Volatility in the global fish oil market is creating a new challenge for nutraceutical brands: securing reliable access to EPA and DHA without compromising on concentration, quality, or consumer experience.
For decades, fish oil has been the cornerstone of the EPA and DHA market. But growing demand and disruptions linked to El Niño, including warmer waters, lower catches, and reduced oil yields, have highlighted the vulnerability of a supply chain highly dependent on marine resources: availability is tightening and price volatility is increasing.
For omega-3 brands, securing EPA and DHA supply is becoming a strategic priority. This raises a key question: should brands continue to rely on a single source of EPA and DHA?
Diversifying omega-3 sourcing can strengthen supply resilience and microalgae offer a reliable, complementary source of EPA and DHA.
Microalgae: The source behind fish omega-3 EPA and DHA
One misconception still persists within the market: that algae-derived omega-3s are different from fish-derived omega-3s.
In reality, marine microalgae sit at the beginning of the marine food chain. Fish accumulate EPA and DHA through that food chain; microalgae allow manufacturers to access these long-chain omega-3 fatty acids more directly.
The key takeaway is simple: EPA and DHA are exactly the same molecules, whether they come from fish or microalgae. Thus, they have similar biological activity and support the same health claims, as demonstrated by scientific studies.1-3
Beyond DHA: The complete fish oil alternative, full spectrum EPA and DHA oils from Algae
Backed by over three decades of expertise in omega-3 concentration, Polaris has developed a broad portfolio of microalgae-derived solutions, covering the full range of EPA and DHA grades traditionally available from fish oil, as well as ultra-high concentration DHA oils.
The Elantria® range includes different EPA and DHA ratios up to 750mg/g. EPA and DHA designed to meet a variety of formulation requirements, alongside DHA oils ranging from 400 mg/g to highly concentrated solutions containing up to 850mg/g DHA.
This gives brands another way to think about algae: not simply as a niche vegan substitute, but as a versatile source of EPA and DHA that can complement existing marine omega-3 strategies and support new product development.
A first look at what’s coming next: Polaris will launch two new oils at SupplySide Global 2026 – Elantria® 200 600 Algae Sensory Qualisyilver®5 and Elantria® 500 200 Algae Sensory Qualitysilver® 5.
Where omega-3 quality goes further
Securing a reliable source of EPA and DHA is essential, but true omega-3 quality goes far beyond availability.
Through QualiSens®, Polaris brings together its expertise in the key quality parameters that determine the performance of an omega-3 oil: stability, sensory profile, and color control.
- Qualitysilver®, Polaris’ patented technology combining process expertise with a synergistic antioxidant system to deliver enhanced resistance to oxidation. Greater oxidative stability helps preserve oil quality throughout its lifecycle and contributes to better sensory performance.
- Sensory® expertise addresses another persistent challenge associated with omega-3: taste and odor. Through optimized deodorization processes and evaluation by qualified sensory panels, Polaris works to achieve exceptionally clean organoleptic profiles.
- Greensilver® has an advanced solvent-free technology ensuring precise color control, purity, and quality beyond global standards.
Together these parameters create a broader definition of omega-3 quality: not simply how much EPA or DHA an oil contains, but how consistently it performs from formulation to finished product.
Microalgae delivers omega-3 that is sustainable in every sense – greener for the planet and more resilient for the supply chain, helping brands diversify sourcing, strengthen formulations, and prepare for the future of omega-3.
Heading to SupplySide Global 2026 in Las Vegas?
Meet the Polaris team booth #5481 to discuss how its Algae oils can help secure and strengthen your next omega-3 project.
In the US, Polaris is proud to partner with Golden Omega. With a comprehensive portfolio spanning fish oil, chia, zooplankton, and microalgae-based solutions, Golden Omega offers a broad range of high-quality lipid ingredients designed to meet the evolving needs of the nutraceutical and functional food industries.
By combining Golden Omega’s experienced and highly engaged sales team with Polaris’s differentiated microalgae omega-3 portfolio, this partnership enables Polaris to provide customers with tailored solutions, greater choice, and the expertise needed to innovate with confidence and prepare for the future of omega-3.
The future of omega-3 is evolving, and algae is increasingly part of the answer.
References
- Maki, KC.; et al. A new, microalgal DHA- and EPAcontaining oil lowers triacylglycerols in adults with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2014 Oct;91(4):141-8.
- Bailey, E.; et al. Comparative Bioavailability of DHA and EPA from Microalgal and Fish Oil in Adults. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025; 26(19): p.9343.
- Otto, SJ.; et al. The effect of different supplements containing docosahexaenoic acid on plasma and erythrocyte fatty acids of healthy non-pregnant women. Nutrition Research. 2000; 20(7): p. 917-927.
