Understanding the sources, properties and benefits of squalene

As per the market research report named “Squalene Market by Source Type (Animal Source (Shark Liver Oil), Vegetable Source (Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Amaranth Oil), Biosynthetic (GM Yeast)), End-use Industry (Cosmetics, Food, and Pharmaceuticals), and Region – Global Forecast to 2025,″ the market for squalene products is on the rise. The market size is expected to grow to $184 million by 2025 from $129 million in 2020, at an expected CAGR of 7.3 per cent.

This rise will be due to the high demand from the food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industry which will help in generating higher revenue and add to the country’s economy. Additionally, the easy processing and availability of squalene in natural products help in generating the supplement from natural derivatives.

What is squalene?

Squalene is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body that enhances body immunity, growth and helps in developing good skin, and improves body energy levels. Though it is found naturally in the body, the quantity drops between the age of 30-40 years. While newborns have the highest quantity of squalene in the body, it drops drastically after the age of 40 years. Hence, it is important for people above the age group to consume squalene tablets/supplements.

Market trends

The market for squalene is at a high expansion rate in countries like Brazil, China and India. MarketsandMarkets, in its report, provides B2B research on 30,000 high-expansion niche opportunities/threats which will have about 70 to 80 per cent impact on the worldwide companies’ revenues. This indicates that though a developing market, it comes with huge potential for those planning to invest. Owing to the huge benefits that squalene offers to the common public, it will be in high demand by 2025.

Benefits of squalene

Boosts vaccine efficiency: In some cases, it has been found that squalene is used to increase vaccine efficiency. With COVID-19 vaccines in the picture, the product will capture the Indian market, improving individual immunity, by increasing the number of white blood cells in the human body. With the increase of white blood cells in the body, it becomes capable of fighting bacteria and prevents illness.

Works as a cholesterol moderator: Our body has both good and bad cholesterol, and with a major part of the country suffering from cholesterol ailments, squalene can prove to be an effective supplement to increase good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. While it increases good cholesterol, it also reduces cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body. The research on the subject is limited, but can prove helpful in several ways once complete research is done on the subject and conclusions are derived.

Acts as a strong immunity generator: The immune-stimulating effect and the anti-tumour activity of highly-purified squalene are significant. This is particularly true because squalene is a natural supplement. It also has some anti-fungal properties, which make it effective in candidiasis, and has been shown to enhance the effects of Amphotericin-B (Fungi-zone) against a variety of candida species. Thus, squalene effectively fights against fungal activities such as yeast that attacks the body when immunity lowers.

Works as a strong antioxidant: The human body produces peroxides which occur due to auto-oxidation of food fat which reaches the body once consumed. These peroxides produce a huge quantity of carbonyl compounds harming the human body. However, cells fight through their defence mechanism i.e., antioxidants, which are important for health, and they get oxidised and prevent damages by carbonyls. One of the well-known antioxidants present in the human body is vitamin E. Squalene is the best naturally occurring antioxidant which has no known side effects. Hence, with age, it can prove to be extremely beneficial to the human body.

Acts as a potent anti-cancer agent: Cancer being one of the most life-threatening ailments in the country, is said to be controlled or regulated with the use of squalene. Although research shows that squalene can be helpful to control cancer, the research is still at a preliminary stage and there is yet much to be discovered to prove the extent of benefits that it can offer to the masses. It is known that squalene also boosts the anti-cancer properties of chemotherapeutic treatment doxorubicin in cells.

Owing to the above benefits of squalene on the human body, it is sure to prove effective and be in high demand in the coming years. With increased awareness around health and fitness, the market for squalene is on the rise.