA and 120 grams of DHA in every gram of fish oil.
11. There are 2,682 milligrams of EPA and DHA in one tablespoon of cod liver oil.
(Healthline)
Cod liver oil is obtained from the liver of codfish and is different from fish oil. It is rich in omega-3s as well as vitamins A and D.
12. One tablespoon of caviar contains 1,086 milligrams of omega-3s.
(Healthline)
Caviar is one of the most luxurious foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. It consists of roe or fish eggs and is rich in choline.
13. Oysters are highly nutritious and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
(Healthline)
Oysters are very rich in vitamin B12, zinc, and copper. There are 370 milligrams of omega-3s in 6 raw eastern oysters.
14. Some brands of eggs and soy beverages may be fortified with omega-3s.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
Some manufacturers now fortify their yogurts, juices, milk, and infant formulas with omega-3s, particularly DHA.
15. Krill oil contains significant amounts of EPA and DHA fatty acids.
(UW Integrative Medicine)
Krill oil is derived from krill, a shrimp-like crustacean. While omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil are of the same quality as those derived from fish, their concentration is not as high.
16. Beef from grass-fed cows may contain increased levels of omega-3s.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
Generally, beef from grain-fed cows contains low amounts of omega-3s, but the levels of these fatty acids increase when cows are fed mostly grass. ALA is the primary omega-3 fatty acid found in grass-fed cows.
17. Soybean is a rich source of ALA and has many health benefits.
(Healthline)
It can provide nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. It is rich in ALA, fiber, vegetable protein, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, and riboflavin. Typically, 100 grams of soybeans contain 1,443 milligrams of ALA.
18. There are 23 grams of ALA in every 100 grams of flax seeds.
(UW Integrative Medicine)
Flax seeds are rich in fiber and different fats, including ALA. Consuming grounded flax seeds can slightly increase EPA and DHA levels in the body.
19. Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3s and protein.
(Healthline)
Omega-3 fatty acids supplement facts indicate that about 5,060 milligrams of ALA can be found in 28 grams of chia seeds. Chia seeds are also loaded with selenium, magnesium, manganese, and essential amino acids.
20. There are 2,570 milligrams of ALA per 28 grams of walnuts.
(Healthline)
Walnuts are also rich in fiber and are loaded with vitamin E, copper, and manganese. They should be eaten with the skin, as it contains important nutrients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Market Value: Facts and Figures
21. In 2019, the global omega-3 market was valued at $4.07 billion.
(Markets and Markets)
Due to increasing awareness of the potential of preventive healthcare, the worldwide omega-3 market is expected to register a CAGR of 13.1%, reaching $8.52 billion by 2025.
22. The worldwide marine omega-3 market was estimated $2.1 billion in 2020.
(Grand View Research)
The omega-3 market is divided into the marine and the plant segment.
Despite the global pandemic, both segments held their ground and even improved in sales. In 2020, the marine source segment held the largest portion of the revenue, accounting for 82.8%. According to research, the global marine omega-3 market is expected to grow by a CAGR of 5.5%, reaching $14.5 million in 2024.
23. Europe is the largest consumer in the worldwide marine omega-3 market.
(Grand View Research)
The omega-3 fatty acids consumption statistics claim that the biggest consumers are Europe, North America, South America, and China.
The market expansion in Europe can be attributed to the rising demand for omega-3 supplements for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, which are associated with the need of the aging population in its countries. Europe makes up 37.71% of the global marine omega-3 market, with Norway being the most significant consumer at 25.77%.
24. The global omega-3 supplements market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6%.
(PR Newswire)
In 2017, the worldwide omega-3 supplements market was valued at $34.83 billion. Due to the rapidly rising demand for dietary supplements in several regions, omega-3 fatty acids supplement sales are expected to reach $57.06 billion by 2025.
25. The worldwide EPA/DHA ingredients market exceeded $2.3 billion in 2019.
(Global Market Insights)
The market is highly profitable and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% to reach $3.8 billion by 2026. Also, the DHA application segment is expected to exceed $3.2 billion in the same year.
26. The European EPA/DHA ingredients market is valued at over $645.88 million.
(Global Market Insights)
This market is expected to grow rapidly in Europe due to the rising demand for dietary supplements and fortified foods. Omega-3 fatty acid statistics show that the European EPA/DHA (omega-3) ingredients market is projected to surpass $917.70 million by 2026.
27. The worldwide omega-3 products industry is highly fragmented.
(Mordor Intelligence)
Some major players in this market include Nestlé SA, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Abbott Laboratories, Amway, Sanofi SA, Unilever, and Herbalife.
28. In 2018, infant nutrition had the highest share in the global omega-3 products market with 42.3%.
(Mordor Intelligence)
While functional foods made up 25.9%, omega-3 fatty acids supplement statistics showed that dietary supplements accounted for 12.5%. Pharmaceutical made up 7.3%, while pet food & feed held 6.5% of the global market.
29. Each year, Americans spend over $25 billion on dietary supplements.
(Global Market Insights)
According to reports, Americans spend billions of dollars on over 50,000 different dietary supplements consisting of vitamins and minerals, fish oil, and other ingredients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplement Statistics: Benefits and Dosing
30. Fish oil supplements can reduce heightened triglyceride levels in the blood.
(WebMD)
High levels of triglycerides in the blood may increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Fish oil supplements can reduce triglyceride levels by up to 30%. Fish oil can also reduce stiffness, joint swelling, and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
31. Adults are advised to eat 8 or more ounces of seafood every week.
(NCCIH)
Omega-3 fatty acids from natural sources like seafood can significantly reduce the chances of heart disease. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to consume 8 to 10 ounces of low-methyl-mercury seafood per week.
32. Omega-3 fatty acids can effectively fight symptoms of metabolic syndrome.
(Healthline)
Metabolic syndrome, with related conditions like obesity and high blood pressure, is a significant health threat as it increases the risk of other health issues. Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health facts show that omega-3s can reduce heart disease risk factors.
33. Omega-3s can combat many autoimmune diseases.
(Healthline)
Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis cause the immune system to attack healthy cells. Omega-3s can also fight ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease.
34. Consuming high amounts of omega-3s can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 55%.
(Healthline)
Omega-3 fatty acids and cancer facts show that consuming omega-3s can lower prostate cancer risk in men and breast cancer in women.
35. Omega-3s can enhance eye health.
(Healthline)
DHA is a major component of the eye retina. Consuming enough omega-3 can reduce the risk of macular degeneration, known to cause blindness and permanent eye damage.
36. DHA improves vision and neurological development in infants.
(WebMD)
Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health can lead to improved cognitive, communication, and social skills in children. In some children, fish oil may suppress the symptoms of ADHD while improving mental skills like remembering, thinking, and learning.
37. Omega-3 fatty acids can aid in protecting the skin from sun damage.
(Healthline)
DHA and EPA protect the skin in several ways. They can lower acne risk, prevent hyperkeratinization of hair follicles, reduce premature aging of the skin, and manage oil production and skin hydration.
38. Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.
(WebMD)
One of the fascinating benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is that they can lower the production of substances or molecules connected to inflammation. Some studies suggest that this makes them capable of reducing the symptoms of asthma.
39. Omega-3s can reduce liver fat and inflammation.
(Healthline)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world. Consuming omega-3s can aid in lowering liver fat in people with NAFLD.
40. Women who consume omega-3 fatty acids have milder menstrual pain.
(Healthline)
Consuming omega-3 fatty acids foods can alleviate menstrual pain. According to a study, omega-3s can treat severe pain during menstruation more effectively than ibuprofen.
41. Omega-3s like DHA can help in improving sleep.
(Healthline)
Low levels of DHA are also tied to low levels of melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep. Consuming omega-3 supplements can improve the quality and length of sleep.
42. Omega-3 supplements may help prevent or manage depression.
(Healthline)
One of the many benefits of EPA is that it can help people suffering from depression. Omega-3 supplements may also be of help in the prevention or management of anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and psychosis.
43. Omega-3 fatty acids can help with psychiatric disorders.
(Healthline)
Reports show that people with psychiatric disorders often have low levels of omega-3s. Consuming omega-3 supplements can lower the frequency of relapses and mood swings in people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
44. Adults are advised to consume 250 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3 acids (combined) per day.
(FAO)
Research shows that this dosage is effective against coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids supplement usage facts show that 150 mg of EPA and DHA is the recommended dose to aid brain development in children.
45. People with heart disease should take one gram of the EPA/DHA combination from fish oil daily.
(WebMD)
Doctors may advise people with other health conditions to take up to 4 grams of EPA/DHA each day.
46. The recommended daily amount of ALA for men is 1.6 grams.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
The recommended daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement use is lower for women at just 1.1 grams. Breastfeeding teens and women can go up to 1.3 g per day, while the suggested dose for pregnant teens and women is 1.4 grams. For infants and children, it is between 0.5 and 0.9 grams.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Statistics: Side Effects
47. Consumption of fish oil may cause gas and indigestion.
(WebMD)
Consuming fish oil supplements with coating may help prevent these issues. Also, omega-3 supplements like DHA and EPA may cause bleeding in people already suffering from a bleeding condition.
48. Omega-3 fatty acids can cause heartburn and diarrhea.
(Office of Dietary Supplements)
These fatty acids can also cause a bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, smelly sweat, and headaches.
49. High amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can be toxic.
(Healthline)
Some omega-3 supplements like cod liver oil may contain vitamin A. Omega-3 vitamins facts show that high amounts of vitamin A can be toxic. In larger quantities, it can cause vision problems, dry skin, hair loss, poor appetite, headaches, and joint pain.
50. High doses of fish oil may exhaust the supply of antioxidants in the body.
(UW Integrative Medicine)
Consuming more than 5 grams of fish oil per day can burn up the body’s antioxidants. This can cause free radicals to damage the cells and DNA.
51. High amounts of omega-3 fatty acids can cause weight gain.
(Times of India)
Omega-3 fatty acids are generally consumed by people who want to lose weight. However, a notable omega-3 fatty acids side effect is that they can cause weight gain due to the number of calories in supplements like fish oil.
52. Consuming omega-3s may cause hypomania in people with bipolar disorder.
(UW Integrative Medicine)
High doses of fish oil may also slow down the immune system and pose a severe health threat to people with low disease resistance. People with HIV are advised to consume no more than 3 grams of fish oil per day to avoid this.
FAQs
How much omega-3 fatty acids should I take daily?
In adults, the recommended dose is 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day. In children, a smaller dose of 150 mg per day is advised. People with medical conditions like heart disease are advised to take up to 1 gram per day. With a doctor’s supervision, people with other conditions may have to take as much as 4 grams per day.
For ALA, the recommended daily intake for men is 1.6 grams per day and 1.1 grams per day for women. For omega-3 supplements, the dose will depend on the concentration of DHA and EPA in the supplement. People who take these supplements might have to take up to 8 capsules to reach the recommended daily amount.
Are all omega-3 fatty acids the same?
There are 11 distinct types of omega-3 fatty acids, but EPA, DHA, and ALA are the most important types.
EPA is found in fish like salmon and plays vital physiological roles. DHA is found in algae and seafood. It is crucial for brain function and vision. ALA, found in plants, must be converted to EPA and DHA before being utilized in the body for other functions and not just as energy.
How long does it take for omega-3 fatty acids to work?
Omega-3 fatty acid concentration is known to build up quickly during consumption. However, it may take anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months to observe significant changes in pain, mood, and other symptoms.
Do omega-3 fatty acids help brain health?
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, omega-3s are vital for brain function throughout life. These fatty acids are present in the cell membranes of the brain cells and can facilitate the communication between them.
They can boost the health of the brain cells and reduce the deterioration of the brain. Omega-3s can also enhance neurological development in infants and may have a role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
What do omega-3 fatty acids do?
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that perform several functions in the body. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
They can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, reduce liver fat, reduce/prevent depression, alleviate or reduce menstrual pain, and combat many autoimmune diseases. They can also enhance insulin resistance, brain function, vision, and sleep. Omega-3s can protect the skin from sun damage and promote the effects of inflammatory drugs.
What are the omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a major class of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a carbon-carbon double bond positioned three carbons away from the methyl end of the chain.
There are 11 types of omega-3s, but ALA, EPA, and DHA are the most important ones. Because the human body cannot produce these omega-3s, they must be obtained from food.
What foods have omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish such as herring, tuna, salmon, mackerel, bluefish, lake trout, sardines, etc. They are also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed, walnuts, purslane, and chia seed; and oils like flaxseed, canola, krill, algal, and soybean oil. They are also available in some soy beverages, juice, eggs, milk, yogurt, and infant formulas.
How many omega-3 fatty acids are there?
There are 11 types of omega-3 fatty acids, with the main ones being ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
The other types are hexadecatrienoic acid (HTA), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), tetracosapentaenoic acid, stearidonic acid (SDA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), eicosatrienoic acid (ETE), tetracosahexaenoic acid, and heneicosapentaenoic acid (HPA).
Conclusion
Omega-3 fatty acids are highly beneficial and play vital roles in the human body. Since they cannot be internally synthesized, they must be obtained from our food to ensure the normal functioning of the body.
Lack of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to severe health conditions such as heart problems and arthritis. However, like most things, omega-3 fatty acids should be consumed in moderation to avoid side effects like heartburn and indigestion.
According to omega-3 fatty acids statistics, the global omega-3 market is projected to grow massively in the coming years due to a rising focus on preventive healthcare worldwide.
