Clinical Nutrition Market Size & Share Analysis - Trends, Drivers, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2025 - 2032)

Clinical Nutrition Market Emerging Trends

Personalized Nutrition Plans Are Trending Worldwide

• A major trend in the market is personalized nutrition plans, which are tailored to the requirements of each individual.
• For this, patients’ genomes are isolated, sequenced, and analyzed, to give nutritionists a comprehensive overview of patients’ internal make-up.
• These studies offer deep insights on what is going on inside patients’ bodies, how are the diseases they have progressing or what disease they are likely to get, and which nutrients they are deficient in or allergic to.
• By analyzing such insights, individualized nutrition and diet plans can be formulated as a preventive measure or to manage certain conditions that arise due to malnutrition.
• Moreover, connected medical devices and telemedicine technologies enable doctors monitor patients from their homes remotely and modify the nutrition plans as per the changes in their conditions.

Growing Incidence of Malnutrition and Preterm Births Drives Market

• The clinical nutrition market is primarily driven by the growing incidence of malnutrition around the world.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies inadequate minerals or vitamins, undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight), obesity & overweight, and the non-communicable diseases that result from an insufficient diet as forms of malnutrition.
• As per this agency, 2.5 billion adults around the world were overweight in 2022, 890 million of whom were obese.
• Further, 390 million adults had a lower-than-recommended weight.
• Additionally, among children aged less than 5, 45 million were too thin, 5 million were too short, and 37 million were overweight or obese.
• The organization also says that up to 50% of all the deaths in this age group are directly liked to undernutrition.
• These children as well as malnourished adults are at a high risk for stroke and other heart diseases, certain forms of cancer, and diabetes.
• Therefore, providing optimum nutrition from the day a child is conceived up to their second birthday is recommended by the WHO.
• However, 2.4 billion people, mainly in rural areas, do not have access to adequate, nutritious, and safe food, while up to 783 million went hungry in 2022.
• Due to all such factors, 600 million people are expected to face hunger by 2030.
• This makes both expecting mothers and newborns a key customer base for clinical nutrition products.
• Another key reason flagged by the WHO for such a high incidence of malnutrition is urbanization, which drives the consumption of packaged and ultra-processed food over fresh, home-cooked meals.
• Hence, with 70% of the global population set to be urban dwellers in 2050, the problem of malnutrition will only worsen.
• Therefore, since 2016, the WHO, FAO, and UN have been trying to create resilient and sustainable food systems, educating people on optimum nutrition, working with health systems to address nutrient shortages, and taking other supportive actions.

Stringent Regulations on Clinical Nutrition Products Hamper Market Growth

• Clinical nutrition products are considered as pharmaceutical products, and the manufacturing must be done in accordance with certain set of rules and regulations.
• The clinical nutrition products are regulated by the FDA in the U.S. and the EMA in Europe.
• In the U.S., the regulations for enteral products are quite different from those of parenteral products.
• Enteral products are similar to drugs, but they are not prescription drugs; thus, they need not go through extensive clinical trials for safety and efficacy approval.
• Enteral nutrition products are governed by meticulous labeling requirements, including detailed supplement facts boxes.
• On the other hand, parenteral products are subject to more-stringent testing and effectively regulated in a manner similar to the prescription drugs.
• A similar scenario exists in Europe, wherein enteral products must receive approval before their marketing, but they are not required to undergo extensive clinical trials.
• However, apart from the EMA, individual regulators govern medical products in each country.
• The EMA regulates clinical nutrition products, granting approvals for new products through a centralized procedure.
• On the other hand, parenteral nutrition products are subject to stricter clinical testing, like in the U.S.
• In the U.S. and Europe, pricing and reimbursement pressures are significant, which would drive down the consumption of various clinical nutrition products.
• In the U.S., most leading market players provide assistance to consumers with reimbursements and billing.
• On the other hand, in Canada and Europe, manufacturers offer less support.
• In these regions, reimbursement is stricter and healthcare payers are less flexible, which is why price-conscious consumers are expected to avoid these products in these regions.

Clinical Nutrition Market Segmentation Analysis

End User Analysis

The pediatric category dominated the market in 2024 with 45% revenue share. Due to the high incidence of malnutrition, international agencies and government bodies are looking to address this issue from a young age. This is why parents are being educated about proper nutrition, and doctors are recommending such products for newborns. As per the WHO, up to 15% of the children born annually have a low birthweight. These children are at a high risk for respiratory distress, brain hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, infections, jaundice, and retinopathy of prematurity. This makes clinical nutrition products for this demographic vital, thus driving the market.

The geriatric category is expected to be the fastest growing in the market during the forecast period. More than 2 billion people around the world will be 60 years old or older by 2050, as per the United Nations. As people get older, their digestive system’s capacity for absorption decreases, making it more difficult for the body to absorb all the nutrients it needs from food. Appetite loss is a prevalent problem among elderly people. As a result, seniors do not receive the recommended amounts of vitamins. They now rely on additional supplements for a balanced diet. The main issues affecting the older population, for which they need nutritional support, are the weakening of bones, poor digestive health, immobility, and chronic and degenerative diseases. Thus, the older population is becoming more dependent on therapeutic nutrition support to keep healthy.

These end users have been analyzed:

• Pediatric (Largest Category)
• Adult
• Geriatric (Fastest-Growing Category)

Application Analysis

The cancer category holds the largest share in the market, due to the rising cancer incidence worldwide. The American Cancer Society says that annual cancer diagnoses globally will increase from 20 million in 2022 to 35 million by 2050. Products for enteral nutrition are regarded as one of the greatest solutions for treating cancer, preventing nutritional deficiencies in the body, and ensuring the proper operation of numerous organs. Cancer patients need a healthy diet because the disease might alter how their bodies process nutrients. Patients must get continual nutrient feedings since cancer patients may become malnourished and lose weight.

The metabolic diseases category will likely witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period, of 6.5%. In adults and the elderly, the prevalence of metabolic illnesses, especially diabetes, is quickly rising. Numerous nations have had serious concerns about diabetes, the prevalence of which will increase by 46% between 2021 and 2045, reaching 738 million people, as per the IDF. In the treatment of metabolic diseases, nutrition is crucial. In addition, the market growth is supported by the surging prevalence of metabolic disorders and the launch of new products.

These applications have been considered:

• Cancer (Largest Category)
• Metabolic Disorders (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Gastrointestinal Diseases
• Neurological Disorders
• Others

Route of Administration Analysis

The oral category held the largest share in the market in 2024, of 45%. This is due to an increasing number of malnourished adults consuming such products and the rising incidence of diabetes and other diseases that require optimum diets. Additionally, the patient compliance for this route of administration is the highest, as it is the conventional way of eating food. Additionally, since children make up the majority of the consumer base, orally given nutrition products dominate the market. For them, baby food fortified with the essential nutrients are available, as well as products in the form of powders that can be added to baby formulae or cereals. Further, being majorly food products, they are the most easily available of all kinds of clinical nutrition products at supermarkets and online, mostly without a prescription.

The parenteral category is expected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period. This is due to the rising number of people unable to eat the conventional way, for whom IV nutrition is widely employed. This consumer group include the elderly, people with serious diseases, comatose people, and those bed-ridden for long periods. Further, for newborns, this is the best way to provide the essential nutrients in the maternity ward or NICU. Moreover, control diets to people about to undergo complex surgeries are often given intravenously.

These routes of administration have been analyzed:

• Oral (Largest Category)
• Enteral
• Parenteral (Fastest-Growing Category)

Distribution Channel Analysis

Pharmacies and drugstores hold the largest share in the market as clinical nutrition products, especially those given enterally and parentally, are dispensed on a prescription in most countries. Moreover, most orally given products are recommended by doctors, which is why people generally prefer buying from pharmacies. Here, consumers can also consult the pharmacist on the correct amount and way to give the product to the patient.

The online category will witness the highest CAGR, of 7%, over the forecast period. E-commerce channels enable customers to compare a whole range of products from different companies and read complete details and reviews before purchasing. Online channels also offer regular discounts, enable electronic payment, and deliver to homes. Further, the rise of online pharmacies, which require a doctor’s signed prescription, will drive this category in the near future.

We have covered these distribution channels:

• Pharmacies & Drug Stores (Largest Category)
• Online Channels (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Hypermarkets & Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Others

Clinical Nutrition Market Regional Outlook

In 2024, North America accounted for the major share, of 40%. High rates of cancer and disorders linked to a sedentary lifestyle, a large number of participants, and superior reimbursement policies in comparison to other regions are some of the key factors propelling the market expansion. Additionally, the region's high disposable income, well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and high healthcare expenditures are all contributing to the demand for clinical nutrition. As per estimates, 1 in 12, of 8% of the babies born in the U.S. each year are underweight. Specific rates stand at 1 in 7 for African–Americans, 1 in 12 for Asians, 1 in 13 for Alaskan natives and Native Americans, 1 in 14 for Latinos, and 1 in 14 for Caucasians. Moreover, in Canada, between 10% and 15% of the children are overweight.

Europe is another significant market due to the rise in the aging population, high cancer incidence, and high birth rate in various nations like the U.K. and France, in the region. The industry growth is being aided by the developed healthcare infrastructure and high healthcare expenditures in Europe.

During the projection period, the APAC market is expected to experience the highest CAGR, of 6.5%. This can be attributed to the rising birth rate, growing geriatric population, and high malnutrition rates in the region. According to the UNICEF, in 2022, more than 30% of the children in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Asian countries in the Pacific Ocean were stunted. India also fares badly in terms of wasting, with at least 15% of the children here suffering from this condition. On the other hand, Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in children in the world, with over 15% of the children here being overweight.

The demand for therapeutic nutrition products is also expected to rise as the region's malnutrition treatment cases increase. Furthermore, the clinical nutrition market growth in APAC is predicted to be fueled by surging disposable income, rising healthcare costs, and growing nutrition awareness.

We studied these countries and regions:

• North America (Largest Regional Market)
  • U.S. (Larger Country Market)
  • Canada (Faster-Growing Country Market)
• Europe
  • Germany (Largest Country Market)
  • France
  • U.K. (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific (APAC) (Fastest-Growing Regional Market)
  • China (Largest Country Market)
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America (LATAM)
  • Brazil (Largest Country Market)
  • Mexico (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • Rest of LATAM
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Saudi Arabia (Fastest-Growing Country Market)
  • South Africa (Largest Country Market)
  • Rest of MEA

Clinical Nutrition Market Share Analysis

• The market is fragmented as clinical nutrition products are formulated for a variety of applications, from general diet supplementation to specific chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.
• They are also meant to be administered via different routes, which diversifies market players.
• Additionally, while the major pharmaceutical companies lead in parenteral and enteral nutrition, food & beverage companies hold significant shares in orally given products.
• The growth of the e-commerce sector has further allowed local companies offer cost-effective options to easily reach customers.

Clinical Nutrition Market Developments

• In October 2024, Vytala launched Seracal, a non-enzymatic treatment that improves the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients and fatty acids from food in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This gluten-free, plant-based products is designed to tackle malabsorption of fat and enable healthy weight gain.
• In May 2024, Danone S.A. completed the acquisition of Functional Formularies, which offers whole foods for enteral feeding applications, to expand its medical nutritional product range in the U.S.
• In May 2024, Baxter International Inc. received the FDA approval for Clinolipid, a parenterally administered emulsion of lipids. Available for adults since 2019, the expanded indication approval now makes it available for preterm and term babies.
• In May 2024, DSM-Firmenich AG entered into a partnered with Lallemand Health Solutions to create synbiotic solutions for pediatric nutrition. Under the partnership, DSM-Firmenich will combine its HMO products with Lallemand’s probiotic products.