The India medical nutrition market caters to the nutritional needs of the patients through specially formulated food and beverages. The market consists of infant nutrition, adult nutrition, sports nutrition, and other medical nutrition products like formulas for age-related chronic disorders, digestive health, and others. Medical nutrition helps address malnutrition in healthcare facilities. The growing consumer awareness towards preventive healthcare and the increasing government initiatives to curb malnutrition are driving the demand for medical nutrition in India.
India Medical Nutrition Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 466.5 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the India medical nutrition are ROSEN Group, Johnson and Allen Ltd. , Advanced NDT Ltd. , Olympus Corporation, Intertek Group PLC, Baker Hughes, GE Measurement and Control, and Russell Fraser Sales Pty Ltd., among others. These key players are focusing on new product launches and geographical expansions to strengthen their market presence.
The growing ageing population in India and the increasing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases are driving the demand for medical nutrition products in the country. As per WHO, India had approximately 138 million people aged 60 or above in 2020 and this number is projected to reach about 300 million by 2050. Moreover, malnutrition is highly prevalent in India with over 50% of children under five years are underweight.
Technological advancements in the field of nutrient delivery systems are supporting the India Medical Nutrition Market Demand. Innovations related to the development of palatable and portable formats of medical nutrition are enhancing patient compliance. Emerging technologies like 3D printing are enabling customized and personalized formulation of medical food.
Market Trends
Growing demand for preventive healthcare: There is an increase in awareness amongst consumers regarding the importance of preventive healthcare and wellness. This is promoting the adoption of medical nutrition products for the management of lifestyle-related chronic conditions as well as for general health and wellness.
Rise of e-commerce: E-commerce platforms are becoming popular channels for the purchase of India Medical Nutrition Market Size and Trends products in India. They provide ease of purchase and access to a wide assortment of brands and products. Various players are focusing on strengthening their online presence through company-owned websites and e-retailers.
Market Opportunities
Untapped rural markets: Unlike urban centres, there is lower awareness and penetration of medical nutrition in rural India. However, malnutrition prevalence is high in these areas. This provides scope for players to specially focus on awareness campaigns and customizing their offerings to cater to the requirements of rural consumers.
Favourable regulatory environment: The nutraceuticals category falls under the food category in India and is hence regulated by FSSAI rather than CDSCO. This, along with support from the government in promoting wellness, provides a conducive environment for innovating and launching new products.
Impact of COVID-19 on India Medical Nutrition Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the India medical nutrition market. During the initial lockdown phases, patients suffered from lack of access to nutritional supplements and dietary management services due to supply chain disruptions. There was a shortage of raw materials and workforce available for manufacturing medical foods. Hospitals and clinics also witnessed a dip in patient volumes as many postponed or cancelled their visits fearing infection. This negatively impacted the demand for enteral and parenteral nutrition support products in the short term.
However, as the pandemic stretched on, the importance of nutrition in boosting immunity and managing chronic diseases was increasingly recognized. There was a shift towards home healthcare solutions to reduce infection risk. This led to rising adoption of powder and liquid medical foods suitable for home delivery. Teleconsultation and online nutrition counseling also picked up popularity. Government initiatives to promote domestic production of essential medicines and nutritional supplements through Production Linked Incentive schemes provided stimulus. Gradually, as vaccination drives progressed, outpatient footfalls in hospitals rebounded and demand from institutional settings recovered. Innovation of easy-to-use products and personalized offerings helped expand the market reach beyond metropolitan areas. Overall, while COVID-19 posed initial challenges, greater awareness on nutrition is expected to support the India medical nutrition market’s growth in the long run. Stronger emphasis on preventive healthcare and home-based care models will likely remain key trends going forward.
Regions in India Where Medical Nutrition Market is Concentrated
The medical nutrition market in India is currently concentrated in major cities and states with established healthcare infrastructure and higher healthcare expenditure. Metropolitan regions like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune account for over 60% of the total market value. This is due to presence of large private and government hospitals, specialty nutrition clinics, specialty retail pharmacies and medical stores catering to urban population’s nutrition needs. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat that collectively contribute over 45% of the country’s GDP also dominate in terms of market size. However, to expand access, companies are increasingly focusing on tier 2 and 3 cities as well as rural areas through online channels, teleconsultations and tie-ups with local pharmacists.
Fastest Growing Region for India Medical Nutrition Market
The western region of India, comprising states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa, is expected to witness the fastest growth in medical nutrition market over the forecast period. This is driven by rising lifestyle diseases, growing healthcare expenditure, proliferation of nuclear families and increasing awareness about preventive healthcare and wellness in these states. Rapid urbanization and focus on infrastructure development are also facilitating wider availability and access to high-quality nutrition solutions. Furthermore, presence of major domestic players and R&D centers in western India will aid faster product launches and innovations catering to regional healthcare needs. Initiatives to promote local manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat further strengthen the growth prospects. The western region offers immense untapped market potential given lower baseline consumption compared to southern and northern regions currently.
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About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)