Lactose Intolerance Treatment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Primary Lactose Intolerance, Secondary Lactose Intolerance, Congenital/Developmental Lactose Intolerance, By Treatment), Food Supplements (Enzyme Lactase Supplements, Probiotics, Others), By Form (Tablet/Capsule, Powder, Liquid), By End-User (Hospitals and Clinics, Home Care) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global lactose intolerance treatment market size was valued at USD 36.53 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 64.27 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.48% over the forecast period (2024-32). There is a rising prevalence of lactose intolerance worldwide, driven by factors such as changing dietary habits, ethnic predispositions, and better awareness leading to improved diagnosis. This trend directly increases the demand for lactose intolerance treatments.

Lactose intolerance is a digestive problem with an impaired ability to digest lactose. Primary lactase deficiency, secondary lactase deficiency, congenital lactase deficiency, and developmental lactase deficiency are the four different kinds of lactose intolerance identified. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroenteritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, chemotherapy, and medications are the leading causes of secondary lactase insufficiency. The symptoms of lactose intolerance may include flatulence, diarrhea, bloated stomach, stomach cramps and pains, stomach rumbling, and others.

Market Dynamics

Global lactose intolerance treatment market drivers

Rising cases of gastrointestinal disorders

A lack of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose, in the patient's body indicates they have lactose intolerance. The four different types of lactose intolerance are primary lactase deficiency, secondary lactase deficiency, congenital lactase deficiency, and developmental lactase deficiency. A 2017 Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition study found that lactose intolerance was more common in IBS-D patients than in healthy individuals. According to a study published in the Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine in 2015, 27.16% of pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders have lactose malabsorption and lactose intolerance.

Additionally, IBS was found to have the highest prevalence at 47.83%, whereas ulcer disease had the lowest majority at 15.78%. With an estimated 14% prevalence rate, IBS burdens the US and the rest of the world. Based on all the data, it is concluded that the rising incidence of IBS and other gastrointestinal illnesses will increase demand for lactose intolerance medications in the US.

Increased prevalence of lactose intolerance

As per the 2017 study published in the World Allergy Organization Journal, in North American adults, the occurrence rates of lactose intolerance vary by ethnicity, i.e., 79% in Indigenous Americans, 51% in Hispanics, 75% in African Americans, and 21% in Caucasians. Due to an increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance among the US population, people are inclined towards other non-dairy options to get nutrients. Moreover, per the 2017 fact sheet of the European Dairy Association, the frequency of lactase deficiency in Germany, Finland, and Austria was 14%, 17%, and 20%, respectively. Conclusively, the increased prevalence of lactose intolerance is expected to boost the global lactose intolerance treatment market.

Global lactose intolerance treatment market restraint

Side-effects associated with supplements

Lactose intolerance is a gastrointestinal condition in which an individual cannot digest and absorb dietary lactose. The situation occurs due to lower levels of the lactase enzyme. As dairy-free is not the only option for treating lactose intolerance, consumers go for non-dairy alternatives such as coconut, almond, and soymilk. Lactase enzyme supplements are another dietary supplement used to treat lactose intolerance. These supplements are available in tablet form and as drops and are very effective for some people. However, the efficacy varies from person to person and, in rare instances, may result in allergic reactions, restraining the market growth.

Global lactose intolerance treatment market opportunities

Increasing demand for dietary supplements

The competition among manufacturers is intensifying due to the expanding demand for dietary supplements. Existing and emerging marketers are developing cutting-edge products to comply with the suggested FDA requirements. For instance, Ritter Pharmaceuticals is enrolled in a phase 3 clinical trial of RP-G28 for patients with lactose intolerance. In addition, various other companies are trying to hold a substantial share of the market. For instance, Abbott Laboratories launched a non-GMO version of its famous Similac Advance infant formula in the US, thereby creating lucrative opportunities for the market to grow.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global lactose intolerance treatment market is divided into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

Americas dominates the global market

Americas is the most significant shareholder in the global lactose intolerance treatment market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.62% during the forecast period. The Americas is further segmented into North and Latin America. The consumption of dairy products is also distinct and variable in the Americas. For instance, one of the world's fastest-growing dairy markets is in Latin America. Furthermore, customers in this area are seeking more practical ways to shop. They seek to purchase products from a single location or store, and it is one of the main drivers of hypermarkets and supermarkets in Latin America. However, the lower purchasing power of consumers is creating high fluctuation in prices and causing consumers to cut back and seek discounted deals.

Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.31% over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is the second-largest region and fastest-growing in the lactose intolerance treatment market. In terms of value, it has the most significant dairy consumption. However, it has the lowest per capita income spent on dairy products as it is still developing better infrastructure for distributing chilled dairy products. The growth driver of this region is the rise of modern trade, changing consumer habits, and dynamic product development.

Additionally, the region's fast industrialization and the growth of the food and beverage industry, particularly in China, India, and Vietnam, have created new market prospects for the Asia-Pacific region. In contrast to Denmark, where just 2% of adults have lactose intolerance, estimations indicate that 80% of individuals in Central Asia and 90% to 100% of adults in East Asia have lactose intolerance. Since most Asians lack lactase, there will undoubtedly be a rise in demand for lactose-free dairy products, which will help the business expand.

Europe is the third-largest region in the lactose intolerance treatment market. Dairy consumption in Western Europe is reasonable compared to other regions of Europe and has a high per-capita consumption rate throughout the region. According to Euromonitor International, Western European dairy sales dropped between 2012 and 2017 by USD 3.6 billion. Despite this decline, there are some growth possibilities for dairy products in the Western Europe market, as it has continued fluctuation between categories and continued premiumization. Due to the presence of a well-developed food and beverage processing industry, there is a strong demand for dairy enzymes in Europe. Furthermore, the primary drivers influencing the regional market are technical improvements and the presence of essential European producers, like DSM and Chr. Hansen Holding A/S. A more optimistic view on nutrition and health has increased the region's per-capita cost of lactase-based dietary supplements.

The Middle East and Africa is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period. The world's lowest dairy spending per capita, at just USD 25, is found in the Middle East and Africa, two highly obsolete regions. The producers find it quite challenging to contact their customers due to the region's inadequate infrastructure system. However, the market's growth will be even more dynamic if the affordability rate improves.

Segmental Analysis

The global lactose intolerance treatment market is segmented by type, treatment, form, and end-user.

Based on type

The global lactose intolerance treatment market is divided into primary lactose intolerance, secondary lactose intolerance, and congenital/developmental lactose intolerance.

The primary lactose intolerance segment is responsible for the largest market share and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.13% over the forecast period. Primary lactose intolerance refers to a condition in which the body cannot digest a sugar called lactose in dairy products. Usually, the body produces an enzyme called lactase that breaks down this sugar, but certain conditions, such as illness or injury, cause the small intestine to produce less lactase. Globally, about 70% of the lactose intolerant population is suffering from a primary type of lactose intolerance, per the clinical report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2018.

Congenital lactose intolerance is the life-long absence of lactase enzyme in the body. This condition happens at birth. Generally, this condition is scarce in babies as nearly all infants have the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Developmental lactose intolerance (neonatal) is a condition that occurs in premature infants. Generally, this condition is temporary, and the situation improves as an individual develops. This lactose intolerance treatment includes removing and substituting lactose from the diet with commercial lactose-free formula.

Based on treatment

The global lactose intolerance treatment market is segmented into food supplements, enzyme lactase supplements, probiotics, and others.

The food supplements segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.16% over the forecast period. Food supplements for lactose intolerance refer to dairy products free from lactose, such as lactose-free milk, lactose-free chocolates, and other dairy-related products. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 advise lactose intolerant people to consume dairy products like yogurt and hard cheese because they contain less lactose than ordinary milk. In addition, supermarkets can offer lactose-free or reduced milk and milk products. They are identical to regular milk except that the lactase enzyme has been added, resulting in a slightly sweeter taste than regular milk. Health professionals also recommend soymilk and other products for lactose intolerance.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered adequately, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics also give the gut a helping hand in digesting lactose. It can reduce lactose concentration in fermented products such as yogurt and increase the activity of the enzyme which breaks down lactose. In addition, the market growth of the probiotics segment is due to the growing accessibility to advanced internet facilities in developed and developing regions of the world. Moreover, the increasing adoption of internet facilities for purchasing supplements is expected to contribute to the segment's market growth.

Based on form

The global lactose intolerance treatment market is segmented into tablet/capsule, powder, and liquid.

The powder segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.96% over the forecast period. Using lactose-free and lactose-reduced powder products may help to lower the amount of lactose in the diet. These products are available in many grocery stores and are just as healthy as regular milk and other dairy products. Generally, most of the powder products in the lactose intolerance treatment market are for children suffering from lactose intolerance. Hence, the primary consumers of this market are children and parents. Parents must be worried about lactose-intolerant children and teenagers getting enough calcium in a diet that includes little to no milk because milk and other dairy products are a key source of calcium.

Lactose is often used as an excipient in tablets because of its ideal characteristics. Most patients with lactose intolerance tolerate small amounts of lactose. But the population consuming tablet/capsule for the treatment of lactose intolerance is very low, as people prefer home remedies or other substitutes such as lactose-free milk, coffee, chocolates, and others more than tablets/capsules. Tablets of lactase may be taken when ingesting milk and dairy products. Further, the lactase enzyme breaks down the food's lactose. Using lactase tablets can help to prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, comparative studies have shown that these solid lactase preparations, in capsules and tablets, are more expensive and significantly less effective than pre-hydrolyzed milk, probably due to gastric enzyme inactivation.

Based on end-user

The global lactose intolerance treatment market is segmented into hospitals and clinics and home care.

The home care segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.24% over the forecast period. Home care is the leading segment because the products or drugs sold for lactose intolerance treatment are nonprescriptive. Therefore, it is easy for buyers to look for lactose-free or lactose-intolerant products. Also, many companies have started selling lactose-intolerant products, a significant aid for people suffering from lactose intolerance. They do not need to go to hospitals and clinics to buy those products, as they are available in retail stores and e-commerce websites.

The hospitals and clinics segment is growing due to many people carrying out medical treatments involving lactase enzymes, which helps the market's growth. Clinics are also medical care centers that provide care for particular therapeutic areas. If the intake of lactose-containing food is removed from the diet and the symptoms continue, a doctor would recommend supplementing the diet with nonprescription lactase enzyme tablets or drops. In addition, avoiding milk and dairy products may mean lactose-intolerant people require calcium and vitamin D supplements. This share is majorly attributed to the increasing number of patients monitored with lactose intolerance disorder. Hospitals are one of the key users of supplements due to many people carrying out medical treatments.

Recent Developments

• May 2023 - The Brooklyn Creamery, well-known for its dedication to replacing indulgence with healthy options, presented its newest creation: a selection of specialty milks to improve your everyday dairy experience. These cutting-edge goods meet the changing demands of dietary-conscious and health-conscious consumers looking for wholesome solutions.