Aker BioMarine will present omega-3 trends in longevity, cognition, and heart health at this week’s Vitafoods Asia trade show in Bangkok. The event highlights growing demand for marine-based nutrients across the Asia-Pacific region.
Consumer priorities shift toward healthy aging
Data from Innova Market Insights shows 80% of APAC consumers now monitor omega-3 intake. Three in four express concern about healthy aging. Ross Norris, general manager of Asia-Pacific at Aker BioMarine, stated the company’s portfolio matches these priorities, especially in cognitive performance, weight management, and personalized nutrition.
“Healthy aging is about maintaining mobility, mental clarity, and metabolic health,” Norris said. He highlighted Superba Krill, the company’s flagship ingredient, which contains phospholipids, EPA and DHA omega-3s, choline, and astaxanthin. The formulation mirrors human cell membranes. A study found Superba Boost, combined with alternate-day fasting, helped preserve muscle mass during weight loss. This addresses a rising concern in the region, where 38% of consumers attempted weight management last year.
Heart health remains a key use for omega-3s. Nearly half of APAC consumers use supplements for cardiovascular wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids rank among the top four ingredients in heart health products across the region. Norris added that Superba Krill lowers fasting triglycerides and raises the omega-3 index without increasing LDL cholesterol.
Brain health and supply chain resilience take center stage
Cognitive health draws attention, with 40% of APAC consumers using supplements to improve focus. Aker BioMarine’s Lysoveta, a krill-derived phospholipid complex, transports EPA and DHA across the blood-brain barrier in a form the brain recognizes. Norris described it as the first commercially available ingredient designed to deliver nutrients directly to brain tissue. This creates opportunities for products targeting memory, mental agility, and age-related cognitive decline.
Supply chain pressures also feature at the show. Traditional omega-3 sources, particularly Peruvian fish oil, face disruptions from climate events and resource competition. Krill and algae oil provide alternatives that strengthen supply resilience while meeting demand for high-quality EPA and DHA.
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Revervia, an algae-based DHA ingredient, contains up to 60% DHA. It appeals to plant-based and health-conscious consumers.
Delivery technology improves nutrient absorption
Aker BioMarine will also introduce its PL+ platform. The system uses marine phospholipids to enhance the bioavailability of nutrients with poor solubility, such as curcumin and CoQ10. Many supplements pass through the body without delivering benefits due to absorption challenges. PL+ addresses this by improving cellular uptake, as phospholipids dissolve in both water and fat.
A study tested PL+ Silymarin, combining krill oil phospholipids with silymarin, an extract from milk thistle used for liver support. The research found PL+ Silymarin increased silybin absorption by up to 15 times compared to silymarin alone. This offers a more effective approach to liver health formulations.
The focus on longevity, supply chain resilience, and delivery innovation reflects broader changes in the APAC nutraceutical market. Consumers increasingly seek science-backed, targeted solutions. Brands must balance quality, sustainability, and local preferences in a region where no single approach works for everyone.
Vitafoods Asia runs September 2–4 in Bangkok. Analysis of dietary habits through wastewater has shown similar regional variations in nutrient intake, reinforcing the need for tailored solutions.
