Middle East & Africa Arachidonic Acid Market Outlook

the middle east & africa arachidonic acid (aa) market has been experiencing significant growth over the past few years driven by increasing demand for dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals and functional food products. aa is a polyunsaturated fatty acid linked to the omega-6 fatty acid family and is found mainly in egg yolks, legumes, organ meats, and seafood. aa is also found in a variety of plant oils, including cranberry, olive, and safflower oil. because of its role in promoting healthy development of the fetus, aa is commonly used in infant formula. additionally, aa plays a role in the production of signaling molecules, known as eicosanoids, which are involved in inflammation, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and certain immune functions, and is essential for optimal metabolic health and cardiovascular functioning. the middle east & africa aa market is further attributed to the increasing demand of dietary supplements and functional foods. besides, growing awareness about the benefits of dietary supplements, rising health consciousness, and increasing spending on healthcare is expected to drive the aa market in the region. however, a scarcity of raw materials in the region due to a lack of necessary infrastructure and access to technology is expected to hinder the market's growth. in addition, high pricing, availability of substitutes, and limited product launches in the region are likely to pose restraints for the market. in terms of the product segmentation, the middle east & africa aa market is divided into food grade and pharmaceutical grade. food grade aa is mainly used for dietary supplements, baby food, functional food, and beverages while pharmaceutical grade aa is used in pharmaceuticals, drugs and other clinical applications. in terms of market players, the middle east & africa aa market is highly fragmented with the presence of various regional and global suppliers. companies in the region such as basf se, cargill inc., the archer daniels midland company, kemin industries, and sigma aldrich corporation, among others, are the major players in the market. looking forward, the middle east & africa aa is expected to continue to witness strong growth in the near future, albeit at a more moderate pace.