'The biggest challenge in these countries is regulatory, not conceptual. Harris is confident of OmegaQuant's ability to enter these countries, thanks largely to growing consumer awareness of the importance of omega-3, as well as the benefits of personalised nutrition. Within APAC, the firm is especially interested in the omega-3 markets in China, India, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan. He added that the company also is considering offering vitamin D testing. OMEG, Harris said, 'Having a lab local to the APAC region will significantly cut turnaround times. This is very important to us, especially when people are waiting for results that will help them make the necessary dietary adjustments to increase omega-3 intake.' 'We currently offer that service at our lab in Australia, where we're also working on a test for blood levels of DHA for pregnant mothers.' We'd like to offer testing for DHA levels in breastmilk for lactating mothers, since that's a factor that directly affects their babies' health. 'We believe we have a good opportunity, especially in China, when it comes to maternal health and infant nutrition. Harris believes it will ease entry into China in particular, where consumers have a strong preference for Australian health and nutrition products and services. OmegaQuant hopes its presence in Australia will act as a springboard for expansion into other APAC markets. 'The current lab we were able to partner with - a contract lab - does the work for us using our methods and technology. We went to Australia ourselves to get all the equipment set up, and the contract we have with the lab allows us to use their space and have their staff handle the testing for us.' Platform for expansion Speaking to NutraIngredients-Asia, Harris said: 'We've had lot of growing interest in the Asia-Pacific region, starting with Australia - it's been a leader in omega-3 research for decades, so it was the perfect place to set up our first APAC lab. They then send it to the lab, and receive a detailed assessment of their results in a number of weeks. The test, developed by founder and president Dr Bill Harris, entails customers collecting their own blood samples either at home or at the doctor's, using a simple finger stick and a single drop of blood. Through this new lab, the company intends to expedite the processing of its omega-3 index tests and analyses these were previously routed through its US headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The region's leading probiotic and microbiome event - Probiota Asia - will get underway in Singapore this month with a stellar line-up of speakers, including the likes of Blackmores, Danone, Herbalife and Life-Space, set to take to the stage. China: Probiotic supplements in e-commerce.Digestion and immunity probiotic supplements in e-commerce.Explained: The US e-commerce probiotic supplements market.Probiotic supplements: Global e-commerce 2018-2020, forecast for 2021.The gut-brain axis: Psychobiotic opportunity in 25 countriese.

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