Given the popularity of fat free and low fat foods in today's marketplace, the typical American diet is often deficient in the "good" fats—the "essential" fats. Omega-3 essential fatty acids derived from fish are known to influence human health, and are essential for growth and development throughout all stages of human life.

Strong science has contributed to healthy gains for the fish oil marketplace as the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids—maintaining a healthy heart and healthy triglyceride levels—attract more attention in the medical community. In fact, the federal government is in the process of reviewing a health claim that may further expand the fish oil supplement market as a functional food. There is accumulating evidence to demonstrate the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and their role as an important nutrient in maintaining a well-balanced diet and an influence in human health.