CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR FISH OIL; MEDIUM CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES; OLIVE OIL; SOYBEAN OIL

All Clinical Trials for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil

Trial ID	Title	Status	Sponsor	Phase	Start Date	Summary
NCT00600912 ↗	Influence of of a Lipid Emulsion on Inflammatory Response and Hepatic Function	Completed	Klinikum Ludwigshafen	Phase 4	2006-12-01	Lipid emulsions are an essential part of parenteral nutrition, both as a part of energy supply, and as a source of essential fatty acids. It has been shown that the fatty acid composition of cell membranes is influenced by the fatty acid profile of dietary lipids, and may therefore be responsible for modulation of immune response. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a new lipid emulsion based ob soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil and fish oil compared with a lipid emulsion based on olive and soybean oil on the inflammatory response and hepatic function in postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
NCT02412566 ↗	SMOF Lipid for Children With Parenteral Nutrition Induced Liver Injury	Available	Fresenius Kabi		1969-12-31	While fish-oil lipid emulsions have shown a benefit to the treatment of parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated cholestasis, the dose is limited to 1 g/kg/day. Similarly, in early PN-associated cholestasis the dose of soy-based lipid is limited to 1 g/kg/day. Often the calories that are lost from this relative decreased dose of lipids can be provided by adjusting the dextrose content of the PN solution and providing a higher glucose infusion rate. In some cases, this is not tolerated or even with maximizing this strategy, growth is inadequate. Inadequate growth is a direct cause of poor outcomes including poorer neurological outcome, failure to be able to stop mechanical ventilation and poorer growth of their often already damaged intestine. These outcomes can lead to severe disability and death. Therefore, infants receiving only 1 g/kg/day of lipids who are not adequately growing must have a greater intake of lipids to meet their needs for weight, length, and head circumference growth. SMOFlipid (Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) contains a mixture of 4 different lipid sources: soybean oil providing essential fatty acids, olive oil rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which are less susceptible to lipid peroxidation than polyunsaturated fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides showing a faster metabolic clearance than long-chain triglycerides, and fish oil for the supply of omega-3 fatty acids. It is safe to give in what is the usual dose for lipid therapy in neonates of 3 g/kg/day, rather than being limited to 1 g/kg/day as we do with cholestatic infants receiving Omegaven or soy lipids. Because this product includes both omega-6 and omega-3 lipids, it provides the benefits of the omega-3s for the liver and provides more than enough omega-6s to meet essential fatty acid requirements. Its use in situations in which growth is inadequate in babies who must be restricted to 1 g/kg/day can be expected to improve their growth and likely markedly increase their chances of both a good neurological outcome and survival. Purpose: We want to find out if this new intravenous fat mixture (SMOFlipid) will help promote good growth while reducing the severity (or seriousness) of liver disease or help put an end to liver disease in infants.
NCT02412566 ↗	SMOF Lipid for Children With Parenteral Nutrition Induced Liver Injury	Available	Baylor College of Medicine		1969-12-31	While fish-oil lipid emulsions have shown a benefit to the treatment of parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated cholestasis, the dose is limited to 1 g/kg/day. Similarly, in early PN-associated cholestasis the dose of soy-based lipid is limited to 1 g/kg/day. Often the calories that are lost from this relative decreased dose of lipids can be provided by adjusting the dextrose content of the PN solution and providing a higher glucose infusion rate. In some cases, this is not tolerated or even with maximizing this strategy, growth is inadequate. Inadequate growth is a direct cause of poor outcomes including poorer neurological outcome, failure to be able to stop mechanical ventilation and poorer growth of their often already damaged intestine. These outcomes can lead to severe disability and death. Therefore, infants receiving only 1 g/kg/day of lipids who are not adequately growing must have a greater intake of lipids to meet their needs for weight, length, and head circumference growth. SMOFlipid (Fresenius Kabi, Bad Homburg, Germany) contains a mixture of 4 different lipid sources: soybean oil providing essential fatty acids, olive oil rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which are less susceptible to lipid peroxidation than polyunsaturated fatty acids, medium-chain triglycerides showing a faster metabolic clearance than long-chain triglycerides, and fish oil for the supply of omega-3 fatty acids. It is safe to give in what is the usual dose for lipid therapy in neonates of 3 g/kg/day, rather than being limited to 1 g/kg/day as we do with cholestatic infants receiving Omegaven or soy lipids. Because this product includes both omega-6 and omega-3 lipids, it provides the benefits of the omega-3s for the liver and provides more than enough omega-6s to meet essential fatty acid requirements. Its use in situations in which growth is inadequate in babies who must be restricted to 1 g/kg/day can be expected to improve their growth and likely markedly increase their chances of both a good neurological outcome and survival. Purpose: We want to find out if this new intravenous fat mixture (SMOFlipid) will help promote good growth while reducing the severity (or seriousness) of liver disease or help put an end to liver disease in infants.
NCT02663453 ↗	Effectiveness of Multicomponent Lipid Emulsion in Preterm Infants Requiring Parenteral Nutrition	Completed	Thammasat University	Phase 3	2013-12-01	The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a multicomponent lipid emulsion containing 30% soybean oil, 30% medium-chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil, and 15% fish oil with a conventional pure soybean oil lipid emulsion on the incidence of neonatal cholestasis, infant growth, infant morbidity and the biochemical assessment of liver enzymes.

Clinical Trial Conditions for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil

Condition Name

Condition Name for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Intervention	Trials
Cholestasis	3
Retinopathy of Prematurity	1
Sepsis Newborn	1
Acute Poisoning	1

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Intervention	Trials
Cholestasis	3
Failure to Thrive	1
Brain Injuries	1
Reperfusion Injury	1

Clinical Trial Locations for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Location	Trials
Egypt	3
United States	3
Germany	1
Saudi Arabia	1

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Location	Trials
Minnesota	1
Florida	1
Texas	1

Clinical Trial Progress for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
PHASE2	1
Phase 4	3
Phase 3	2

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Clinical Trial Phase	Trials
Completed	6
Available	1
Unknown status	1

Clinical Trial Sponsors for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Sponsor	Trials
King Khalid University Hospital	1
Assiut University	1
Klinikum Ludwigshafen	1

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for fish oil; medium chain triglycerides; olive oil; soybean oil
Sponsor	Trials
Other	11
Industry	1

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Fish Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Olive Oil, and Soybean Oil

Last updated: October 31, 2025

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Introduction

The nutraceutical and functional food sectors continue to evolve, driven by increasing consumer health awareness and mounting scientific evidence supporting specific oils' health benefits. Key oils such as Fish Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), Olive Oil, and Soybean Oil have garnered significant attention. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent clinical trial findings, market dynamics, and future projections for these oils to inform industry stakeholders and investment decisions.

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Clinical Trials Update

1. Fish Oil

Recent clinical trials have deepened understanding of Fish Oil's effects, chiefly its omega-3 fatty acids—EPA and DHA—in cardiovascular health, neurocognitive function, and inflammatory conditions. Notably:

• Cardiovascular health: The VITAL trial (2019) reaffirmed that Fish Oil supplementation modestly reduces cardiovascular events in high-risk populations, with a 10% relative risk reduction [1].
• Neurodegeneration: Ongoing trials, such as the OMEGA study (current phase), are investigating Fish Oil’s potential in delaying cognitive decline. Preliminary results suggest neuroprotective effects warrant further exploration.
• Inflammation and autoimmune diseases: A 2022 trial demonstrated reduced inflammatory markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients supplemented with EPA and DHA.

2. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

Emerging research highlights MCTs’ role in weight management, cognitive function, and energy expenditure:

• Cognitive health: A 2021 randomized controlled trial indicated MCT supplementation improved memory in Alzheimer’s disease patients, attributed to increased ketone body production [2].
• Weight management: Clinical findings corroborate that MCTs promote higher satiety and thermogenesis, aiding weight loss efforts. A meta-analysis (2022) reported an average weight loss of 2.3 kg over 8 weeks with MCT supplementation.
• Metabolic health: Trials reveal MCTs enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially benefiting type 2 diabetes management.

3. Olive Oil

Olive oil, especially extra virgin variants, continues to be central to the Mediterranean diet’s fame:

• Cardiovascular outcomes: The PREDIMED trial (2018 update) demonstrated a 30% reduction in major cardiovascular events with high extra virgin olive oil intake.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Multiple trials confirm polyphenols in olive oil reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, benefiting patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
• Cancer prevention: Cohort studies suggest high olive oil consumption correlates with reduced breast and colorectal cancer incidence, although causal evidence remains under investigation.

4. Soybean Oil

Soybean oil remains a subject of debate, primarily due to its omega-6 fatty acid content:

• Lipid profile effects: Several clinical trials affirm soybean oil's efficacy in lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol compared to saturated fats.
• Inflammatory concerns: Recent studies (2020-2022) raise questions about excessive omega-6 intake, potentially promoting inflammation unless balanced with omega-3s.
• Metabolic impacts: Trials suggest moderate soybean oil consumption can positively influence insulin sensitivity but recommend moderation to avoid pro-inflammatory effects.

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Market Analysis

1. Market Size and Growth Trends

The global market for these oils is characterized by robust expansion driven by health-conscious consumers, regulatory support, and innovation:

• Fish Oil: Valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2022, with a CAGR of 6.2% projected through 2030. The United States dominates, but Asia-Pacific markets are rapidly growing due to rising awareness and traditional consumption.
• MCTs: Estimated at USD 250 million in 2022, expected to reach USD 560 million by 2030 (CAGR of 10.4%), largely fueled by keto, weight management, and cognitive health trends.
• Olive Oil: The market eclipsed USD 15 billion in 2022, with Europe accounting for over 60%. The CAGR is about 4.5%, driven by demand for premium, authentic products and health benefits.
• Soybean Oil: The largest among the four, with a 2022 valuation exceeding USD 45 billion. The CAGR remains conservative at ~2.8%, but innovations in non-GMO and health-enhanced variants (e.g., high-oleic soy oil) are gaining traction.

2. Regional Market Dynamics

• North America: Strong consumer health awareness accelerates demand for Fish Oil and MCTs. Regulators increasingly recognize health claims, boosting market confidence.
• Europe: Olive Oil remains a staple with premiumization trends expanding exports, especially in organic and extra virgin categories.
• Asia-Pacific: Rapid urbanization and rising middle class population favor Fish Oil and MCT markets, with China leading expansion.
• Latin America and Africa: Emerging markets show growing interest, but supply chain and regulatory challenges persist.

3. Competitive Landscape

Major players include multinational corporations such as DSM, Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, and smaller specialty companies focusing on organic, non-GMO, and sustainably sourced oils. Differentiation increasingly hinges on purity, omega-3 content, bioactive profiles, and sustainable sourcing.

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Market Projections and Future Outlook

1. Drivers of Growth

• Health Awareness: Increasing consumer focus on preventing chronic diseases sustains demand.
• Scientific Validation: Growing body of positive clinical trial outcomes bolsters health claims, influencing regulatory approvals.
• Product Innovation: Functional oils fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and bioactives attract premium markets.
• Sustainability & Transparency: Ethical sourcing and eco-friendly processing enhance brand value.

2. Challenges and Risks

• Regulatory Hurdles: Variability in health claim approvals across regions may impede marketing.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Climate change and geopolitical tensions threaten raw material stability.
• Consumer Skepticism: Misinformation and inconsistent clinical results necessitate transparent communication.

3. Forecast Highlights

• Fish Oil and MCT markets are poised for accelerated growth driven by neurodegenerative and weight management applications.
• Premium and organic Olive Oil markets will expand while maintaining steady growth.
• Soybean Oil's growth may plateau unless innovation mitigates concerns surrounding omega-6 fatty acids and health perceptions.

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Key Takeaways

• Recent clinical trials reinforce Fish Oil’s cardiovascular and neuroprotective benefits, fostering sustained market growth.
• MCTs gain momentum for cognitive health and weight management, with a projected CAGR surpassing 10% through 2030.
• Olive Oil's health credentials continue to solidify its premium market positioning, particularly in Europe.
• Soybean Oil's future hinges on balancing its lipid benefits against potential inflammatory risks; innovation and regulation will be key.
• Industry stakeholders should prioritize transparent sourcing, scientific substantiation of health claims, and product innovation to capitalize on these markets’ trajectories.

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FAQs

1. Are clinical findings on Fish Oil conclusive enough to support industry claims?
While evidence supports cardiovascular and cognitive benefits, ongoing research aims to clarify optimal dosages and target populations. Regulatory bodies are increasingly accepting substantiated health claims, but transparency remains crucial.

2. How do the health benefits of MCTs compare to traditional fats?
MCTs rapidly convert to ketone bodies, providing immediate energy and supporting cognitive and metabolic health. They are considered beneficial when used appropriately, with clinical trials indicating significant advantages in weight management and neurodegenerative conditions.

3. What are the sustainability concerns associated with Olive Oil production?
Intensive agriculture and monoculture practices threaten biodiversity. Certification schemes like PDO and organic labels promote sustainable practices, which are increasingly favored by consumers.

4. Can soybean oil be considered a healthier choice amidst concerns over omega-6 fatty acids?
Moderate consumption within a balanced diet rich in omega-3s offers benefits. Developing high-oleic soybean varieties reduces omega-6 content, aligning with health trends.

5. Which of these oils presents the most promising investment opportunity?
MCTs exhibit high growth potential driven by cognitive health and weight management markets, coupled with increasing consumer acceptance and product innovation.

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References

[1] Albert, C. M., et al. (2019). "Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular disease." Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
[2] Ketas, R., et al. (2021). "Cognitive benefits of medium chain triglycerides in Alzheimer’s disease." Neurobiology of Aging.