Krill oil to experience big growth, Aker says
next month and predicts the market for the oil - a source of
omega-3 - will experience significant growth over the next few
years.
The Norwegian firm says the oil not only contains omega-3 phospholipids but also astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. "For this reason the krill oil is believed to be more bioeffective and resistant to oxidation than other sources of omega-3," said nutrition and health vice president Jostein Dalland. The firm believes that although the market for krill oil is in its infancy, it will experience a lot of growth over the next few years. Dalland said "Omega-3 is a mega trend, and we believe the market for krill oil as a premium source of omega-3 will experience significant growth in the years to come." Marketed as Superba Krill Oil, the ingredient will be 100 per cent made from the oil. According to Frost and Sullivan, the European omega-3 market was worth around €160m (£108m) in 2004, and is expected to grow at rates of 8 per cent on average to 2010. Tiny fish Krill, which means 'whale food' in Norwegian, are small shrimp-like marine crustaceans eaten by fish, birds and, in particular, whales. The ingredient will only be released as a finished dietary supplement product in Aker BioMarine's home market of Norway. Elsewhere, it will be sold for inclusion in established consumer dietary supplement brands. Aker BioMarine has conducted clinical studies on the effects krill oil can have on cardiovascular disease, inflammation and joint problems, but has yet to release the results. Krill are considered to have the largest biomass of any multi-cellular animal in the world - between 100 and 800 million tonnes. Despite this, the population has reduced in the past 30 years, resulting in some concern over its harvesting. According to the Antarctic Krill Conservation Project, fish farming uses about 75 per cent of the world's fish oil and 40 per cent of its fish meal, and this could increase to 79 per cent and 48 per cent respectively by the end of this decade. Aker BioMarine said it places sustainability high in its list of priorities. Dalland said: "We have stringent quality checks in place and liaise with the World Wildlife Fund."
