Aker BioMarine backs DHA omega-3 for prenatal nutrition and algae-derived sustainability

The prenatal nutrition industry is moving toward targeted, science-backed solutions that benefit maternal and infant wellness. In this space, Aker BioMarine says docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 is gaining renewed attention in the industry and among researchers for its role in fetal brain and eye development. 

The company highlights growing evidence around maternal DHA status, adding that bioavailability and sustainability are reshaping formulation strategies in supplements. 

Nutrition Insight meets with Nina Skullerud, marketing manager for Revervia at Aker BioMarine, to discuss the benefits of DHA in prenatal nutrition, innovation opportunities, the rise of algae-derived omega-3s, and the future of the omega-3 market. 

“DHA omega-3 has become increasingly recognized as an important nutrient in prenatal nutrition due to its core role in fetal brain and eye development,” says Skullerud. “DHA is a major structural component of the brain and retina, with the most rapid accumulation occurring during the third trimester. This has strengthened the evidence linking adequate maternal DHA status with typical visual and cognitive development in the infant.”

Since DHA is actively incorporated into fetal neural tissues and photoreceptor cell membranes, Skullerud says it supports the development of the central nervous system, vision, memory, and cognitive function.

She adds that recent research has clarified key differences in omega-3 metabolism during pregnancy. Although DHA can be directly transported across the placenta to the fetus, she explains that the primary plant-based omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), must first be converted into DHA, which is a relatively inefficient process in humans. 

“As a result, relying on ALA alone may not reliably meet the increased physiological demands of pregnancy,” says Skullerud.

Skullerud says Revervia as algae-based DHA can help address industry expectations around quality and transparency (Image credit: Aker BioMarine).“These advances have shaped current nutritional guidance by placing greater emphasis on ensuring sufficient preformed DHA intake during pregnancy, reinforcing its importance as a key omega-3 fatty acid for supporting maternal health and optimal fetal development.”

DHA in prenatal nutrition

Research increasingly links prenatal nutrition to long-term health outcomes for both mothers and children, says Skullerud. She notes that the strongest and most consistent evidence is emerging around long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA. 

“Global regulatory bodies recognize the importance of DHA in pregnancy, with approved health claims supporting its role in maternal nutrition and normal fetal development,” she adds.

“One of the most well-supported areas of evidence is DHA’s role in fetal neurodevelopment. Clinical and observational studies associate adequate maternal DHA intake with normal development of the central nervous system, vision, memory, and cognitive function.”

Meanwhile, she says that low maternal DHA intake is associated with suboptimal DHA status in infants, underscoring the importance of adequate DHA intake during this life stage.

“In addition, clinical studies indicate that algal-derived DHA performs comparably to fish-derived DHA in terms of efficacy and bioavailability, while offering a controlled, sustainable, and contaminant-free source suitable for prenatal formulations.”

Comprehensive maternal health

Although there is a strong evidence base for DHA in prenatal nutrition, Skullerud says other areas of prenatal nutrition remain less definitive.

She argues that prenatal health research is still essential when it comes to interventions. “For example, vitamin D deficiency is linked to complications like preeclampsia and low birth weight, but there is still no agreed-upon optimal level during pregnancy.” 

Moreover, she says that research on the maternal gut microbiome is ongoing, with uncertainty about whether and how probiotics or dietary changes reliably improve pregnancy or infant outcomes.

Studies associate adequate maternal DHA intake with normal fetal neurodevelopment, such as vision, memory, and cognitive function, says Skullerud.“Prenatal nutrition, however, is moving toward a more outcome-focused approach that emphasizes nutrient quality, bioavailability, and source transparency, reflecting the need for safety and trust in this field, and DHA remains one of the gold standards.”

Skullerud says that prenatal nutrition is moving toward more holistic solutions for maternal and fetal health, instead of single-nutrient supplementation. “DHA is already well established for fetal brain and eye development, which makes it a natural platform ingredient for combination products.”

She highlights a significant opportunity for prenatal nutrition manufacturers to develop science-backed, convenient combination products for infants and mothers that simplify supplementation by addressing multiple maternal and infant health needs in a single daily regimen.

“One opportunity is pairing DHA with key prenatal nutrients such as choline and folate that work in complementary ways to support neurological development, making them attractive for products focused on cognitive and developmental outcomes,” she suggests.

In maternal wellness, she notes that DHA could be combined with nutrients that support immune function, energy metabolism, and bone health, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Skullerud says this approach addresses common nutritional gaps during pregnancy while reducing the number of separate supplements women need to take.

Additionally, Skullerud says the postpartum period represents a significant opportunity. “DHA formulations paired with nutrients that support recovery, mood, and lactation could help brands extend support beyond pregnancy and address the full maternal health journey.”

Ingredient innovation opportunities

Beyond prenatal nutrition, Skullerud highlights opportunities for ingredient innovation and market growth in areas where scientific evidence is strengthening and consumer demand is accelerating at the same time.

“Active wellness is a huge area of interest, as today’s consumers are placing equal importance on mental performance and physical well-being, driving demand for solutions that support both simultaneously,” she details. “This shift is accelerating the move away from single-benefit products toward more integrated nutrition strategies, underscoring the deep connection between body and mind.”

Meanwhile, she says that healthy aging and cognitive health represent one of the most promising opportunities. “With aging populations worldwide and growing interest in brain performance, memory support, and long-term cognitive wellness, omega-3 ingredients, particularly DHA-rich formulations, have significant potential in both preventive nutrition and healthy aging products.”

Beyond prenatal nutrition, Skullerud highlights opportunities for DHA in active wellness, longevity, cognition, and mood support.Additionally, Skullerud says that mood support stands out as a high-growth segment. She notes that consumers are becoming more proactive about stress management, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. She notes that in this space, omega-3 ingredients could play an increasingly important role in evidence-based wellness solutions.

Sustainable fatty acids

Sustainable omega-3 sources are becoming an increasingly important consideration in the market. Skullerud notes that consumers and industry stakeholders are driving interest in alternative sources such as algae-derived DHA.

“Consumers are looking for products that combine proven health benefits with greater transparency, responsible sourcing, and environmentally conscious production methods,” she details. “At the same time, manufacturers and brands are seeking solutions that support long-term supply security, diversify sourcing options, and align with evolving clean label expectations.”

She explains that algae-derived DHA is a vegan alternative to fish oil, while delivering the same DHA fatty acid structure. These solutions are produced directly from microalgae and are grown in controlled land-based environments. Therefore, Skullerud says these products support cleaner labels and reduce concerns about marine contaminants. 

“These attributes strengthen brand appeal, particularly among plant-based consumers and those seeking high-quality prenatal supplements.”

Products such as Aker BioMarine’s algae-based ingredient Revervia can help address growing industry expectations around quality and transparency, adds Skullerud. 

“Produced through controlled fermentation in closed systems, Revervia delivers consistent quality and a high-purity DHA profile in its natural triglyceride form without chemical modification. This production approach supports clean label product development and provides manufacturers with a reliable, scalable source of DHA.”

Meanwhile, she says that the omega-3 market continues to be strongly associated with traditional marine sources. Broader consumer adoption of algae-derived DHA will depend on continued education, cost competitiveness, and the ability to scale production efficiently while maintaining quality standards. 

“As sustainability, transparency, and supply resilience become increasingly important purchasing and sourcing criteria, algae-derived DHA is well positioned to play a larger role in the future of the omega-3 category.”

Future of omega-3

The omega-3 category is likely to undergo “significant transformation” over the next five years, says Skullerud. She explains this is driven by supply-chain disruption, sustainability concerns, and growing demand for targeted health solutions.

Skullerud says algae-derived DHA matches fish-derived DHA in bioavailability and is better for sustainability.“A strengthening El Niño cycle through 2026–2027 could create volatility in the global omega-3 supply chain, as much of the world’s EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA production depends on climate-sensitive Peruvian anchoveta fisheries,” she adds. 

“Rising ocean temperatures and shifting fish populations may lead to harvest restrictions, lower catches, supply shortages, and higher raw material costs, exposing a structural vulnerability in the fish oil supply chain.” 

Therefore, she advises brands to look at diversifying their portfolios in a changing market. Moreover, she predicts that alternative omega-3 sources, like algae-derived DHA, will become increasingly important.

“Algae-derived solutions are particularly well-positioned because they are independent of wild fisheries and ocean conditions,” adds Skullerud. “Fish oil shortages could accelerate demand for algae-based ingredients, while sustainability concerns are expected to drive growth in algae-derived, fermentation-produced, and other traceable, lower-carbon omega-3 solutions.”

She says that companies that can combine strong clinical substantiation with targeted consumer benefits and trends are likely to capture the greatest market growth as omega-3 science continues to evolve.

“Companies that proactively adapt to these shifts, from securing sustainable supply and investing in innovation and science to aligning products with emerging health needs, will be best positioned to succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace,” concludes Skullerud.