The new oil contains 40% EPA, 20% DHA, achieves a level of EPA that previously required chemical or physical concentration, Alexia Renard, product marketing manager of functional lipids at Fermentalg, told NutraIngredients.
This result comes from a patented fermentation process using Fermentalg’s proprietary Schizochytrium limacinum FCC-3204 microalgae strain, and achieves a level of EPA that previously required chemical or physical concentration.
Renard said the fermentation process allows the company to produce very high EPA and DHA levels naturally, without any extra concentration steps.
“Today, the algal omega-3 market still offers limited options, often with lower EPA content compared to fish oil,” she said. “With Omega Origins, we are introducing the highest naturally concentrated algal omega-3 oil on the market, providing a plant-based and potent alternative to fish oil.”
As Renard noted, because the oil is highly concentrated, it for allows smaller capsules, easier swallowing, and more space for other ingredients in supplements. The oil has also been formulated to work in formats such as softgels, gummies, powders, emulsions and liquids.
High-DHA algal oil innovation
Most algal oils derived from Schizochytrium are naturally rich in DHA, with comparatively lower levels of EPA, Renard explained. The company’s particular strain has been developed for its ability to produce exceptionally high total omega-3 levels, reaching up to 60% DHA.
The naturally high DHA levels led to the need to adjust the process to increase EPA while keeping overall omega-3 levels high, Renard explained,
“The key challenge in developing Omega Origins was therefore to rebalance this natural profile by increasing EPA content while preserving the strain’s inherently high omega-3 concentration,” she said. “To address this, our R&D teams developed a patent-pending process adjusting the fermentation step.
“This approach enables us to boost the EPA content in the triglycerides stored by our microalgae.”
The solvent-free extraction process produces crude oil with high EPA and DHA levels and an overall omega-3 concentration similar to DHA-rich oils.
High-EPA omega-3 algal oil targets sports nutrition
Omega-3s are known to support heart health, brain function, and vision. Studies also link them to better endurance, recovery, sleep, and joint health.
As Renard explained, the target applications for this new product are the longevity and sports nutrition segments.
“These are fast-growing markets driven by a shift toward preventive health and performance optimization,” she said.
She noted that EPA plays a particularly important role here, with well-documented benefits on cardiovascular health, as well as emerging evidence supporting endurance, recovery, and overall physical performance.
“This makes high-EPA solutions especially attractive for brands targeting active and aging populations,” she said.
Omega Origins is available in four EPA/DHA ratios, each designed for specific market needs.
Its flagship 2:1 EPA/DHA ratio targets sports nutrition, however, other ratios are available to help manufacturers transition from fish oil to algae-based alternatives.
“Importantly, all our ratios allow our customers to leverage EFSA-approved health claims related to cardiovascular, cognitive, and visual health, ensuring strong scientific credibility across applications,” Renard said.
Sustainable omega-3
Beyond its product performance, Omega Origins seeks to embody Fermentalg’s broader vision for more sustainable and holistic nutrition.
“It fully reflects our “One Health” approach by delivering solutions that create value across both human and animal health,” Renard said.
“By offering high-quality, clean, and consistent omega-3 sources, we help our customers develop products that support overall well-being in a holistic and responsible way.”
The company recently introduced a new visual identity to reflect its focus on both human and planetary health.
