Key Insights• According to the research report, "South Africa EPA & DHA Market Outlook, 2031," published by Actual Market Research, the South Africa EPA & DHA Market is anticipated to grow at more than 8.41% CAGR from 2026 to 2031.The South African EPA & DHA market is gradually expanding as the country faces a growing burden of cardiovascular and non-communicable disease, a slowly aging population, and rising consumer interest in complementary medicines and preventive nutrition through pharmacy and retail channels. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the population reached approximately 63.52 million in mid-2026, growing at about 1.2% per year, with around 6.79 million people, or 10.7%, aged 60 and older. Stats SA's analysis of mortality data, published in September 2026, shows that South Africa registered 474,366 deaths in 2024, with circulatory diseases accounting for 17.8% of all deaths and remaining the largest contributor to mortality, while diabetes accounted for 6.1%, hypertensive diseases 5.5%, and cerebrovascular diseases 5.4%. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa estimates that around 225 people die each day from heart disease or stroke, with more than half of cardiovascular deaths occurring before the age of 65. The growing clinical burden is placing additional pressure on South Africa's public health system, medical schemes, and consumer health sector to strengthen access to EPA and DHA through supplements, medicines, infant nutrition, and fortified foods.• South Africa's EPA & DHA market is characterized by a well-developed retail pharmacy ecosystem, domestic and international supplement brands, pharmaceutical manufacturers, an established pelagic fishing industry, and the most developed pet food market in sub-Saharan Africa. Retail pharmacy chains such as Clicks and Dis-Chem, alongside supermarket groups such as Shoprite (Checkers), Pick n Pay, and Woolworths, function as the primary distribution channels for omega-3 supplements, with private-label ranges competing alongside brands such as Solal, Vital, and international imports.

South Africa's pelagic fishery, based on anchovy, sardine, and redeye herring, supports domestic fishmeal and fish oil production by companies such as Oceana Group, which also owns Daybrook Fisheries in the U.S. menhaden sector. Oceana reported in June 2025 that profit after tax fell 43.7% to ZAR 402 million in the six months to March 2025, largely due to a correction in global fish oil prices, highlighting the market's exposure to international omega-3 pricing.• Regulatory oversight for EPA and DHA products is administered by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the National Department of Health. Health supplements, including omega-3 products, are classified as Category D complementary medicines under the Medicines and Related Substances Act and its General Regulations. Although a risk-based phased call-up for registration has been the stated aim since 2013, no complementary medicines have yet been registered, and unregistered products must carry a statement that SAHPRA has not evaluated them for quality, safety, or intended use. Draft amendments to the General Regulations published in March 2023 had not been finalized as of 2026. Foods, including omega-3-fortified products, are regulated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, while the draft food labelling regulations (R.3337), which propose front-of-pack warning labels, remained under review.

The South African EPA & DHA market is supplied through a mix of imported refined oils and finished products and domestic fish oil production and encapsulation capacity.Market Outlook• A defining characteristic of South Africa's EPA & DHA market is the central role of retail pharmacy chains and their private labels in shaping access and pricing. Clicks and Dis-Chem operate extensive store networks with in-store clinics, pharmacist advice, and loyalty programs that promote omega-3 supplements for heart, brain, joint, and general wellness, while supermarket health aisles and e-commerce platforms such as Takealot are expanding reach. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-strength fish oils, krill oil, and algal omega-3, alongside children's and prenatal DHA products. The regulatory environment for complementary medicines remains in transition, with commentators noting gaps in GMP verification, advertising oversight, and product registration, which places a premium on brands that can demonstrate quality through third-party testing and transparent labelling.• The market also reflects South Africa's growing emphasis on non-communicable disease prevention. Public health campaigns by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa and partners highlight the high burden of undiagnosed hypertension, with an analysis of national blood pressure screening campaigns, published in September 2026, finding that nearly 30% of people screened had hypertension and only 54% were aware of it. This is increasing awareness of cardiovascular risk and supporting interest in lifestyle and nutritional interventions, including omega-3.

The proposed front-of-pack warning labels under the draft R.3337 regulations, if finalized, are expected to influence food reformulation and the positioning of omega-3-enriched foods. In infant nutrition, DHA-fortified infant formula is supplied mainly by multinational manufacturers, under regulations that restrict the marketing of foodstuffs for infants and young children.Market DynamicsDriver: Rising cardiovascular and non-communicable disease burden supported by a strong retail pharmacy channelSouth Africa's EPA & DHA market is primarily driven by the growing prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with urbanization, dietary change, and lifestyle-related risk factors. Circulatory diseases accounted for 17.8% of all registered deaths in 2024, remaining the largest contributor to mortality, according to Stats SA, while diabetes and hypertensive diseases ranked among the leading individual causes of death. Around 225 people die each day from heart disease or stroke, and more than half of these deaths occur before age 65, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. The population aged 60 and older, at 10.7% in 2026, is gradually increasing, adding to demand for cardiovascular and joint health products. Retail pharmacy chains with in-store clinics play a central role in screening and pharmacist-led recommendations, supporting the adoption of omega-3 supplements.

As awareness of cardiovascular prevention grows, pharmacies and supermarkets are witnessing steady demand for EPA and DHA products.Challenge: Affordability constraints, regulatory gaps, and global fish oil price volatilityOne of the principal challenges facing South Africa's EPA & DHA market is limited affordability for a large share of the population, with high unemployment and income inequality restricting spending on supplements to middle- and higher-income consumers and medical scheme members. The regulatory framework for complementary medicines also remains incomplete, with no Category D products yet registered and draft regulatory amendments unfinalized, creating inconsistency in product quality and claims across the market. Additionally, the domestic fish oil industry and imported omega-3 products are exposed to global price volatility. Oceana Group reported a 43.7% decline in interim profit after tax in the six months to March 2025 due to a correction in global fish oil prices, while Peru's first 2026 north-central anchovy quota was set approximately 36% lower than in 2025, which is expected to tighten global supply. Exchange rate movements in the rand further affect the cost of imported refined oils and finished products.Trend: Private-label growth, premiumization among affluent consumers, and pet nutrition expansionSouth Africa is experiencing a significant shift in omega-3 retailing supported by the growth of pharmacy and supermarket private labels and the premiumization of products for higher-income consumers. Clicks and Dis-Chem are expanding private-label omega-3 ranges that offer affordable entry points, while premium brands are introducing high-concentration, krill, and algal omega-3 products supported by third-party quality testing.

E-commerce platforms and pharmacy delivery services are improving access in urban areas. Simultaneously, the pet nutrition sector is growing, with South Africa hosting the most developed pet food market in sub-Saharan Africa and premium dog and cat foods incorporating fish oil for skin, coat, and joint health gaining share through pet specialty retailers and veterinary clinics. The growing emphasis on sustainability is also encouraging interest in responsibly sourced fish oil from the domestic pelagic fishery.Policies• SAHPRA Complementary Medicines (Category D): Health supplements containing EPA and DHA are classified as Category D complementary medicines under the Medicines and Related Substances Act and its General Regulations. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must be licensed by SAHPRA, and unregistered products must carry a disclaimer stating that SAHPRA has not evaluated them for quality, safety, or intended use.• Phased Call-up for Registration: SAHPRA's stated aim is a risk-based phased call-up of complementary medicines for registration, prioritizing products with high-risk claims. Initial call-up notices were repealed, draft amendments to the General Regulations published in March 2023 have not been finalized, and claims such as "clinically proven" are classed as high risk and may trigger individual call-up.• Foodstuffs Labelling Regulations: Omega-3-fortified foods are regulated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and the labelling and advertising regulations (R.146). The draft labelling regulations (R.3337), which propose front-of-pack warning labels and stricter claims rules, remain under review.• Regulations Relating to Foodstuffs for Infants and Young Children: Infant formula composition, labelling, and marketing are governed by regulations that restrict the promotion of infant formula and foods for young children, in line with the principles of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.• Medicine Registration: Prescription omega-3 medicines must be registered with SAHPRA, including evidence of quality, safety, and efficacy, and may be reimbursed by medical schemes according to their formularies.Segment AnalysisSouth Africa EPA & DHA Market By Product Type• EPA–DHA Blends represent the largest revenue-generating product category in South Africa due to their widespread use in fish oil capsules, cod liver oil, and combination products sold through pharmacy chains and supermarkets.

Blended products are positioned for heart, joint, and general wellness, with circulatory diseases accounting for 17.8% of deaths in 2024.• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) maintains an important position within South Africa, particularly in infant formula, prenatal supplements, and children's products, supported by a relatively young population.• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) represents the fastest-growing product type segment in South Africa, driven by interest in high-EPA concentrates for cardiovascular health and inflammation-related wellness among higher-income consumers.South Africa EPA & DHA Market By Source• Fish Oil represents the leading revenue-generating source category in South Africa due to its cost-effectiveness, broad consumer familiarity, and domestic production from the pelagic anchovy and sardine fishery.• Algae Oil maintains a small but growing position within South Africa, particularly in vegan, prenatal, and infant formula products, supplied by international algal oil producers.• Krill Oil is a premium source category sold primarily through pharmacy chains and e-commerce to higher-income consumers.• Other Marine Sources hold a niche position in the South African market, including cod liver oil, salmon oil, and green-lipped mussel extracts, primarily used in traditional supplements, joint health products, and pet nutrition.South Africa EPA & DHA Market By Application• Dietary Supplements represent the largest application segment in South Africa, distributed through pharmacy chains, supermarkets, health stores, and e-commerce, with strong private-label presence.• Pharmaceuticals represent a smaller application segment, including prescription omega-3 medicines for hypertriglyceridemia reimbursed by some medical schemes.• Infant Formula represents a strategically important application segment, with DHA widely included in formulas from multinational manufacturers, subject to marketing restrictions.• Food & Beverages encompasses omega-3-enriched dairy, eggs, bread, and canned fish products, which may be affected by proposed front-of-pack labelling rules.• Clinical Nutrition & Medical Foods includes enteral and parenteral nutrition products containing fish oil, used in private and public hospitals.• Pet Nutrition represents the fastest-growing application segment in South Africa, supported by the most developed pet food market in sub-Saharan Africa and growing demand for premium pet foods and supplements incorporating fish oil.Major EPA & DHA Manufacturers Operating in South Africa• Oceana Group, Clicks Group, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Solal Technologies, Vital Health Foods, Aspen Pharmacare, Adcock Ingram, Nestlé, Abbott, Danone, Mars, and Hill's Pet Nutrition are leading players in the South African EPA & DHA market, offering fish oil production, finished supplements, private-label ranges, DHA-fortified infant formula, and pet foods. Oceana Group reported that a correction in global fish oil prices reduced its interim profit after tax by 43.7% in the six months to March 2025. Their strong presence, extensive retail networks, and established relationships with pharmacists and consumers have driven adoption across the South African market.• The market is also supported by contract manufacturers, ingredient importers, and pet food producers that provide formulation, encapsulation, and distribution support. With a domestic fish oil industry and the region's most developed retail pharmacy sector, South Africa remains the leading omega-3 market in sub-Saharan Africa.South Africa EPA & DHA Supply and Pricing Economics• EPA and DHA products in South Africa represent value-added nutritional products whose pricing depends on source, concentration, brand positioning, and channel. Pricing varies considerably between private-label fish oil, branded supplements, krill oil, and algal oil.• Domestic fish oil prices are linked to global markets, which corrected significantly in 2025 according to Oceana Group, while the reduced 2026 Peruvian anchovy quota is expected to place renewed upward pressure on prices. Rand exchange rate movements affect the cost of imported products.• Supplements are largely paid out-of-pocket, although some medical schemes offer limited benefits for wellness products.

Prescription omega-3 medicines may be reimbursed by medical schemes according to their formularies.• Private-label ranges from pharmacy and supermarket chains provide lower-cost entry points, while premium products target higher-income consumers.Market Outlook by Consumer Health Spending and Supply Infrastructure• South Africa's EPA & DHA market growth is strongly linked to consumer health spending, the cardiovascular disease burden, and the strength of retail pharmacy chains, although affordability constraints, regulatory gaps, and global fish oil price volatility remain significant factors influencing adoption.• Private consumer spending drives the supplement and pet nutrition segments, while medical schemes influence access to prescription omega-3 for insured patients. Pharmacy in-store clinics and loyalty programs continue to support category engagement.• The future growth opportunity for EPA and DHA in South Africa depends on finalizing the complementary medicines regulatory framework, improving product quality assurance, expanding affordable private-label options, and strengthening cardiovascular prevention and hypertension awareness. Greater use of domestically produced fish oil and growth in the pet nutrition segment will likely support long-term market development.Global EPA & DHA MarketConsidered in this report• Historic Year: 2020• Base Year: 2025• Estimated Year: 2026• Forecast Year: 2031Aspects covered in this report• EPA & DHA Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• Ongoing trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationsBy Product Type• Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)• Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)By Application• Dietary Supplements• Infant Formula• Pharmaceuticals• Food & Beverages• Clinical Nutrition & Medical Foods• Pet NutritionBy Source• Fish Oil• Algae Oil• Krill Oil• Other Marine Sources.