Krill Oil Market

Market Overview

Krill oil market is Anticipated to Touch a CAGR of 8% During the Forecast Period (2023-2031).

Krill oil is derived from crustaceans (called krill) that look like shrimp. Mantas, Baleen whale, and shark primarily eat krill. Krill oil is rich in omega-3 acids and contains two of the same essential fatty acids as fish oil — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The krill containing EPA and DHA have more bioavailability compared to fish oil as much of the EPA and DHA in krill oil are linked to phospholipids. Krill oil is also known by the name Aceite de Krill, Euphausia Superba Oil, Antarctic Krill Oil, and others.

Market Dynamics

Advantages of Krill Oil over Fish Oil

• Krill oil has a higher rate of absorption compared to fish oil.
• Krill oil has higher amounts of astaxanthin (an antioxidative carotenoid pigment that may support brain and nervous system health.
• Krill oil has higher EPA and DHA compared to fish oil.

Numerous Health Benefits is expected to Drive the Krill Oil Market

Krill oil has gained popularity among consumers from the last few years. For years, people have been taking fish oil supplements for the essential fatty acids contained inside, but now more and more people are inclining towards krill oil as an alternative. Krill oil has various health benefits as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Krill oil is used to improve heart health and fight inflammation. It also contains a higher amount of astaxanthin (a carotenoid pigment that gives krill and other crustaceans their characteristic red-pink color). Astaxanthin support brain and nervous system health. As per the Alternative Medicine Review, a daily dosage of 1 to 3 gm of krill oil was found to be effective for the reduction of total cholesterol, triglycerides, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and increasing of High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. In addition, as per the study of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, krill oil supplementation is effective at reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation). Moreover, krill oil is used for high levels of certain blood fats, stroke, osteoarthritis, cancer, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and painful menstrual periods. These health benefits of krill oil are expected to drive the market during the forecast period. Also, the increasing health-conscious demographic is an essential factor that is likely to impact the krill oil market positively.

Krill Oil Emerging as a Replacement for Fish Oil

Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play an integral role in cardiovascular health. Various people consume omega-3 acids from their diets; however, many rely on supplements. For people who cannot achieve adequate dietary intake or require higher doses for triglycerides reduction, krill oil supplements are proven to be an effective alternative.  Fish oil supplements are extensively used for the omega-3 fatty acids and to improve heart health. However, the large size capsules and tolerability make them less than ideal. Nowadays, krill oil is superseding fish oil and emerging as the best alternative to fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acids supplements. As krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), it generally demonstrates numerous health benefits, including lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cardiovascular health. The increasing cardiovascular disease among consumers has stressed upon healthy diet habits and consumption of omega-3 fatty acids rich food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. One person dies every 37 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease. About 1 in 4 American dies of cardiovascular disease each year in the U.S. This has entrenched consciousness of heart health in the U.S., which will have a positive impact on the krill oil market. 

Regional Analysis

A Large Number of Cardiovascular Patients in North America 

Krill oil is popular in the western regions, owing to the sizeable health-conscious population. North America is a significant region for the krill oil market; the region accounted for around 23% of the share in the global market in the year 2019. The high consumption of krill oil in North America is due to the presence of a large number of cardiovascular patients. In North America, krill oil is incorporated in the supplements, functional foods, pharmaceutical products, and infant formulas. Besides, rising consumer’s inclination toward health and fitness in the U.S. and Canada is anticipated to drive product demand in dietary supplements and functional foods.

Cultivation of Krill Oil in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea

Asia-Pacific is also an important marketplace for krill oil. The increasing cultivation of krill fish in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea is expected to drive the market during the forecast period, 2020–2029. Moreover, the incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids in the daily diet, owing to the increasing health awareness among consumers, is augmenting the demand for krill oil in the region. Also, the utilization of krill oil in pharmaceutical products, coupled with growing R&D activities, is expected to drive the market in the region. The growth of the krill oil in Asia-Pacific is predominantly driven by the increasing demand for the product from the countries such as India, China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.

Segmental Analysis

By type, the krill oil market is segmented into capsules, soft gels, and liquids. Among the product type capsules segment accounts for the highest share in the krill oil market.  The growth of the capsules can be attributed to factors such as ease of taking fix quantity of the supplement, protection from sensitive ingredients, oxygen barrier, reduction of gastrointestinal irritation among others.

By application krill oil market is segmented into dietary supplements, animal feed, functional food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, among others. Among the application segment, the dietary supplement segment is the dominating segment owing to the increasing health consciousness among consumers and increasing fitness trends across the globe. The gym-goers are extensively using such supplements to build their muscles, krill oil fish oil among other omega-3 supplements are extremely popular among fitness enthusiasts. But, the demand for krill oil is increasing among fitness enthusiasts owing to its numerous benefits over other supplements such as fish oil.