The medical nutrition market involves nutritional products that are specially formulated to meet the specific requirements of disease or clinical conditions like diabetes, pulmonary disease, HIV/AIDS etc. These products help in improving nutritional status, speed up recovery, enhance compliance with treatment and manage nutritional deficiencies.
The Medical Nutrition Market Demand comprises of enteral nutrition which provides complete balanced nutrition via tube feeding while parenteral nutrition is administered intravenously. The demand for these nutrition is increasing rapidly due to rising prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders that require clinical nutritional support.
The Global Medical Nutrition Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 13.91 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the medical nutrition are Abbott, Danone S.A., Baxter, Nestl, GSK plc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sanofi, DSM, BASF SE, Fresenius SE and Co. KGaA, Leprino Foods Company, Fresenius Kabi Ltd, Esperer Onco Nutrition, Kate Farms, and Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. These companies are investing heavily in R&D to expand their product portfolio. For instance, Abbott launched Ensure Max Protein, a high-protein drink, to help manage weight, build muscle and support recovery in 2021.
The growing prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders etc. has fueled the demand for medical foods globally. As per WHO, chronic diseases accounted for 71% of global deaths in 2020. The need to manage nutrition along with treatment of chronic diseases is a major factor propelling the medical nutrition market growth.
Technological advancements like development of disease-specific formulas, packaging innovations to increase shelf-life and product safety have enabled better clinical outcomes. Products like nutrient-dense supplements in easy-to-consume formats like shakes are gaining popularity. Compact and portable enteral feeding pumps are also enhancing patient mobility and convenience.
Market Trends
- Growing preference for organic and clean label products: The market is witnessing rising demand for organic and clean label medical nutrition products owing to increasing health consciousness. Players are incorporating natural ingredients, removing artificial preservatives and colors.
- Personalization of nutrition based on disease condition and genetics: Companies are investing in developing personalized nutrition products tailored to individual disease conditions, severity levels, genetics, lifestyle and tolerances using tools like nutrigenomics.
Market Opportunities
- Untapped potential in developing regions: Emerging countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America present huge scope for medical nutrition owing to improving access to healthcare facilities and rising spending power.
- Opportunities in pediatric nutrition: There exists vast scope for innovations in pediatric medical foods to manage childhood malnutrition and disease-specific nutritional requirements. easy-to-consume formats like bites, gummies are gaining traction.
Impact of COVID-19 on Medical Nutrition Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the medical nutrition market. During the initial months of the pandemic, demand increased for supplemental nutrition formulas as many vulnerable patients were advised to boost their immunity. However, post the first wave, supply chain disruptions hampered the production and delivery of medical nutrition products worldwide. Manufacturing facilities faced shutdowns and strict lockdowns were imposed which made transportation of goods difficult. This led to shortages in the supply of critical nutrients. The pandemic also halted several non-emergency medical procedures which impacted the consumption of therapeutic medical foods usually prescribed post-surgery or for chronic disease management. With economies reopening gradually, the market is recovering but demand still remains low due to the persisting fear of infection and job losses impacting discretionary spending. Manufacturers will need to focus on strengthening distribution networks, investing in local manufacturing capacities and developing affordable products to cater to price-sensitive markets in the post-COVID period.
Regional Concentration of Medical Nutrition Market
In terms of value, the medical nutrition market is highly concentrated in North America and Europe. The United States accounts for the largest share, owing to the favourable reimbursement policies for nutritional support under Medicare. In Europe, Germany holds a significant position, with the presence of major manufacturers and growing prevalence of chronic metabolic disorders like diabetes. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing market, with China and India showing high growth potential. Rising healthcare expenditure, growing medical tourism industry and increasing lifestyle diseases are driving demand for medical foods in Asia Pacific. Improvements in accessibility and awareness would further aid market penetration in developing Asian nations.
Fastest Growing Region - Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region stands as the fastest growing Medical Nutrition Market Regional Analysis. Factors such as rising income levels, expanding middle class, growing healthcare infrastructure and increasing penetration of private health insurance are propelling market growth. The prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise in Asia due to rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. Meanwhile, life expectancy has increased. These demographic and epidemiological changes provide opportunities for therapeutic nutrition products. Further, lack of specialized healthcare personnel in some countries encourages adoption of medical foods which can be conveniently self-administered. Low manufacturing costs and lenient regulations also attract global brands to establish production units in Asia Pacific. China and India, in particular, exhibit double-digit annual growth fueled by their huge population bases and increasing healthcare expenditures.
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