Medical Foods Market

Medical Foods Market Overview:

The global medical foods market size reached USD 24.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 37.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.78% during 2025-2033. The growing incidences of chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders among the masses, rising geriatric population, and the increasing progress in the field of nutrigenomics, which focuses on the relationship between nutrition and genes, are some of the factors impelling the market growth.

Medical Foods Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is experiencing moderate growth because of the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's, which require medical foods tailored to manage the specific nutritional needs of these conditions. Furthermore, the growing geriatric population, which is more prone to chronic illnesses and need associated dietary requirements, is positively influencing the market.
• Key Market Trends: Innovation in product formulations to enhance taste, texture, and nutritional content are improving patient compliance and outcomes. Additionally, the focus on personalized nutrition, using advances in nutrigenomics and digital health technologies, is influencing how products are developed and consumers are engaged.
• Geographical Trends: North America holds the biggest market share due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high awareness, and rising spending on health and wellness.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the industry include Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Alfasigma S.p.A., Danone S.A., Fresenius Kabi AG, Mead Johnson & Company LLC (Reckitt Benckiser), Medtrition Inc., Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Metagenics Inc. (Alticor), Nestlé S.A., Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Targeted Medical Pharma Inc., and Victus Inc.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The growing regulatory complexities and stringent approval processes are influencing the medical foods market revenue, potentially delaying product launches and increasing development costs. However, opportunities in technological advancements, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and higher investments in healthcare infrastructure in developing regions are offering a favorable market outlook.
   

Medical Foods Market Trends:

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The rising occurrence of chronic illnesses including diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders, which require continuous dietary management to enhance patient results and quality of life, is supporting the market growth. Medical foods provide customized nutritional options to assist in controlling symptoms, improving recovery, and preventing the progression of illnesses. Chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent worldwide, which is encouraging healthcare providers to incorporate medical foods into their treatment strategies. This recognition is not only driving the need for specific nutrition items but also increasing medical foods market value. In 2023, Danone increased its selection of adult medical-nutrition products in China by introducing Fortimel Balanced beverages to its lineup. These beverages were created to meet the dietary requirements of individuals recovering from surgery or chronic illnesses. This move signaled an entry into the Adult Foods for Special Medical Purposes (AFSMP) market and bolstered Danone's expansion in specialized nutrition.

Growing Geriatric Population

As per the India Ageing Report 2023 by the United Nations Population Fund, the percentage of people over 60 years old in India will increase from 10.5% or 14.9 crore in 2022 to 20.8% or 34.7 crore by 2050. Elderly individuals who have a higher likelihood of experiencing chronic illnesses, malnutrition, and age-related conditions necessitate specific dietary attention. Medical foods offer personalized nutritional options for older people, targeting specific requirements, including better digestion, absorption of nutrients, and maintenance of overall health. The growing geriatric population is catalyzing the demand for medical foods that aim to promote their health and well-being. Additionally, the elderly population often requires long-term nutritional support, making medical foods an essential part of their dietary regimen.

Advances in Nutrigenomics

According to the IMARC Group, the nutrigenomics market was valued at US$ 1,212.6 Million in 2023. Progress in the field of nutrigenomics, which focuses on the relationship between nutrition and genes, is contributing to the market growth. Nutrigenomics research offers an understanding of how genetic differences among individuals influence dietary requirements and reactions to particular nutrients. The advancement in science is allowing for the creation of specialized medical foods tailored to the individual genetic characteristics of patients. Medical foods can better manage and prevent diseases by customizing nutritional interventions based on the genetic composition of individuals. The application of nutrigenomics in the formulation of medical foods is resulting in more precise and effective products, which are gaining acceptance among healthcare providers and patients.

Medical Foods Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product, route of administration, application, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Product:

• Pills
• Powder
• Others
   

Powder accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product. This includes pills, powder, and others. According to the report, powder represented the largest segment.

Powder accounts for the majority of the market share because it is versatile, easy to use, and can be added to a variety of food products and drinks. It provides a convenient choice for patients needing personalized nutrition, enabling accurate dosing and customized nutrient profiles for addressing specific medical conditions. The dominance of this segment is further strengthened by rising improvements in formulation technologies, which enhance the flavor and texture of powdered products to increase patient adherence. Medical foods market trends indicate a growing preference for these versatile powdered products.

Breakup by Route of Administration:

• Oral
• Enteral
   

Oral holds the largest share of the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the route of administration have also been provided in the report. This includes oral and enteral. According to the report, oral accounted for the largest market share.

Oral represents the largest segment as it is convenient, easy to use, and non-invasive, making it suitable for a wide range of patients including those with chronic conditions and need long-term nutritional support. The popularity of this segment is influenced by the creation of palatable and easily consumable formulations like tablets, capsules, powders, and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Additionally, the growing presence of oral nutritional supplements in online and offline stores is making it more convenient for patients to adhere to their treatment. The extensive usage and reliability of oral nutritional items notably contribute to the overall medical foods market size, making it a dominant segment in the industry.

Breakup by Application:

• ADHD
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Metabolic Disorders
• Others
   

Diabetes represents the leading market segment 

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes ADHD, depression, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic disorders, and others. According to the report, diabetes represented the largest segment.

Diabetes accounts for the majority of market share. This dominance is attributed to the high incidences of diabetes among the masses, which often require specialized nutritional products created to regulate blood sugar levels and overall metabolic well-being. Specially designed medical foods for individuals with diabetes are created to offer well-balanced nutrition, manage carbohydrate consumption, and avoid high blood sugar levels. The rise in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cases, coupled with the growing understanding about the importance of dietary control in managing the condition, is contributing to the market growth. Additionally, the rising focus on research operations, along with supportive regulatory frameworks, is further driving the medical foods demand as these products become essential for effective diabetes management and patient compliance. In 2023, Nestlé launched its Lean Cuisine Balance Bowls, a new line of frozen meals designed to support individuals managing blood sugar levels. These meals, developed with input from the American Diabetes Association, adhered to their nutrition guidelines and contained 400 calories or less, with zero added sugars.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets
• Hospital and Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies
• Others
   

Hospital and retail pharmacies exhibit a clear dominance in the market 

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel have also been provided in the report. This includes supermarkets, hospital and retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. According to the report, hospital and retail pharmacies accounted for the largest market share.

Hospital and retail pharmacies represent the largest segment. This dominance is attributed to the trust and convenience these pharmacies offer, as they are often the primary point of contact for patients receiving prescriptions and guidance from healthcare professionals. Hospital and retail pharmacies provide a reliable source of medical foods, ensuring the availability of specialized nutritional products tailored to specific medical conditions, thereby offering a favorable medical foods market outlook. The professional advice and counseling available at these pharmacies enhance patient compliance and proper usage. Additionally, collaborations between medical food manufacturers and pharmacies contribute to an efficient supply chain, ensuring that patients have consistent access to essential products.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest medical foods market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America represents the largest regional market for medical foods.

North America dominates the market driven by the advanced healthcare infrastructure, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing healthcare expenditure. The strong presence of major market players and ongoing innovations in medical food products are bolstering the medical foods market growth in North America. Additionally, the region benefits from robust regulatory frameworks that support the development and commercialization of medical foods. The growing awareness and proactive management about health conditions through specialized nutrition are positively influencing the market. Additionally, the robust insurance coverage in North America is making it easier for people to access and use medical foods. Moreover, the presence of various key market players in the region is making it easier for people to access medical nutrition products. In 2024, Danone announced its acquisition of Functional Formularies, a US-based whole foods tube-feeding business, from Swander Pace Capital. This acquisition expanded Danone’s medical nutrition portfolio, adding to its enteral tube-feeding ranges. Danone aimed to better support the nutritional needs of tube-fed patients and families through this deal.

Competitive Landscape:

• The medical foods market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the industry include Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Alfasigma S.p.A., Danone S.A., Fresenius Kabi AG, Mead Johnson & Company LLC (Reckitt Benckiser), Medtrition Inc., Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Metagenics Inc. (Alticor), Nestlé S.A., Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Targeted Medical Pharma Inc., Victus Inc., etc.
  
  (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
   
• Key players in the market are actively engaging in extensive research operations to innovate and improve product formulations, ensuring better efficacy and patient compliance. They are also expanding their product portfolios to cater to a broader range of medical conditions and dietary needs. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations are common to enhance market presence and distribution capabilities. Additionally, medical foods companies are investing in marketing and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of medical foods among healthcare professionals and consumers. Efforts are also focused on expanding their geographical reach to tap into emerging markets with growing healthcare demands. In 2023, Else Nutrition and Danone entered into a letter of intent for a multi-stage collaboration. The first stage involved a License Agreement for Else’s plant-based, soy-free products to be integrated into Danone’s specialized nutrition portfolio, with Danone handling manufacturing, marketing, and commercialization.

Medical Foods Market News:

• May 2024: Solarea Bio announced the beta launch of Bondia, a novel daily medical food designed to manage postmenopausal bone loss using synbiotic capsules. The product, developed from fruit and vegetable-derived microbes, underwent clinical validation and a private beta program to evaluate its effectiveness.
• October 2023: Danone invested €15 million to expand its Lüleburgaz plant in Turkey for producing medical nutrition products. The new production line focused on Fortimel and Fortini brands, which provide nutrition powders and drinks for malnutrition and special medical needs. This expansion aimed to enhance the supply of oral nutritional supplements used under medical supervision.

Medical Foods Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, medical foods market forecast, and dynamics of the market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global medical foods market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the medical foods industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.