Emerging research continues to reveal the critical role of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in eye health.
Studies show that sufficient intake of these essential nutrients can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and improve symptoms of dry eye disease, highlighting their importance in maintaining vision throughout life.
Speaking at a webinar hosted by the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), Kaitlin Roke, director of scientific communication and outreach, explained: “The retina contains the highest concentration of DHA in the human body.
“From early visual development in infants to preserving visual acuity as we age, DHA plays a vital structural and functional role in eye health.”
A wealth of scientific evidence has linked DHA and EPA to improved eye health outcomes.
Studies compiled by GOED show that individuals with high dietary intakes of these omega-3 fatty acids have a significantly lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. High DHA intake was associated with a 39% reduced risk of disease progression, while EPA intake reduced the risk by 32%. Incremental increases in DHA consumption – up to 1g per day – were shown to halve the risk of early-stage disease.
Omega-3 supplementation has also been shown to help manage dry eye disease, a common condition that causes discomfort and impairs quality of life. Findings from clinical trials indicate that oral omega-3 intake for at least three months significantly improved tear production, reduced inflammation, and alleviated symptoms such as dryness and irritation, Roke said.
However, she noted that many studies on omega-3s also include other bioactive compounds, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, making it challenging to isolate their specific effects. Despite this, the consistent improvements observed in trials underscore the role of DHA and EPA in promoting eye health.
As research on eye and brain health demonstrates more potential benefits of DHA and EPA, efforts to establish global standards for omega-3 oils have also gained momentum.
In November, the Codex Alimentarius Commission approved a proposal to create an international standard for microbial omega-3 oils, which are derived from algae. These oils are increasingly used as a sustainable source of DHA and EPA in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and clinical nutrition.
GOED has been leading this initiative for over a year, working to ensure that the new standard harmonises quality and safety requirements across international markets. The proposal will now move forward through an electronic working group chaired by the US, with China as co-chair.
The group will prepare a draft of the standard, scheduled for presentation at the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils in 2026. By creating a unified framework, this standard is designed to to support the growing global trade in algal omega-3 oils.
The global market for EPA and DHA omega-3 ingredients has shown significant growth, reaching US$2.09 billion in 2023 – a 22.5% increase from the previous year.
According to GOED’s 2024 Ingredient Market Report, the volume of omega-3 ingredients used worldwide grew by 1.4% to 124,480 metric tons.
This growth reflects both rising consumer demand and innovation within the sector. For example, new algal strains capable of producing both DHA and EPA emerged in 2023, expanding the applications for algal omega-3 oils. These sustainable sources of omega-3s have become an increasingly popular alternative to fish-based oils, particularly among consumers seeking plant-based options.
A strong El Niño event in 2023 disrupted fishery yields, particularly in Peru, where anchovies are a major source of omega-3 oils. The impact of climate change is likely to signal even stronger and more destructive impacts of events in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, the market value surged, reflecting price adjustments and the growing adoption of alternative sources such as algae.
