As North America’s population ages and lifestyles shift, the demand for secure and sustainable nutrition is more important than ever.

Among the most critical needs are omega-3 fatty acids, essential for long-term health but often missing from modern diets.

Despite the importance of omega-3, many North Americans fall short on intake. Limited consumption of fatty fish, coupled with diets skewed toward omega-6s, creates an unhealthy imbalance. The problem is particularly acute with DHA, the form of omega-3 most concentrated in the brain and eyes. Because the body converts other omega-3s into DHA inefficiently, supplementation becomes essential. Yet the gap between what people need and what they consume persists, and it’s growing.

At the same time, North American consumers are seeking nutrition that is not only effective but also clean and environmentally sustainable. This is where algae steps in. As a direct source of DHA, algae offers a 100% vegan solution that meets health needs while aligning with evolving values, helping to close the omega-3 gap and supporting a healthier, more sustainable future.

Understanding consumer and market demands

Meeting consumer and market needs for marine omega-3s requires a diversified, sustainable supply from responsibly managed sources like fish oil, algae, and krill. In North America, growing health awareness and demand for clean-label products are driving a shift toward algae-based omega-3s, valued for their purity, natural triglyceride (nTG) form of DHA, and freedom from solvents or re-esterification processes.

With concerns over fish oil contamination and increasing emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, consumers are prioritizing premium, environmentally responsible options, making algae-derived omega-3s a leading choice in the evolving market.

In addition to clean product requirements, North America is undergoing a significant transformation in its dietary landscape, with a growing shift toward plant-based eating, especially among younger, urban populations. In fact, 46% of North Americans trust plant-based alternatives more than they did three years ago.

From New York and Los Angeles to Toronto and Vancouver, plant-based cuisine is moving from niche to mainstream, reflecting a broader cultural movement across the North American. For many consumers, veganism and vegetarianism aren’t just about avoiding meat, they’re about prioritizing quality, health, and mindful consumption.

Algae-based omega-3s offer a compelling, sustainable alternative to traditional sources. As a vegan product made from renewable biomass using a land-based process, algae helps conserve global resources and protects marine ecosystems. These qualities strongly align with the values of today’s North American consumers, who are increasingly drawn to plant-based options and motivated by ethical, environmental, and food safety concerns.

The health benefits of DHA

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid vital for brain function, eye health, and overall cellular wellness. Because the human body produces only minimal amounts, obtaining DHA through diet or supplementation is essential at every stage of life.

DHA is especially important during pregnancy and early childhood, supporting the development of a baby’s brain and vision. Throughout life, it aids cognitive function, memory, mental clarity, retinal health, and much more.

DHA is naturally abundant in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. However, many people fall short of recommended intakes, making supplementation a practical solution.

omega-3 supplement

Plant-based omega-3s primarily supply ALA, which must be converted to EPA and DHA, the forms the body can use. This conversion is limited, so direct sources of DHA from marine-based omega-3s are generally the most effective for meeting the body’s needs.

Thousands of studies on EPA and DHA have demonstrated their broad health benefits.

1，Brain health Enhances optimal brain function, memory, and cognition

2，Eye health Supports the healthy structure and function of vision cells

3，Maternal and infant health Essential for brain and eye development in fetuses and breastfed infants

4，Overall wellness Promotes cellular health, supports vital processes, and helps maintain healthy fat levels in the blood.