Global Arachidonic Acid Market - Forecast from 2026 to 2031

Global Arachidonic Acid Market is expected to grow at a 4.37% CAGR, increasing to USD 354.962 million in 2031 from USD 274.543 million in 2025.

Arachidonic acid (ARA), a long-chain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (20:4 n-6), remains a critical functional ingredient in two high-value segments: infant nutrition and sports performance supplementation. As a key structural component of cell membranes, particularly in neural, retinal, immune, and skeletal muscle tissues, ARA is conditionally essential during early development and periods of intense physical stress. Commercial ARA is predominantly produced via controlled fermentation of the oleaginous fungus Mortierella alpina, yielding single-cell oils containing 40-50 % ARA that are subsequently refined and standardized.

Primary Growth Drivers

1. Regulatory acceptance and standardization in infant nutrition ARA, in combination with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is now a standard addition to premium infant and follow-on formulas worldwide. EU legislation explicitly authorizes oil derived from Mortierella alpina as a source of ARA for infant formula, follow-on formula, and foods for special medical purposes. Growing scientific consensus on the role of ARA in early neurodevelopment and immune maturation continues to drive inclusion rates in both developed and emerging markets.

2. Expanding sports nutrition and performance segment Controlled clinical studies demonstrating ARA's ability to support lean mass gains, peak power output, and training-induced anabolic signaling have established it as a differentiated ingredient in the strength and power athlete category. Demand is particularly strong among resistance-trained individuals seeking non-hormonal ergogenic aids.

3. Sustained innovation in microbial oil production Leading producers (BASF, CABIO, DSM via the former Cargill/Wuhan partnership, and Hubei Fuxing Biotechnology) continue to improve fermentation yields, oil purity, and sustainability metrics, ensuring stable supply and competitive pricing for high-purity ARA oils.

Regional Dynamics

North America maintains market leadership through a combination of:

• High per-capita consumption of premium infant formula
• Intense R&D activity resulting in numerous patents for ARA applications in early-life nutrition and sports performance
• Rapidly growing sports nutrition sector targeting strength athletes
• Rising fertility rates in Mexico and continued premiumization of the U.S. infant formula market

Europe follows closely, supported by clear regulatory authorization and strong consumer trust in fortified infant nutrition. Asia-Pacific exhibits the fastest unit growth, driven by expanding middle-class demand for premium infant formula in China, India, and Southeast Asia, alongside emerging sports nutrition categories.

The arachidonic acid market continues to benefit from its dual role as both an essential early-life nutrient and a performance-enhancing supplement for adults. With Mortierella alpina-derived oils now representing a mature, scalable, and regulator-approved source, ARA supply is no longer a constraint. Growth will be sustained by ongoing premiumization of infant nutrition, increasing consumer acceptance of targeted sports supplements, and potential pipeline extensions into women's health and clinical nutrition applications where ARA's role in membrane fluidity and eicosanoid signaling offers differentiated benefits.

Key Benefits of this Report:

• Insightful Analysis: Gain detailed market insights covering major as well as emerging geographical regions, focusing on customer segments, government policies and socio-economic factors, consumer preferences, industry verticals, and other sub-segments.
• Competitive Landscape: Understand the strategic maneuvers employed by key players globally to understand possible market penetration with the correct strategy.
• Market Drivers & Future Trends: Explore the dynamic factors and pivotal market trends and how they will shape future market developments.
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Report Coverage:

• Historical data from 2021 to 2025 & forecast data from 2026 to 2031
• Growth Opportunities, Challenges, Supply Chain Outlook, Regulatory Framework, and Trend Analysis
• Competitive Positioning, Strategies, and Market Share Analysis
• Revenue Growth and Forecast Assessment of segments and regions including countries
• Company Profiling (Strategies, Products, Financial Information), and Key Developments among others.

Arachidonic Acid Market Segmentation:

• By Source Type
• Animal-Based
• Plant-Based
• By Form Type
• Dry
• Liquid
• By Application
• Infant Nutrition
• Dietary Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others
• By Geography
• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others