Medical Foods Market size was valued at USD 23.6 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 45.1 billion by the end of 2036, expanding at around 5.5% CAGR during the forecast period i.e., between 2024-2036. In 2024, the industry size of medical foods is estimated at USD 24.8 billion.
The growing emphasis on patient care and the need to address food-related health disparities have driven the demand for evidence-based nutritional medicines. Medical foods or foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) as known in non-EU countries are specially formulated for the dietary management of patients with chronic diseases and are intended for use under medical supervision. Gaining traction owing to their potential disease management, medical foods are subject to general food legislation, such as good manufacturing practice (GMP), Codex Alimentarius, and the Orphan Drug Act under the FDA. The supportive regulatory frameworks have created opportunities for new entrants to capitalize on the rising demand and fostered the development of modern patient care.
A wide array of approved medical foods exists to help manage a range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and HIV-associated enteropathy. EnteraGam contains serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate, which is being extensively used in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, and HIV-associated enteropathy. Furthermore, Modulen IBD is a whole-protein nutrition formulation derived for treating the active phase of Crohn’s disease and Vivonex is used to manage severe gastrointestinal dysfunction. Stakeholders including the key players and medical practitioners are focused on clinical trials and developing promising therapies.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
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Base Year |
2023 |
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Forecast Year |
2024-2036 |
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CAGR |
5.5% |
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Base Year Market Size (2023) |
USD 23.6 billion |
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Forecast Year Market Size (2036) |
USD 45.1 billion |
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Regional Scope |
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Route of Administration (Oral, Enteral)
Oral segment is poised to hold medical foods market share of over 71.2% by the end of 2036. The demand for medical foods is primarily being driven by initiatives that are supportive, and commercially viable, and the increased preference for orally administered products. Furthermore, many companies such as Nutricia are continuously advancing and modifying their products such as pills, powders, and pre-thickened products according to the market demand. For instance, in January 2023, Nutricia announced its ready-to-drink, plant-based oral nutritional supplement, Fortimel. It is specially formulated with high-quality plant protein from soy and peas sources to meet the nutritional requirements of malnourished people.
Product (Powder, Pills, Liquid)
The powder segment in medical foods market is expected to be growing with a staggering size by the end of the forecast period. Most of the medical foods are available in powder form which makes them orally administrable. National Institutes of Health 2020 published a report stating that Souvenaid by Nutricia, a patented medical mix of minerals and vitamins was designed to improve brain functioning in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and also supports memory functions.
Moreover, this is useful for the elderly and newborns due to its easy digestion and efficient absorption by the body. Credited to this, many innovations in its formulations are possible to enhance its taste. Powdered medical foods are easier to store and eat because they are dry and have a long shelf life. They are easily found in medical supply stores and can be purchased in plastic or metal containers. In addition to meeting the patient's needs, powdered foods can be made vegan or gluten-free to protect the patient from allergies. This acts as a primary growth factor for this medical foods market expansion.
Our in-depth analysis of the global market includes the following segments:
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North America Market Statistics
By 2036, North America medical foods market is expected to account for around 46.9% revenue share. The growth in this region is led by the surge in the geriatric population suffering from chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2024 estimated that almost 129 million people suffer from major chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity. Additionally, the increasing number of infants and rising cases of malnutrition are all contributing to the growth of the market.
The increasing number of infants in the U.S. is the primary growth factor for the medical foods market share as they are highly dependent on formulas and medical foods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report in 2022 stating that in the U.S. the birth rate increased by 1% from 2020 to 2021 crossed about 3 million births in 2022.
Nutritional deficiencies in Canada are the main cause of people suffering from malnutrition. To cater to this condition minerals and vitamin supplements are required which demand for medical foods in this country. According to Global Affairs Canada 2021, about 2.3 billion people suffer from malnutrition, out of which 928 million (due to less food consumption), 2 billion (less vitamins and minerals consumption), and about 40% of all women and men are obese or overweight.
APAC Market Analysis
Asia Pacific will also encounter huge growth in the medical foods market share during the forecast period with a notable size and will account for the second position. The rapid population growth in this region coupled with urbanization and awareness of early diagnosis and chronic and critical diseases has fueled the market growth in this region. Asian Development Bank predicted that by the end of 2050, 1 out of 4 people will be over 40 years old.
The increasing prevalence of diabetes and cancer in China makes the population more susceptible to diseases. According to the World Economic Forum 2023, WHO commented that the increase in diabetes in China was “explosive” and predicted that by 2021 the country could have 141 million diabetic patients which accounts for about 1/1oth population.
Japan has shown a lucrative increase in people living a sedentary lifestyle by joining corporate jobs. This makes people take a step towards a healthy life by incorporating nutritious foods into their diet. The National Institutes of Health 2021 estimated that on average about 25% of Japanese fall under the high-sedentary group and have more than 8 hours of sedentary time. Additionally, medical foods are not only meant for patients or to cure diseases but for preventing them as well. This benefited the medical food providers of this country.
Medical foods market growth is predicted that these companies will occupy a tremendous share. Most of these companies are continuously collaborating, making agreements, expanding, and joining ventures for the growth of this industry. With the penetration of a sedentary lifestyle and various chronic diseases such as cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, various companies are adapting to improve dietary supplements to the latest trends and are set to be the major key players in this sector.
Some of the key players include:
Author Credits: Radhika Pawar
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