세계의 의료용 식품 시장 규모는 2024년에 244억 9,000만 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 2033년에는 373억 9,000만 달러에 이르고, 2025년부터 2033년까지 4.78%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측했습니다. 2024년 시장은 북미가 지배적이었습니다. 대중 사이에서 당뇨병, 암, 대사 이상 등의 만성질환이 증가하고 있는 것, 노년 인구가 증가하고 있는 것, 영양과 유전자의 관계에 주목한 중성 유전학 분야의 진보가 진행되고 있는 것 등이 시장 성장을 가속하는 요인이 되고 있습니다.
당뇨병, 암, 심혈관 질환 등 만성 질환의 비율이 증가하고 이러한 질병 관리에 집중적인 영양 개입이 필요하다는 것은 세계 의료용 식품 시장의 주요 촉진요인입니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 4월 17일 업계 보고서에 따르면 현대 임상시험에서 '의약품으로서의 식품' 접근 방식의 부활은 특정 질병의 치료 및 지연에 있어서 식단 개입의 효능을 강조합니다. PREDIMED 시험과 같은 최근 연구는 지중해식과 같은 다이어트 개입이 심혈관 질환을 효과적으로 예방하거나 지연시킬 수 있음을 입증했습니다. 이러한 지식은 표준 의료 행위에 특정 식단 전략을 도입하여 질병 관리와 예방을 강화할 수 있음을 시사합니다. 게다가 영양불량과 노인 관련 증상을 예방하기 위한 제품에 대한 수요 증가도 시장 확대에 기여하고 있습니다. 마찬가지로 임상 영양학 연구와 기술의 끊임없는 진보로 의료 제공업체와 환자에게 매력적인 새로운 맞춤형 의료용 식품 제제의 개발이 가능해졌습니다. 건강 관리에서 맞춤형 영양의 역할에 대한 의식 증가는 시장 수요를 크게 지원합니다.
미국은 주요 지역 시장으로, 희귀 대사성 질환의 발생률이 증가함에 따라 개별 요구에 대응하는 특정 의료 영양 제품에 대한 수요가 증가하고 성장을 경험하고 있습니다. 마찬가지로, 예방의료에 대한 관심 증가는 의료용 식품의 사용을 촉진하고, 취약한 집단에서 질병의 진행을 예방하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 호의적인 의료 정책과 의료 서비스간의 전략적 제휴는 의료 영양 제품 시장에 대한 접근과 채택을 촉진하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 미국 보건 사회 복지부(HHS)와 The Rockefeller Foundation은 2024년 1월 31일 Food is Medicine 이니셔티브를 의료 시스템에 통합하는 가속화를 위한 파트너십을 발표했습니다. 이 협력 관계는 건강에서 영양의 역할에 대한 국민의 인식을 높이고 성공적인 건강 프로그램을 미국인으로 확대하기 위한 전략을 모색함으로써 건강 결과와 공정성을 향상시키는 것입니다. 또한 The Rockefeller Foundation은 '음식은 의료' 프로그램에 대한 투자를 1억 달러 이상 늘릴 것을 약속했으며, 이는 미국의 다양한 집단에서 이러한 개입 조치의 건강과 경제에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 미국 심장협회에 최대 5,100만 달러를 포함합니다. 소아과 및 신생아 의료의 개선은 특정 건강 상태에 있는 영유아와 소아에 특화된 영양 솔루션이 필요하게 되었습니다. 게다가 미국에서는 의약품 및 헬스케어 인프라가 발달하고 있어, 의료용 식품의 신속한 시장 개척, 규제, 유통이 가능하고, 세계 시장에서의 입지를 더욱 강화하고 있습니다.
의료용 식품 시장 동향
만성 질환의 유병률 증가
당뇨병, 암, 대사성 질환 등 환자의 결과와 생활의 질을 개선하기 위해 지속적인 식단 관리가 필요한 만성 질환의 유병률이 확대되고 있는 것이 시장 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다. WHO에 따르면 2023년에는 심혈관질환(연간 1,790만명이 사망)과 당뇨병(200만명이 사망) 등의 만성질환이 질병관리를 지원하고 환자의 결과를 개선하는 의료용 식품 수요를 촉진하고 있습니다. 이 성장은 세계 수준에서 증가하는 비감염성 질환의 부하를 다루기 위한 개별화 영양의 가장 중요성을 보여줍니다. 맞춤형 의료용 식품은 증상 관리, 회복 지원, 질병 개발 촉진을 피하기 위해 적극적인 영양 지원을 가능하게 합니다. 비감염성 질환은 세계적인 동향이 되고 있습니다. 따라서 의료식 전문가들은 임상에 참여할 기회가 늘고 있습니다. 이러한 의식은 특정 영양 제품에 대한 수요를 창출할 뿐만 아니라 의료용 식품의 가치를 높이고 있습니다. 2023년 Danone은 Fortimel Balanced 음료를 라인업에 추가하여 중국에서 성인용 의료 영양 제품의 구색을 늘렸습니다. 이 음료는 수술과 만성 질환에서 회복 된 사람의 식이 요건을 충족시키기 위해 만들어졌습니다. 이 움직임은 성인용 특수의료용 식품(AFSMP) 시장 진입을 나타내는 것으로, Danone의 특수 영양 분야에서의 확대를 강화하는 것입니다.
노년 인구 증가
유엔 인구 기금에 의한 '인도 고령화 보고서 2023'에 따르면 인도의 60세 이상 인구 비율은 2022년 10.5%(14억 9,000만 명)에서 2050년에는 20.8%(34억 7,000만 명)로 증가합니다. 노인은 만성 질환, 영양 실조, 노화와 관련된 문제를 겪기 쉽기 때문에 특별한 식사를 고려해야 합니다. 의료용 식품은 노인에게 소화, 영양 흡수, 건강 전반과 같은 특정 요구에 대응하는 맞춤형 영양 대체 식품을 제공합니다. 이러한 배경에서 의료용 식품은 노인의 건강과 복지 개선에 초점을 맞춘 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 노인들에게는 장기적인 영양 지원이 필요하기 때문에 의료용 식품은 영양 보조 식품으로서 중요한 역할을 합니다.
중성 유전체학의 진보
IMARC Group에 따르면 뉴트리유전체학 시장은 2023년 12억 1,260만 달러로 평가되었습니다. 영양과 유전 연구인 중성 유전학 분야의 진보가 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 영양유전체학 연구는 다양한 사람들의 유전자 차이가 다이어트 요건과 영양소에 어떻게 반응하는지를 설명하는 데 도움이 되는 틀을 제공합니다. 과학은 환자의 개별 유전적 특징에 따라 전문화된 의료용 식품을 처방하는 데 도움이 되도록 개발되었습니다. 의료용 식품은 유전자에 기초한 영양 개입을 실시함으로써 질병에 의해 잘 대처하고 예방할 수 있습니다. 영양유전체학의 응용에 근거한 의료용 식품의 처방에 의해 정밀도가 높고 효과적인 제품이 탄생해, 의료 제공업체나 이용자의 사이에서 받아들여지고 있습니다.
The global medical foods market size was valued at USD 24.49 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 37.39 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.78% from 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market in 2024. 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, focusing on the relationship between nutrition and genes, are several of the factors impelling the market growth.
The increased rate of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular diseases, requiring focused nutritional interventions in these disease management is a major driver for the global market of medical foods. For instance, according to an industry report on April 17, 2024, a resurgence in the "food as medicine" approach within modern clinical trials, emphasizing dietary interventions' effectiveness in treating or delaying certain diseases. Recent studies, such as the PREDIMED trial, demonstrate that dietary interventions like the Mediterranean diet can effectively prevent or delay cardiovascular diseases. These findings suggest that incorporating specific dietary strategies into standard medical practice could enhance disease management and prevention. Furthermore, growing demands for products to prevent malnutrition and conditions related to old age are also contributing to the expansion of the market. Similarly, continual advances in clinical nutrition research and technology have made possible the development of new and customized medical food formulations, which are attractive to healthcare providers and patients. The increasing awareness regarding the role of personalized nutrition in health management significantly supports the market demand.
The United States is a key regional market and is experiencing growth due to rising the incidence of rare metabolic disorders which increased the demand for specific medical nutrition products catering to individual needs. Similarly, the growing focus on preventive care prompted the use of medical foods, preventing disease progression in vulnerable populations. In addition to this, favorable healthcare policies and strategic partnerships between healthcare services have also made them more accessible and adopted in the market. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and The Rockefeller Foundation announced a partnership on January 31, 2024, to accelerate the integration of Food is Medicine initiatives into health systems. The collaboration will improve health outcomes and equity by increasing public awareness of nutrition's role in health and exploring strategies to expand successful health programs to Americans. Also, The Rockefeller Foundation committed to increasing its investment in Food is Medicine programs by over USD 100 million, which also includes up to USD 51 million to the American Heart Association to study the health and economic impacts of these interventions across diverse U.S. populations. Improvements in pediatric and neonatal care have created a requirement for specialized nutritional solutions for infants and children with specific health conditions. Moreover, the developed pharmaceutical and healthcare infrastructure in the United States enables the speedy development, regulation, and distribution of medical foods, further strengthening its position in the global market.
Medical Foods Market Trends
Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases
The expanding prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders, which need continuous dietary management to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, is fueling the market growth. According to WHO, in 2023, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (17.9M deaths per year) and diabetes (2.0M) are driving demand for medical foods that support disease management and improve patient outcomes. This growth marks the utmost importance of personalized nutrition for dealing with the increased loads of non-communicable diseases at the global level. Customized medical foods allow for targeted nutritional assistance that helps with symptom management, recovery support, and avoiding the acceleration of disease development. Non-communicable diseases have become a trend worldwide. This makes medical food professionals engage in clinical practice more. This awareness is not only creating a demand for specific nutrition products but also elevating the value of medical foods. 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. Older adults are more prone to chronic illnesses, malnutrition, and age-related problems, which require special dietary consideration. Medical foods provide older adults with customized nutritional alternatives that address specific needs: improved digestion, nutrient absorption, and general health. This is driving the demand for medical foods focused on improving the health and well-being of the geriatric population. Long-term nutritional support is frequently needed by older individuals, making medical foods an important adjunct to their nutrition regimen.
Advances in Nutrigenomics
According to the IMARC Group, the nutrigenomics market was valued at USD 1,212.6 Million in 2023. Advances in the field of nutrigenomics, the study of nutrition and genetics, contribute to the market's growth. Nutrigenomics research provides a framework that helps explain how the differences in genes among various people have resulted in dietary requirements and reactions to nutrients. Science has developed that can help formulate specialized medical foods depending on the individual genetic characteristics of patients. Medical foods can better handle and prevent diseases through genetic-based tailoring of nutrition interventions. The formulation of medical foods based on the application of nutrigenomics resulted in highly accurate and effective products that are becoming acceptable among health providers and users.
Powder leads the market in 2024. Powder is versatile, easy to use, and can be utilized in multiple 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.
Oral administration leads the market in 2024. Oral 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.
Diabetes leads the market in 2024. 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, Nestle 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.
Hospitals and retail pharmacies lead the market in 2024. The leadership of the segment can be 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 favourable medical foods market outlook. The professional advice and counselling available at these pharmacies enhance patient compliance and proper usage. Additionally, strategic collaborations between medical food manufacturers and pharmacies contribute to an efficient supply chain, ensuring that patients have consistent access to essential products.
In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share, 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 growth in the North American market. 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.
United States Medical Foods Market Analysis
The adoption of medical foods has seen a remarkable rise, increased by the proliferation of online platforms. As per the International Trade Administration, global B2C e-commerce revenue is anticipated to reach USD 5.5 Trillion by 2027, expanding at a 14.4% CAGR. Expanding online distribution channels are driving medical food accessibility, enhancing convenience for patients and caregivers. With increasing accessibility, these digital channels enable personalized nutrition solutions to reach diverse demographics efficiently. Consumer reliance on e-commerce for dietary products that cater to specific health conditions enhanced convenience and widened market reach. Platforms emphasize user-friendly interfaces and seamless delivery networks, which resonate with individuals managing chronic illnesses, malnutrition, and metabolic disorders. Online resources empower users with educational content on tailored dietary regimens, fostering trust and repeated purchases. Advanced logistics ensure rapid product availability, addressing the growing demand for nutritionally precise formulations. Furthermore, the integration of telehealth services complements digital shopping by providing medical professionals with tools to recommend specific formulations, bolstering adoption. This dynamic ecosystem of interconnected services and technological innovations is reshaping the way consumers and healthcare providers access and utilize therapeutic nutrition solutions.
Asia Pacific Medical Foods Market Analysis
Increased adoption of medical foods aligns closely with the swift expansion of healthcare services. Enhanced medical infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, supports the distribution and recommendation of these specialized nutritional products. For instance, India's healthcare sector attracted USD 5.33 Billion in private investments across 57 deals in 2024. Experts project USD 5-6 Billion annual investments, fostering growth in medical foods through enhanced healthcare infrastructure. Despite fewer deals, rising investments highlight the sector's potential. As healthcare practitioners increasingly incorporate dietary management into treatment plans, the awareness of therapeutic formulations is gaining traction. Hospitals and clinics emphasize integrating nutrition-based interventions for conditions like diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurological ailments. Parallel investments in specialized training programs for nutritionists have further empowered the medical community to advocate for precise dietary solutions. Retail pharmacies linked to healthcare centers have broadened the availability of medical foods, enabling patients to access formulations recommended during consultations. With rising wellness awareness, the healthcare sector actively promotes preventive care measures, creating opportunities for medical foods to serve as integral components of long-term health strategies. This synergy between medical practice and therapeutic nutrition highlights a pivotal trend.
Europe Medical Foods Market Analysis
The rising prevalence of chronic illnesses is catalyzing the demand for medical foods as integral components of disease management. Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and digestive disorders necessitate precise nutritional interventions to support recovery and enhance quality of life. According to the European Cancer Information System, new cancer cases in the EU increased by 2.3% to 2.74 Million in 2022, with deaths rising by 2.4% compared to 2020. This growing burden highlights the urgent need for supportive interventions, positioning medical foods as a critical aid for cancer patients. The trend highlights expanding opportunities in the medical nutrition sector. Healthcare systems increasingly prioritize dietary strategies to complement conventional treatments, and medical foods are positioned as indispensable tools in managing malnutrition and metabolic imbalances. Home-based care is on the rise, driven by the need for cost-effective, patient-centered solutions, which boosts the consumption of tailored nutritional products. Manufacturers are innovating with flavour enhancements and easy-to-consume formats to cater to individuals with complex dietary needs. The inclusion of specialized nutrition as part of public health campaigns further promotes its adoption. This alignment between the healthcare ecosystem and patient needs underlines the growing reliance on therapeutic dietary products to address chronic conditions effectively.
Latin America Medical Foods Market Analysis
Inflating disposable incomes are playing a pivotal role in enhancing access to medical foods. Individuals are increasingly allocating resources to premium nutrition products that support specific health requirements. For instance, inflating disposable incomes in Latin America, projected to grow by nearly 60% in real terms from 2021 to 2040, are driving demand for medical foods. This growth is fueled by narrowing regional disparities, technological advancements, and a shift to value-added sectors. Enhanced purchasing power benefits the healthcare sector, increasing access to specialized nutrition solutions. Personalized dietary solutions are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking proactive wellness strategies. Pharmacies and wellness centers highlight these offerings as integral components of tailored healthcare routines, ensuring easier access for consumers across income brackets. The ability to invest in high-quality medical formulations accentuates a growing shift towards preventive health measures. As affordability improves, the adoption of therapeutic dietary products designed for malnutrition, recovery, and chronic illness management is expanding, paving the way for robust market growth.
Middle East and Africa Medical Foods Market Analysis
The expansion of healthcare facilities is directly influencing the rising use of medical foods in this region. According to Dubai Healthcare City Authority report, by 2022, Dubai had 4,482 private medical facilities, including 56 hospitals and over 55,208 licensed professionals. With projected growth of 10-15% in medical professionals and 3-6% in facilities, expanding healthcare infrastructure is driving demand for medical foods, offering enhanced patient nutrition and recovery support. New clinics and hospitals integrate nutrition-focused approaches into patient care, emphasizing tailored dietary regimens for managing malnutrition, post-surgical recovery, and metabolic disorders. These facilities frequently collaborate with nutrition experts to develop personalized therapeutic plans, ensuring accessibility for patients in both urban and rural areas. The increased availability of specialized medical infrastructure aligns with efforts to provide comprehensive care, highlighting the critical role of targeted nutrition. As healthcare networks continue to grow, medical foods are becoming integral components of the patient treatment experience, promoting wider adoption across diverse demographics.
The global medical foods market is characterized by intense competition due to the increasing demand for specialty nutritional solutions designed for the management of chronic diseases. Formulation innovations, driven by the rising incidence and prevalence of diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders, permeate medical food offerings from manufacturers. Divergence in regional regulation and changing dietary requirements propel product innovation and market access. Key players in the market are actively involved in huge research operations to innovate and improvise product formulations to ensure better efficacy and compliance by patients. Strategic mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations are very common to enhance market presence and distribution capabilities. Pricing, quality, and targeted efficacy always remain central to competitive strategies.