Positive Research Findings and Media Attention Drive Growth in U.S. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Market

Business Wire, June 21, 2005

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Following the changing perception of fats, the U.S. Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) market is poised for significant growth. Previously known as unhealthy, disease-inducing agents, extensive research and growing media attention are working to change misconceptions. Consumers now view benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.food.frost.com), U.S. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Market, reveals that revenue in this market totaled $266 million in 2004 and projects to reach $671.9 million in 2011.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the U.S. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Market, then send an e-mail to Tolu Babalola, Corporate Communications at tolu.babalola@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and country. The brochure will be e-mailed to you upon receipt of this information.

The media is promoting polyunsaturated fatty acids as vital for lowering harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction, and boosting the effectiveness of several vital body organs.

If the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes a clear stance on the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of these oils, the boom in demand and efforts to negate false consumer comprehensions can increase.

"A multitude of recommendations are available and the varying RDI in different parts of the world adds to the confusion," explains Frost & Sullivan Industry Manager Amit Tandon. "For instance, in the United Kingdom, the RDI is 800 mg/day while some Scandinavian countries recommend doses as high as 3 g/day."

The FDA restrictions on labeling are also hampering growth, as PUFA oil suppliers are restricted from making specific health claims.

"This assumes enormous significance as most of these products are bought off the shelf and without understanding the physiological benefits the consumer may not be motivated to make a purchase," observes Tandon. "Besides, each product has to fight for shelf space and visibility as the market is flooded with numerous healthy alternatives."

However, this compels manufacturers to increase investment in research and development (R&D) and garner additional scientific evidence on the health benefits of PUFA oils.

"With the micro-encapsulation technique leading the way, there will be more emphasis on developing novel delivery forms to improve the functional attributes of the PUFA ingredient," points out Tandon.

These increased R&D efforts will aid in negating the challenges such as short shelf life of products and improving stability. Companies are also looking at alternative certifications from organizations such as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status, Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP).

The outlook for this market is immensely positive following the shift to the dictum 'fat is good' and the ever increasing emphasis on healthy lifestyles by the media. Besides affirmative research findings, suppliers have improved production capabilities, thus enhancing an already burgeoning Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA market.

The U.S. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Market is a part of the Food & Beverage subscription. Besides comprehensive coverage of the Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA market, the study includes crucial information on market drivers and industry challenges the growth forecasts, along with application and market trends that will aid in effectively planning and sustaining growth in a mature market. Strategic recommendations are also provided that enable participants to maximize revenue potential. Executive summaries and analyst interviews are available to the press.

Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community, by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.frost.com.

U.S. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFA Markets

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Keywords in this research: Omega-3, Omega-6, polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA, U.S., low density lipoprotein, LDL cholesterol, myocardial infarction, Food and Drug Administration, FDA, recommended dietary intake, RDI, Generally Recognized as Safe, GRAS, Council for Responsible Nutrition, CRN, U.S. Pharmacopoeia, research, information, market, trends, technology, service, forecast, market share