Medical Food Market

Medical Food Market Overview (2024 to 2034)

In 2024, the medical food market is estimated to be worth US$ 13,998.3 million. The market is projected to expand at an 8.1% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. The market is predicted to grow, reaching a projected value of US$ 30,369.3 million by 2034.

The medical food market is growing due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising demand for personalized nutrition. The demand for medical foods is rising for the dietary management of specific medical conditions that cannot be met by a normal diet alone. Physicians typically prescribe these products, and they are often used in conjunction with conventional therapies.

With the increasing burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's, the demand for medical foods is on the rise. In addition, consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of personalized nutrition and seeking products that can address their health needs. This has led to the development of various medical foods that cater to various medical conditions, including metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurological disorders.

The medical food market is growing due to several factors, such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising healthcare costs, and the growing awareness about the benefits of medical foods. Medical foods are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of patients with chronic diseases and work in conjunction with medical treatments to improve patient outcomes.

Key Market Growth Drivers

The aging population and increased awareness of the benefits of medicinal foods are projected to fuel market expansion. The demand for dietary management of diseases is expected to create lucrative opportunities for medical food suppliers.

Report Attributes	Details
Estimated Market Value (2024E)	US$ 13,998.3 million
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 30,369.3 million
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.1% CAGR
Nutritionally Complete Formula Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.4% CAGR
North America Market Share (2024)	35.1%
East Asia Market Share (2024)	16.4%
Key Companies Profiled	Nestle Fresenius Kabi Danone Mead Johnson & Company, LLC Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc Medtrition, Inc. Abbott Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc.

Which Aspects are Contributing to an Increase in Demand for Medical Foods?

“Rising Geriatric Population and Awareness about Benefits of Medical Foods”

The increasing geriatric population is contributing to the growth of the medical food market. The rising awareness about the benefits of medical foods and the growing demand for personalized nutrition are also causing an increase in market demand. The geriatric population, which refers to individuals aged 65 years and above, is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.

Medical foods are gaining popularity among consumers due to their ability to manage or treat various medical conditions. Moreover, the healthcare industry is shifting towards personalized nutrition, which involves developing customized diets and nutritional plans for individual patients. This trend has further boosted the demand for medical foods, specifically formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of patients with chronic and neurogenic disorders. The medical food market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with new product launches and technological advancements driving innovation in the industry.

“Dietary Management of Diseases to Create Attractive Growth Prospects in the Market”

Medical foods are specially formulated and intended for the dietary management of diseases that have distinctive nutritional needs. They are different from conventional foods and are designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements of patients with certain medical conditions. Medical foods are available in various forms, including powders, pills, and liquids, and they are used to manage various conditions, such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The global medical food market is expected to rise significantly over the coming years, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the growing awareness about the benefits of medical foods in managing these conditions. In addition, advancements in technology and the development of new formulations with improved efficacy are expected to contribute to the market’s growth.

What Acts as a Major Restraint in the Medical Food Market?

“Lack of Awareness About Benefits of Medical Foods”

The lack of awareness among consumers about the benefits of medical foods is hampering the growth of the market. Many people are not familiar with the concept of medical foods or the role they play in managing certain health conditions, which restricts market expansion.

This can limit the availability and accessibility of medical foods, as well as prevent patients from receiving the appropriate recommendations for their health conditions.

Country-wise Insights

In line with expanding regional sales, the medical food market has a large consumer base in North America and East Asia. In 2024, North America is estimated to account for 35.1% of the global market share. From 2024 to 2034, the market is expected to rise at a moderate CAGR of 7.7%.

In 2024, East Asia's share is predicted to be 16.4% of the market. During the projection period, East Asia's market is expected to grow at a moderate 8.9% CAGR, with the region retaining 17.8% of the market share by 2034.

Which Factors are Bolstering the United States Medical Food Market?

“Increasing Cases of Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Cancer in the United States”

Attribute	Detail
CAGR (2024 to 2034)	7.4%

The value of the medical foods industry in the United States for 2024 is estimated to be US$ 3,694 million. Over the forecast period, the market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.4% in the country, reaching a value of US$ 7,564 million by 2034.

The United States has a high incidence of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which has resulted in an increase in demand for medical foods. Medical foods are specially formulated to manage specific medical conditions. These foods provide essential nutrients and other beneficial compounds that can help to improve health and prevent disease.

Medical foods are typically used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and are expected to be used alongside medications or other treatments. They are often used to manage conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The market for medical foods in the United States is growing rapidly, as more and more people seek out these products to manage their health conditions.

Why is China Recognized as a Lucrative Market for Medical Foods?

“Rising Number of Diabetic and Cancer Patients in China”

Attribute	Detail
CAGR (2024 to 2034)	9.3%

The medical food market in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% in the coming years due to the rising number of cancer and diabetic patients in the country. This growth is attributed to the increasing awareness about the benefits of medical foods and the growing demand for effective and safe treatment options.

In China, the prevalence of cancer and diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate, which is driving the demand for medical foods. Medical foods are specially formulated foods that are designed to provide nutritional support for specific medical conditions. They are typically used under medical supervision and are intended to be consumed along with a patient's regular diet. Moreover, the Chinese government has been taking steps to promote the use of medical foods for treating various health conditions. For instance, the government has issued a series of regulations that require medical foods to meet certain quality and safety standards before they can be sold in the market.

Category-wise Insights

Based on the product type, the nutritionally complete formula segment is expected to account for 68.7% of the market share in 2024.

Which Medical Food Product is Highly Preferred by Consumers?

“Growing Need for Nutritionally Complete Formula”

Attribute	Detail
Market Share in 2024	68.7%

The nutritionally complete formula segment is expected to hold 68.7% of the market share by product type in 2024. The segment is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 8.4% through 2034.

The growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising demand for personalized nutrition. Additionally, the growing awareness about the benefits of medical foods among consumers and healthcare professionals is driving the growth of this segment.

Nutritionally complete formula is characterized by products that provide complete nutritional support to patients with specific medical conditions. The products in this segment are designed to be used under medical supervision and are typically prescribed for patients with conditions such as malnutrition, gastrointestinal disorders, and metabolic disorders.

Competitive Landscape

The key players in the medical food market include Nestle, Fresenius Kabi, Danone, Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Medtrition, Inc., Abbott, and Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc.

The growing demand for medical foods has driven major suppliers to improve their market position through tactics such as developing new product formulations, cooperating with existing market participants, or purchasing small or medium-sized manufacturers.

Notable Development

In 2020, Nestle Health Science acquired IM HealthScience to increase the diversity of its medical food operations. The company is concentrating on new product developments to expand its product portfolio for various indications to maintain a strong market position.

Segmentation of Medical Food Market Research

• By Product Type:

  • Nutritionally Complete Formula
  • Nutritionally Incomplete Formula
  • Oral Rehydration Products

• By Form:

  • Powder
  • Liquid
  • Capsule
  • Tablet
  • Bar

• By Application:

  • ADHD
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer's Disorder
  • Metabolic Disorder
  • Others

• By Distribution Channel:

  • Hospital Pharmacy
  • Retail Pharmacy
  • Online Pharmacy
  • Drug Store
  • Supermarket

• By Region:

  • North America 
  • Europe 
  • Latin America 
  • East Asia 
  • South Asia & Oceania 
  • Middle East & Africa