Medical Foods Market

• The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases boosts the market growth

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, neurological, urological, and infectious diseases are increasing globally. Heart disorders are becoming more common than other chronic diseases due to a lack of physical activity, being overweight, poor nutrition, or having a family history. People over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular and neurological issues. In addition, some people with these conditions or diseases must undergo surgery. Therefore, an increase in cardiovascular and neurological issues is expected to boost the demand for medical foods.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses, and its incidence is steadily increasing. For instance, according to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics released in 2019, diabetes is responsible for roughly 1.5 million deaths and is the ninth top cause of death. Moreover, rising interest in medical foods to manage and regulate diabetic neuropathy and diabetes is anticipated to drive market development. Furthermore, medicinal foods are meant for specialized dietary management with unique nutrient needs to address specific illnesses, which will drive the market

The world has made some progress toward achieving its nutritional objectives. Severe starvation still remains, and this development is simply too sluggish.

Furthermore, few nations such as Somalia, Central African Republic, and Yemen among others are on track to achieve any of the maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN) targets. According to the global nutrition report 2021, only five nations such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana on track to lower the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age, with one in three (29.9%) of these women, particularly those who are pregnant, being affected. Also, as per the same report, an estimated 14.6% of infants worldwide have low birth weight.

Thus, increasing rates of malnutrition in infants and young children and the rising prevalence of coexisting stunting, wasting, and overweight in children under 5 years of age across the globe will contribute to the growth of the market.

Prevalence of stunting, wasting, and overweight in children under 5 years of age

The Global Global Medical Foods Market Industry is significantly influenced by the growing aging population, which often requires specialized nutritional support. As individuals age, their nutritional needs change, leading to an increased demand for medical foods that cater to conditions such as malnutrition and cognitive decline. According to the United Nations, the global population aged 60 years and older is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. This demographic shift is likely to drive the market, as healthcare providers increasingly recognize the importance of tailored nutrition in improving health outcomes for older adults.

The Global Global Medical Foods Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates indicating a market value of 24.0 USD Billion in 2024 and a potential increase to 40.8 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate of 4.92% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the increasing demand for specialized nutritional products across various healthcare settings. The expansion of the market is likely to be driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and advancements in food technology, positioning medical foods as a critical component of modern healthcare.

The Global Global Medical Foods Market Industry is supported by regulatory frameworks and guidelines that promote the use of medical foods in clinical settings. Governments and health organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of medical foods in managing various health conditions, leading to the establishment of clear regulations that govern their production and marketing. This regulatory support not only enhances consumer confidence but also encourages manufacturers to invest in research and development. As a result, the market is expected to flourish, with a growing number of products entering the marketplace to meet the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients.

The Global Global Medical Foods Market Industry is experiencing growth driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and obesity. As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with these conditions, there is a heightened demand for specialized nutritional products that can aid in managing these diseases. For instance, the World Health Organization indicates that chronic diseases account for a significant portion of global mortality, prompting healthcare providers to recommend medical foods as part of treatment plans. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's expansion, with projections estimating a market value of 24.0 USD Billion in 2024.

The Global Global Medical Foods Market Industry is benefiting from increased awareness of nutritional therapy among healthcare professionals and patients alike. As research continues to highlight the role of nutrition in disease management, medical foods are gaining recognition as essential components of treatment protocols. Healthcare providers are increasingly recommending these products to enhance patient care, particularly in managing chronic conditions. This growing acceptance is expected to propel the market forward, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 4.92% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting a shift towards more integrated approaches to health and wellness.

The Global Global Medical Foods Market Industry is poised for growth due to technological advancements in food science, which enhance the formulation and delivery of medical foods. Innovations in processing techniques, ingredient sourcing, and product development are enabling manufacturers to create more effective and palatable medical foods. For example, advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of specialized proteins and nutrients that cater to specific health needs. This evolution in product offerings is likely to attract a broader consumer base, contributing to the market's projected value of 40.8 USD Billion by 2035.

By Region, the study segments the market into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American medical foods market accounted for the largest market share in 2022. This is due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and others, the rise in the adoption of medical foods in the region, and the rising strategic partnership and increasing investment by major players in the region.

For instance, in 2020, as per the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health forecasted an estimated 1,806,590 new cases of cancer to be diagnosed in the US, with about 606,520 deaths reported as a result of the disease. Moreover, the rising prevalence of cancer, diabetes, and other chronic disorders demands personalized nutrition for the management of diseases. In addition, the well-established healthcare infrastructure and rising demand for personalized nutrition also contribute to the growth of the market.

Further, the major countries studied are the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3: MEDICAL FOODS MARKET BY REGION 2023 & 2032

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

Europe medical foods market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the increasing awareness of the benefits of medical foods, the growing development of new formulations, such as plant-based proteins & probiotics, and the rising aging population. further, the Germany medical foods market was attributed to holding the largest market share, and the France medical foods market is expected to fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific medical foods market is expected to grow at a significant share from 2023 to 2030. This is due to the improving healthcare infrastructure, rising geriatric population & diseases associated with old age, and growing health awareness among the population in the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, China medical foods market is expected to hold the largest market share, and India medical foods market is expected fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

For instance, the Indian government’s initiative 'National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke', aims to promote healthy lifestyles and provide affordable healthcare for people with chronic diseases. Hence, the rising government initiatives and growing aging population factors are likely to have considerable growth for the medical foods market.

The Rest of the World is segmented into the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The medical foods market in the above-mentioned regions is likely to witness growth due to improving healthcare facilities, the growing availability of medical food products, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders in these regions. Moreover, an increase in sedentary lifestyles, urbanization, and changes in dietary habits has led to a growing demand for medical foods to manage chronic diseases and improve overall health is expected to propel the medical foods market growth in the region.

The Medical Foods Market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local vendors catering to the demand created by research scientists and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies operating in the industry. The market comprises tier-1, tier-2, and local players. The tier-1 and tier-2 players have reach across the globe with diverse product portfolios. Companies such as Nestlé (Switzerland), Danone SA (France), Abbott (US), and Fresenius Kabi AG (Germany) dominate the Medical Foods Market due to product differentiation, financial stability, strategic developments, and diversified regional presence. The players are focused on investing in research and development.

Furthermore, they adopt strategic growth initiatives, such as expansion, product launches, joint ventures, and partnerships, to strengthen their market position and capture a large customer base.

One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the global medical foods industry to benefit clients and expand the medical foods market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs.

Nestlé (Switzerland) produces and sells food products and beverages. It sells infant foods, bottled water, cereals, chocolates, candy, coffee, kitchenware, chilled and frozen foods, dairy, ice cream, and accessories for animals. The business also offers direct-to-consumer meal delivery services, medical foods, sausages, and nutritional products. Furthermore, the company operates in North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. For instance, in January 2023, Nestlé (India) launched ThickenUp Clear, a food and beverage thickener to treat patients with swallowing difficulties, especially in oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Also, Abbott (US) is a leading healthcare company that is engaged in the development, discovers, manufactures, and sells healthcare products across the globe. The company offers products under the segments of vascular products, established pharmaceutical products, nutritional products, and diagnostic products. Furthermore, it has two non-reportable segments, namely, medical optics and diabetes care. Moreover, Abbott distributes its products in more than 160 countries.