CLINICAL NUTRITION MARKET ANALYSIS

The global clinical nutrition market size was valued at US$ 11.10 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 16.48  Bn by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Clinical Nutrition Market Regional Insights

North America has firmly established itself as the dominant player in the global clinical nutrition market. With the presence of majority of key players and considerable focus of these players on R&D activities, North America accounts for the largest share of 46.7%. The region is home to many global leaders in clinical nutrition products who have been catering to the demand  of clinical nutrition over the years through constant innovations. Furthermore, healthcare infrastructure and awareness among population have supported the market growth. With the mature pharmaceutical industry and established supply chain, companies are able to effectively meet the demand across borders and as per custom requirements of different regions. The increasing number of chronic diseases in the U.S. is a major factor fueling the growth of this market. For instance, according to Worldbank, 6.9% of the total population had diabetes in the U.S. in 2021.

Europe is also a significant market for clinical nutrition owing to the launch of various projects in the region dedicated to innovation in food, feed, nutrition, and health. Furthermore, the aging population in countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain has led to greater acceptance of enteral nutrition for elderly care within institutional as well as home settings. For instance, AURORA is a European Union (EU) project launched in February 2022 that aims to boost the digital and green transformation of the European agri-food industries, towards safe, healthy, resilient, and environment-friendly food systems. The project is supported by the following European clusters: Agri Sud-Ouest Innovation (FR), Valorial (FR), Food Valley (NL), Unimos Alliance (PL), and onGranada (SP). An event organized by the project, NutrEvent is dedicated to innovation in food, feed, nutrition, and health.

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest growing market for clinical nutrition. Several factors are contributing to the stellar rise of the region including rapidly developing economies, growing medical tourism, and increasing healthcare expenditure. Countries like China and India offer massive production capabilities and a huge domestic market due to their large population base. This makes the region an attractive manufacturing hub for companies. Furthermore, changing lifestyles and rising burden of chronic diseases are propelling the demand for need of clinical nutrition. The generics market is also booming in Asia Pacific with many local players entering the sector offering similar solutions at competitive prices. This has made clinical nutrition accessible to many. Governments are also ramping up investments in public healthcare systems which is positively impacting the market growth. With growing medical needs and rising disposable incomes, the clinical nutrition market in Asia Pacific is poised to dominate over the forecast period.

Figure 1. Global Clinical Nutrition Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Analyst’s Views

The clinical nutrition market is being driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing elderly population globally. The increasing awareness among consumers regarding health and wellness is also prompting them to opt for clinical nutrition products. However, strict regulatory frameworks and quality certifications for these products act as a restraint. North America dominates the clinical nutrition market currently due to high healthcare spending and the presence of major players. However, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest pace in the coming years. This can be attributed to the improving healthcare infrastructure and the growing medical tourism industry in the region. Within clinical nutrition products, enteral nutrition is expected to witness the highest demand owing to cost-effectiveness and non-invasiveness compared to parenteral nutrition. The growing adoption of disease-specific clinical nutrition formulas will also provide opportunities for targeted gains. Rising focus on nutrition management in chronic illnesses like cancer is creating prospects for adjunct clinical nutrition products. Furthermore, the increasing demand for customized products according to the healthcare needs of patients presents an opportunity for differentiation.

Clinical Nutrition Market Drivers:

• Rising Chronic Disease Burden: The growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, etc., is expected to be a major driver for the clinical nutrition market. The number of people affected by these conditions is increasing each year primarily due to aging populations and lifestyle changes such as poor diet, lack of exercise, increased stress levels etc. Chronic diseases require long term medical treatment and management. Many patients suffering from chronic illnesses are recommended specialized clinical nutrition solutions by healthcare professionals to aid their treatment and recovery. For example, people with diabetes are prescribed meal replacement products to manage their blood sugar levels. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often need liquid nutrition support due to side effects that reduce appetite and ability to eat regular food. Similarly, formulas enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, and amino acids are seeing increased demand for managing gastrointestinal disorders. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in April 2023, about 422 million people worldwide had diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.
• Rising Awareness Regarding Disease-specific Nutrition: Rising awareness among consumers regarding the importance of nutrition specific to diseases and conditions is a key factor fueling the growth of the clinical nutrition market. With increasing prevalence of chronic ailments, such as diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, etc., people are better informed today about the role played by dietary modifications in the management and treatment of illnesses. Customized nutrition plans focusing on individual requirements are being prescribed by doctors and dieticians for improved health outcomes. This growing health-centric approach among the population has boosted the demand for tailored nutritional products that provide fortification tailored to medical requirement. The market is witnessing a surge in the demand for formulas enriched with vitamins, proteins, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics as supplements for disease treatment. For instance, diabetes patients closely monitor their carbohydrate and sugar intake through nutrition schemes designed specifically for their condition by healthcare providers and manufacturers.
• Increasing Incidence of Pre-mature Birth: The average pregnancy lasts for around 37 to 42 weeks. Every baby born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy (also called weeks of gestation) is considered as preterm. Infants born early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, have a higher risk of suffering from lifelong health problems. For instance, according to the data provided by the European Commission, on June 2020, around half a million babies are born prematurely in Europe each year, which may increase personalized nutritional advice for premature babies, and this is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, according to the data published in the European Commission, in July 2020, about 500,000 babies are born prematurely in Europe annually, and the numbers are rising. This is due to the fact that more women suffer from diabetes and obesity.

Clinical Nutrition Market Opportunities:

• New Product Innovations with Enhanced Formulations: New product innovations with enhanced formulations present a great opportunity in the clinical nutrition market space. With advancements in nutrition science and developments in areas like functional foods, the needs and requirements of consumers are evolving rapidly. Manufacturers now have a chance to develop customized and targeted products that offer superior health and wellness benefits to patients. For instance, in September 2022, NextEvo Naturals, a supplement brand that has found a new way to revolutionize the delivery of cannabidiol (CBD) and other nutritional compounds by creating formulations that increase the compound’s potential benefits and consumer value, announced the launch of Revive CBD Complex Curcumin and Hemp Extract. Revive CBD Complex Curcumin and Hemp Extract features the company’s proprietary SmartSorb delivery technology that turns oil-soluble, premium hemp-derived CBD into a water soluble-like (water-dispersible) emulsion. Curcumin, like CBD, is lipophilic and poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, therefore a different technology is utilized to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin. Piperine, a compound that is found in black pepper, has also been clinically shown to be a natural bioavailability enhancer for curcumin. Revive CBD Complex Curcumin and Hemp Extract promotes a healthy response to inflammation and is made with Curcumin C3 Complex with BioPerine, allowing for 20 times more absorption.
• Increasing Focus of Consumers on Health and Wellness: The increasing focus of consumers on health and wellness is driving the adoption of organic and sustainable ingredients in clinical nutrition. Patients and health practitioners are showing heightened interest in nutritional solutions that are natural, clean-label and produced in an environmentally-responsible way. This presents a major opportunity for clinical nutrition product manufacturers to develop formulations with organic and sustainably-sourced ingredients. Clinical nutrition products with organic and sustainable ingredients appeal to consumers' evolving values of environmental protection and personal health. As people become more informed about the detrimental health impacts of pesticides, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, they are increasingly trusting of nutritional therapies derived from organic agriculture.
• Emerging Markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America: The emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America regions present a huge opportunity for growth in the clinical nutrition market. These regions are undergoing rapid economic development which have improved access to healthcare for many. With rising incomes, people in these regions are now able to afford nutrition products that can help manage diseases or aid recovery. Many countries like India, China, Brazil, Mexico, etc. have a very large population and with economic growth, more people are entering the middle class section each year. As per World Bank data from 2021, the number of middle class populations in India and China combined will be larger than the entire U.S. population by 2027. This growing middle class will have more discretionary spending power and be open to premium health and nutrition products. The governments in these regions also understand the economic benefits of a healthy populace. They are making conscious efforts to expand health insurance coverage and make nutrition products affordable through subsidies.

Clinical Nutrition Market Trends:

• Rising Use of Digital Technology in Clinical Nutrition: Rising awareness and use of digital technology in clinical nutrition is having a significant influence on the clinical nutrition market. With increasing focus on preventive healthcare and management of diseases, digital solutions are playing a huge role in nutrition monitoring and intervention. Various technologies like smartphones apps, wearable trackers, telehealth platforms, and online meal planning tools are being widely adopted. This is allowing real-time customized nutrition support and counselling. Implementation of digital technology into clinical practice may range from the use of mobile apps to track diet intake and the use of wearable technologies to collect supportive data to the development of decision support tools for parenteral nutrition and the use of telehealth for remote assessment of nutrition. Mobile health applications represent an opportunity for increased patient engagement, data gathering, and remote monitoring of outcomes outside of the healthcare facility. According to Journal of Current Surgery, 2021, there now exist an estimated 165,000 publicly available mobile health apps with wellness management and disease management in leading areas. Mobile applications, such as Cronometer, MyFitnessPal, Noom, and others, are few of the examples.
• Shift Towards more Personalized and Precise Approaches: The clinical nutrition landscape is experiencing a shift towards more personalized and precise approaches. With advancements in biomarkers, genetic testing, and digital health tools, healthcare providers now have better insights into individual patient's nutritional needs, metabolism, and risk factors. This is enabling more targeted nutrition interventions. For example, microbiome analysis can help determine the best prebiotic or probiotic supplement for digestive health issues. Genetic tests can pinpoint nutrient absorption deficiencies. Continuous glucose monitors allow tight control of blood sugar levels for diabetics through adjusted macronutrient intake. Wearable devices and diet apps give visibility into lifestyle factors influencing nutrition requirements. This trend towards precision nutrition is compelling the clinical nutrition market to adapt formulations catering to specific health conditions, genotypes, or biological markers.
• Increasing Role of E-commerce Platforms: The rise of e-commerce platforms has significantly impacted the clinical nutrition market in recent years. As more consumers conduct product research and purchases online, companies in the clinical nutrition sector have invested in building strong direct-to-consumer online presences. This allows consumers to easily browse the extensive product catalogs of clinical nutrition brands, read reviews from others using various products, and order specialized formulas and supplements with just a few clicks. It has made obtaining clinically formulated meals, drinks, and supplements more convenient than ever for those managing chronic conditions or illnesses at home.

Clinical Nutrition Market Restraints:

• High Costs Associated with Clinical Nutrition Products: The costs associated with clinical nutrition products are substantial and rising, creating unfavorable conditions for growth in the clinical nutrition market. Clinical nutrition products must adhere to stringent regulations and undergo clinical testing to validate their safety and efficacy for specific at-risk patient populations. This lengthy and expensive clinical trials and regulatory approval process drives up production costs. Additionally, specialized formulations tailored to the nutritional needs of chronic disease patients demand premium ingredients and customized manufacturing protocols that further increase expenses. As a result, clinically tailored nutrition products and supplements command high retail prices that place them out of reach for many consumers and healthcare budgets.
• Product Recalls: Product recalls have emerged as a major impediment to the growth of the clinical nutrition market in recent years. With innovation in formulations and the increasing complexity of products, issues pertaining to quality and safety have also risen. Several major players in the clinical nutrition market have had to issue large-scale recalls due to the presence of contaminants or improper manufacturing practices. This erodes customer confidence in the brands and clinical nutrition products as a whole. More importantly, it disrupts supply chains significantly. For instance, in October 2022, Abbott, a multinational medical devices and health care company, announced that it is recalling certain lots of 2 fluid ounce/59 milliliter bottles of Ready-to-Feed liquid formula for infants and children due to problem with the bottle caps. Out of them, some bottles were not sealed completely and could result in spoilage. If a child were to consume spoiled formula, it could cause stomach problems such as vomiting or diarrhea. The recalled brands include Similac, Similac 360 Total Care, Pro-Total Comfort, Similac Special Care 24, Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive, Similac Stage 1, Similac NeoSure, Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution, and Similac Water (Sterilized).
• Issues Related to Product Quality: Issues related to product quality have been one of the key factors restraining the growth of the clinical nutrition market. Maintaining high standards of quality in clinical nutrition products is crucial, as any contamination or other quality-related issues can seriously harm patients and their health. However, ensuring consistent quality at scale has been a challenge for many players in clinical nutrition market. Clinical nutrition products are developed using various ingredients sourced from different locations and companies globally. Maintaining visibility and control over the entire supply chain and production process is important to minimize quality risks but difficult to achieve for most companies.

Recent Developments

New Product Launches

• In September 2022, Kate Farms, a company offering plant-based shakes and formulas, announced the launch of its newest high-calorie medical formula, Adult Standard 1.4 in chocolate flavor. Adult Standard 1.4 meets patients' needs for a calorically dense formula and helps support weight gain, weight maintenance, and tolerance. Kate Farms Standard 1.4 is now available in three flavors including plain, vanilla, and chocolate. Kate Farms Standard 1.4 is a plant-based, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic, non-genetically modified organisms, and is made without common allergens or artificial sweeteners and has a delicious chocolate taste. Kate Farms' Standard 1.4 is a calorie-dense formula option that may provide nutritional support for patients that need to meet their nutrient requirements in fewer servings such as those undergoing treatment for cancer as well as those with chronic diseases such as gastroparesis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Crohn's disease
• In July 2022, Dymatize Enterprises, LLC., a company offering a variety of nutritional & bodybuilding supplements, announced the launch of its new high-performing plant-based protein powders. Powered by five plant-based protein sources, Dymatize Complete Plant Protein is a vegan and a plant-based product with a complete amino acid profile, ensuring maximum delivery of high-quality protein pre-or post-workout. Available in two smooth and ultra-creamy flavors, Dymatize Complete Plant Protein in Creamy Chocolate and Smooth Vanilla is packed with 25 grams of complete protein with 160 calories or less and 0 grams of sugar per serving.
• In June 2022, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a company offering an extensive portfolio of nutritional dairy protein ingredients, announced the expansion of its Biotis portfolio with the addition of Biotis GOS-OP High Purity. Biotis GOS-OP High Purity has more than 90% galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) content. Prebiotics are a dietary fiber that feed good bacteria in the gut and have been shown in research to influence the balance of the gut microbiota producing beneficial effects on gut health and mental well-being. Biotis GOS-OP High Purity uses a patent-pending process to deliver a higher concentration of available GOS, ensuring a typical galactooligosaccharide content of 94%.

Partnership and Acquisition

• In September 2022, Sodexo, a France-based food services and facilities management company, announced a new enterprise-wide partnership with Ardent Health Services, a company investing in quality health care. Through this strengthened partnership, over 1,500 Sodexo employees will provide food and nutrition services and environmental services at over 50 Ardent Health Services locations across six states in the U.S. Previously, Sodexo provided patient nutrition and environmental services at four locations of  Ardent Health Services.
• In July 2022, Metagenics, Inc., a company developing, manufacturing, and marketing nutrition and lifestyle medicines, acquired Nutri Advanced Ltd, a manufacturer and supplier of nutritional supplements intended to serve clients in the U.K. and Ireland. The acquisition will help to strengthen Metagenics, Inc.’s geographic presence in Europe.
• In July 2022, FemTec Health, a health and beauty sciences company and creator of the Awesome Woman comprehensive healthcare experience, announced that it had acquired a nutrition platform, Nutrimedy that provides support and guidance for over 50 medical conditions. Adding Nutrimedy's clinical nutrition platform to the Awesome Woman program will be help its subscribers to optimize pregnancy planning and manage menopause symptoms, among others.

Figure 2. Global Clinical Nutrition Market Share (%), By Nutrition Type, 2023

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Top Companies in the Clinical Nutrition Market

• Abbott
• Baxter
• Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
• Persanfarma
• Lonza
• B. Braun SE
• Nestlé
• Danone S.A.
• Perrigo Company plc
• BASF SE
• Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC.
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd

Definition: The clinical nutrition market offers various product types to meet the nutritional needs of patients. The main categories include pharmaceutical nutrition, medical food, and nutritional formula. Pharmaceutical nutrition such as vaccines and drugs are prescribed medications that have specific health benefits. Medical food aims to manage diseases or conditions affecting a person's nutritional status. They must be administered under medical supervision and are intended for specific dietary management. Nutritional formulas make up the largest segment of the clinical nutrition market. They are available in the form of powder, liquid, and semi-solid food. Enteral nutrition formulas are orally ingested through tubes directly into the stomach or small intestine. Parenteral nutrition is administered intravenously, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.