Egg Phosphatidylcholine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Cosmetics, Pharmaceutical, Dietary Supplements), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2015 - 2020

Industry Insights

Egg Phosphatidylcholine can be extracted from egg lecithin either by mechanical or chemical methods using hexane. Phosphatidylcholine is a major constituent of the cell membranes and can be transferred between cell membranes within a cell by phosphatidylcholine transfer protein. Phosphatidylcholine is widely used in dietary supplements, the cosmetics industry, and the healthcare industry. With an increase in the old age population, the demand for phosphatidylcholine is expected to increase as it improves the functionality of the liver thereby enhancing digestive system functioning resulting in relief for aged people. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimated ‘soy allergy’ among the nine most common food allergies which give egg-based phosphatidylcholine an advantage in dietary products. Choline a key ingredient in egg phosphatidylcholine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration of USA as a daily dietary supplement citing its enormous medical benefits like brain development of the fetus during pregnancy, neurological functioning, and atherosclerosis, increasing the demand for egg phosphatidylcholine. It can improve the solubility of pharmaceutical active ingredients which are barely soluble or insoluble in water and other solvents resulting in increasing applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Egg phosphatidylcholine is extensively used in the cosmetic industry owing to the properties of emulsification in topical creams. It mainly helps in preventing cellular damage to skin structure and provides elasticity and smoothness. It is a valuable raw material owing to its lower toxicity and higher skin compatibility. The increase in the use of cosmetics is a major driver for the egg phosphatidylcholine market. However, the easy availability of cheaper substitutes such as soybean, sunflower, and mustard for extraction of phosphatidylcholine will be a major restraint for phosphatidylcholine extracted from egg yolk. Additionally, extraction from egg yolk is an expensive, complicated process that will further restrict the market.

Application Insights

Major applications of Egg Phosphatidylcholine include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and dietetic supplements. In cosmetics, it is used as a solubilizer, moisturizer, and emulsifier for different ointments, which are used for beautification and maintenance of skin. Additionally, superior properties such as high stability against oxygen and exposure to light make it suitable for use in cosmetics. Egg phosphatidylcholine stabilized soybean oil emulsions are used as lipase substrates and are known as Intralipid (10%/20%). Additionally, these are used for human parenteral nutrition making them an essential compound in the medical industry. Egg phosphatidylcholine is consumed as a source of choline which has a wider range of medical applications such as treatment of neurological atherosclerosis and other neurological disorders. Egg phosphatidylcholine is used in dietetic supplements to promote liver functioning and improves digestive functioning. The presence of choline in egg phosphatidylcholine is expected to boost the demand for egg phosphatidylcholine in dietetic food owing to increased awareness regarding high nutritional content foodstuffs. 

Regional Insights

Increasing demand for cosmetic products in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and United Kingdom resulted in has increased demand for egg phosphatidylcholine. The demand is further augmented due to its recommendation as a part of liver support programs by nutritionists in the region. North American demand for egg phosphatidylcholine was due to the presence of dietetic supplement companies in the region. Moreover, emerging economies such as China and India in Asia Pacific are expected to boost demand for egg phosphatidylcholine due to increased demand for choline resulting in the fastest growth among regional markets.

Competitive Insights

Companies in the market include Nutrasal Inc, Avanti Polar Lipids Inc, Lipoid, Harmony Whole Foods Market, Natural Factors, Kewpie Corporation, NOF America Corporation, Jena Bioscience GmbH, and Vitamin Research Products. The market has a higher degree of consolidation owing to a limited number of manufacturers. Moreover, volatility in raw material and product pricing will deter the entry of new players into the market.