Specialized Formula Medical Nutrition Market

Market Overview

The global specialized formula medical nutrition market size was valued at USD 30.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 54.8 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The e-commerce platform's expanding reach substantially impacts the specialist medical nutrition products market growth.

Specialized formula medical nutrition is a product that suits the specific dietary requirements of those with certain medical illnesses, disorders, or nutritional demands. These formulations are designed to deliver targeted nutrients in exact proportions, addressing the obstacles associated with specific health issues. Specialized medical nutrition is essential in assisting patients struggling to satisfy their nutritional requirements through ordinary dietary consumption.

The global specialized formula medical nutrition market share has grown significantly due to the increasing number of patients suffering from various ailments such as cancer and autoimmune diseases. The expanding reach of the e-commerce platform has a significant impact on the specialist medical nutrition product market. The e-commerce platform provides an online distribution channel that is both convenient and efficient. As a result, it is likely to boost the Global Specialized Formula Medical Nutrition Market growth over the forecast period. 

Highlights

• Infant Medical Nutrition Products holds the major market share by type.
• Adults influenced the market growth by application.

Market Dynamics

Global Specialized Formula Medical Nutrition Market Drivers:

Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases

The rising frequency of chronic diseases worldwide drives the demand for specialized formula medical nutrition. These formulations are tailored to the specific nutritional needs of people with chronic health conditions, delivering critical nutrients to support their general well-being and treatment regimens. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases are "taking an immense and increasing toll on lives," with a 90% increase in absolute numbers since 2019. Diabetes is a common chronic condition that necessitates careful nutritional treatment. Individuals with diabetes benefit from specialized dietary formulae focusing on carbohydrate restriction, glycemic management, and cardiovascular health. These formulas may include controlled quantities of carbohydrates, specific types of fibers, and critical nutrients to benefit individuals in managing their illnesses. According to the 2021 IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10.5% of adults aged 20 to 79 have diabetes. According to a June 2023 article in The Lancet, the number of individuals with diabetes worldwide is expected to more than double to 1.3 billion by 2050. 

Similarly, the worldwide cardiovascular disease burden is high. According to the World Heart Federation (WHF), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 20.5 million fatalities in 2021, or roughly one-third of total global deaths. In 2019, an estimated 17.9 million individuals died from CVDs, accounting for 32% of all global deaths. Strokes and heart attacks account for 85% of these deaths. Further, Gastrointestinal problems, including ailments like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), impact millions of individuals. Specialized medical nutrition formulae for gastrointestinal support are critical in treating symptoms, increasing nutritional status, and promoting general well-being in patients with these diseases.

Moreover, the junction of an increasing frequency of chronic diseases and the development of specialized nutritional solutions emphasizes the importance of the Specialized Formula Medical Nutrition market trend in modern healthcare. As these disorders become more common, the market adapts to satisfy the different dietary needs of those dealing with chronic health issues.

Global Specialized Formula Medical Nutrition Market Restraints:

Regulatory Compliance Challenges

The global market for specialized formula medical nutrition faces regulatory compliance problems due to the necessity for precise formulas, adherence to health and safety standards, and differing regulatory frameworks across geographies. Meeting these standards might be complicated, potentially affecting customized formulae's research, production, and distribution processes.

Furthermore, the European Union (EU) has strict restrictions on medicinal nutrition products. Specialized formulas marketed as medical foods or for particular medicinal purposes (FSMPs) must adhere to the EU Regulation (EU) No 609/2013. This rule establishes special composition and labeling criteria, highlighting the importance of evidence-based nutritional profiles and efficacy. The European Union (EU) plans to propose new laws in 2023 that will substantially impact the food and food supplement markets. Manufacturers must guarantee that their products meet the new rules, which may need adjustments to their products or manufacturing processes. 

In addition, the regulatory environment for specialist medical nutrition products differs widely. In the United States, these items are frequently classified as medical foods under the Orphan Drug Act, which requires adherence to Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) guidelines. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides firms with recommendations for navigating regulatory processes. It may be challenging to harmonize regulatory standards across different locations. For example, differences in regulatory standards between the EU, the United States, and other markets complicate the path to global market access for manufacturers.

Global Specialized Formula Medical Nutrition Market Opportunity:

Expanding Geriatric Population and Age-Related Nutrition

The worldwide aging population creates a considerable opportunity for the specialized formula medical nutrition market. According to the United Nations, the global population of persons aged 60 and up is predicted to triple by 2050, reaching nearly 2.1 billion. The number of people aged 65 and older is also expected to rise from 10% in 2022 to 16% by 2050. As people age, there is a greater demand for nutritional solutions that address age-related health issues, promote general well-being, and enhance quality of life. Specialized formulae aimed at bone health, cognitive function, and other age-related dietary needs have the potential for significant growth. 

Additionally, aging increases the risk of osteoporosis, which can cause bone fractures. One example is specialized formulae loaded with calcium, vitamin D, and other elements essential for bone health. These formulae are designed to meet the nutritional demands of the senior population, improving bone density and lowering the risk of fractures. The prevalence of osteoporosis, a frequent illness among the elderly, is a significant driver of the demand for specialist nutritional treatments. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, an estimated 200 million women worldwide have osteoporosis, a figure that is predicted to climb dramatically as the population ages.

Similarly, the market for cognitive health supplements, which include specialized nutritional formulae for brain health, is expanding. As the aged population seeks strategies to maintain cognitive function and prevent age-related cognitive decline, there is an increasing demand for nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Companies that focus on age-related nutrition can create and commercialize specific formulations that address the unique needs of the aged, resulting in improved health outcomes and quality of life.

Regional Analysis

The global specialized formula medical nutrition market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global specialized formula medical nutrition market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. North America uses specialized formula medical nutrition for all applications. As a result, the market earns the most income and has the largest market share of any area in the world. The rising frequency of chronic illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, diabetes, Crohn's disease, and gastrointestinal disorders has fueled the demand for parenteral nutrition in recent years. Specialized meals during therapy have become necessary for various reasons, including limiting fat or lactose and increasing minerals like calcium and potassium. Cancer will affect 2.0 million individuals in the United States by 2023. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis, affecting approximately 297,790 women and 2,800 males. Head and neck cancer is another type of cancer that is expected to affect 66,920 people in 2023.

Furthermore, the increase in the female workforce is driving demand for newborn specialized nutrition products. According to the Catalyst organization, 75,978,000 women were employed in 2018, accounting for 46.9% of the overall employment in the United States. Women are forced to choose high-nutritional items for their children due to a lack of time to feed the infant and a demanding job schedule. Again, according to Abbott Nutrition's news release, the annual economic value of disease-associated malnutrition is projected to be USD 157 billion. This is projected to expand as authorities focus on chronic disease management. Overall, the presence of significant market participants in the United States and Canada and increased support from various private and public organizations to combat disease-related malnutrition incidences are likely to drive the North American specialized formula medical nutrition market. 

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific market has grown significantly due to the high frequency of childhood viral diseases and vitamin deficiencies. Asia has always had more hungry people and malnourished children owing to its sheer population. According to World Hunger statistics, roughly 512 million Asian adults and children consume relatively few calories, representing 12% of Asia's population. Further, According to UN DESA, Asia and the Pacific's population aged 65 and older is expected to increase by more than 540 million between 2021 and 2050. This accounts for nearly 60% of the world's elderly population, with one in every seven persons aged 60 or older in the region. A growing senior population prone to chronic ailments will fuel market expansion over the assessment period. 

Additionally, according to 2023 research, 7.4 million children in Asia would be born hungry in 2023, equivalent to 33 children born hungry every minute. Southern Asia has the highest prevalence of undernourishment (15.6 percent), with over 809 million people in that subregion experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity. Every year, around 5,400 hospital-acquired instances of malnutrition are reported in Australia. This necessitates patients to stay in the hospital for an additional 21.3 days. According to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality Health Care, each case in the hospital costs an additional USD 44,176. To address this situation, the government created comprehensive nutritional plans for patients, in which medical, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health specialists coordinate to meet dietary needs.

Europe holds a significant market share. Specialized formulae tailored to specific health issues and life phases have grown in popularity in Europe, owing to advances in nutritional research and a better knowledge of personalized health demands. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) regulates and evaluates health claims associated with medical nutrition products. Compliance with EFSA regulations guarantees that specialized formulae satisfy the necessary safety and efficacy standards, boosting consumer confidence. 

In addition, in nations with high health and wellness consciousness, such as Sweden and the Netherlands, there is an increasing trend of combining specialized medical nutrition into preventative healthcare efforts. This includes dietary items that address diabetes, cardiovascular health, and gastrointestinal issues.

Segmental Analysis

The global specialized formula medical nutrition market is segmented based on type and application.

The market is further segmented by type into Infant Medical Nutrition Products, Enteral Medical Nutrition Products, and Parenteral Medical Nutrition Products.

Infant medical nutrition products are specific formulations intended to suit infants' nutritional demands throughout essential stages of development. These products are designed to deliver crucial nutrients such as proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals required for healthy growth, immune system support, and cognitive development. Infant medical nutrition encompasses a variety of formulations, including infant formula, follow-on formula, and specialty formulas designed to address specific health issues. These products are frequently advised for infants with allergies, intolerances, or trouble breastfeeding, as they provide a safe and nutritionally balanced alternative to promote healthy infancy.

Enteral medical nutrition solutions are intended for people who have trouble consuming a conventional meal and require nutritional support from the gastrointestinal tract. These items, generally in liquid form, are supplied via feeding tubes and provide a complete and balanced dietary intake. Enteral nutrition is widely utilized for people with swallowing problems, malnutrition, or medicinal therapies that affect oral intake. The formulas ensure that patients get the nutrients they need directly into their stomach or small intestine, which promotes healing, weight maintenance, and overall health.

The market can be bifurcated by application into Adult, Geriatric, Pediatric/Infants.

The adult segment of the specialized formula medical nutrition market addresses the nutritional demands of adults. These formulas address various adult health needs, including overall well-being, chronic illness management, and nutritional assistance. Adult-specific formulae frequently address weight control, cardiovascular health, and digestion issues. These products are designed to maximize nutrient consumption, ensuring that individuals acquire the essential elements needed to maintain health and avoid nutritional deficiencies.

The geriatric segment offers nutritional solutions for the senior population's specific demands. As people age, they have unique dietary concerns, such as bone health, cognitive function, and immune system support. Specialized formulae for senior patients address these age-related issues by including minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These items improve older people's quality of life by promoting healthy aging and correcting age-related nutritional deficits.

Recent Developments

• March 2024- Abbott, Real Madrid, and the Real Madrid Foundation announced their collaboration will be extended until the 2026-27 season. Abbott will continue to be Real Madrid Football Club's Global Health Sciences and Nutrition Partner, as well as the Global Partner of the Real Madrid Foundation. Abbott and Real Madrid will continue collaborating on improving children's health and nutrition while creating a healthier world for future generations.
• October 2023- Nutricia pioneered its first medical nutrition drink for pediatric patients, using natural fruit and vegetable ingredients.
• March 2024- Fresenius Kabi completed the divestment of its Halden, Norway plant.