Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product, By Flow Type, By Stage (Adults, Pediatrics), By Indication (Alzheimer’s, Nutrition Deficiency, Cancer Care), By End-use, By Sales Channel, By Region- Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2024-2033

The global enteral feeding formulas market size was exhibited at USD 7.50 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 12.93 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2033.

Key Takeaways:

• North America held largest market share of 30% as of 2023.
• Based on product, standard formula segment held the largest market share of 56.8% in 2023.
• Intermittent feeding flow segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 89.0% in 2023.
• Adult segment dominated the market with a share of 90.4% in 2023.
• Other indications segment dominated the enteral feeding formulas market with a revenue share of 37.3 % in 2023.
• Based on sales channels, institutional sales segment dominated the market with 52.0% of the revenue share in 2023.
• Based on end-use, the home care segment is projected to showcase the fastest CAGR of 5.8% over the projection period. 

Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Report Scope

Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, dementia, chronic liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes, is anticipated to boost the demand for products addressing oral intake challenges. For instance, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that the number of adults aged 20-79 living with diabetes would increase from 537 million in 2021 to 643 million by 2033 and 783 million by 2045.

Furthermore, sarcopenia, which is a decrease in muscle strength & function, is an aging-related condition, and dietary management in patients suffering from the condition requires enteral foods. According to an article published in BioMed Central in December 2022, the prevalence of sarcopenia was reported to be around 1-29% in older adults and was higher among patients in long-term care. Moreover, the study reported that malnutrition and sarcopenia overlapped in older adults, and patients with a risk of malnutrition were reported to be at high risk of sarcopenia. Enteral nutrition helps treat and prevent aging-induced sarcopenia. Thus, rapid rise in the elderly population and increase in prevalence of age-related chronic diseases & medical conditions are expected to contribute to the market growth.

Rise in preterm births is one of the significant factors boosting the demand for sip feeds to meet the nutritional requirements of newborns. According to the WHO, rate of preterm birth ranges between 5-18% of babies born across the world. In addition, continued rise in nutritional and other deficiencies, including severe deficiency of micronutrients, proteins, and other nutrients, especially in infants and pregnant women, is leading to an increase in the demand for enteral feeding formulas.

However, improper categorization of clinical nutrition is expected to hamper the market growth. Clinical nutrition is always mistaken for nutritional or functional foods that are not intended for treating any specific medical condition. In regions such as the U.S. and certain European countries, clinical nutrition is clearly defined by regulatory bodies. In the U.S., clinical nutrition is recognized under the FDA’s 1988 Orphan Drugs Act Amendments. In Europe, the European Food Safety Authority recognized clinical nutrition as food for special purposes in 2015. However, in other parts of the world, the regulation for such products is still in progress. Most of the countries follow the Codex Alimentarius standard as regulatory guidelines are under development. In 2006, the Food and Safety Standard Act was passed in India to regulate nutraceutical, dietary supplements, and functional foods. There was no distinct category for clinical nutrition in the law. This, in turn, affects potential research in the clinical nutrition sector. These factors can hamper the market growth.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Enteral feeding formulas market is experiencing moderate growth with an accelerating pace. Key drivers include a rising geriatric population, increasing pre-term births, and a shift towards disease-specific formulas. Research activities in nutrigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are creating links between food and genes, driving the demand for clinical nutrition in personalized treatment regimens.

Market players employ strategies such as new product launches, expansion, acquisitions, and partnerships. For example, in May 2023, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. introduced ENORAS Liquid for Enteral Use in coffee and tea flavors. In March 2023, Danone expanded its market presence in Poland through the acquisition of ProMedica, a company specializing in-home care services.

Regulatory Impact: Enteral feeding formulas are regulated by different regulatory bodies in different regions. For instance, in the U.S., compliance with the Federal Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act is mandatory. Stringent guidelines for manufacturing and sales, as per these acts, could potentially limit market growth.

Low Substitute Threat: The threat of substitutes for enteral feeding formulas is low. These specialized products, designed for chronic disease management, are administered under medical supervision, distinguishing them from other nutritional alternatives.

Degree of Innovation: Technological advancements and rising R&D investment present growth opportunities in the market. Texture-modified products and device enhancements, such as portable pumps and disposable sets, tailored to diverse patient needs, are anticipated to drive market growth

Segments Insights:

Product Insights

Based on product, standard formula segment held the largest market share of 56.8% in 2023. This high share can be attributed to the wide adoption of standard formulas among all types of patients and their associated cost-effectiveness. In addition, easy availability of polymeric nutritional complete formulas, which are suitable for use in both hospitals and home care settings, is anticipated to accelerate segment growth in the coming years. Furthermore, high preference and recommendations by physicians to consume standard formulas for gastrostomy tube (G-tube) patients to enhance children’s nutrition is supporting the segment growth.

Disease-specific formulas segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate due to an increase in prevalence of several chronic disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. These formulas provide nutritional support to individuals suffering from specific diseases that are often characterized by organ dysfunction. These formulations are used for patients suffering from hepatic and pulmonary diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and diabetes. In addition, increase in the development and launch of disease-specific nutritional products by manufacturers as per the patient's needs is accelerating segment growth. An increase in the adoption of immune-modulating and disease-specific formulas for the treatment of several chronic diseases is also projected to boost segment growth over the forecast period.

Flow Type Insights

Intermittent feeding flow segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 89.0% in 2023. Intermittent tube feeding is useful for patients that need nutrient intake at intervals. It is preferred in cases where a nasogastric feeding tube is being used. In elderly population, malnutrition and dysphagia are common and can lead to nutritional deficiency, thus increasing the need for enteral feeding to provide essential nutrients. As per the Dysphagia Fact Sheet 2019, around 10% of the acutely hospitalized elderly population and 50-75% of nursing home residents suffered from dysphagia in the UK. Furthermore, companies are introducing products for patients on intermittent tube feeding. For example, Fresubin 1800 Complete by Fresenius Kabi is designed for dysphagia and other conditions, offering nutritional completeness and suitability for intermittent tube feeding.

Continuous feeding flow segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. It is recommended for critically ill patients suffering from conditions such as respiratory failure, severe burns, and cancer. For instance, according to an article published in MDPI in January 2022, in a controlled trial, the continuous enteral feeding group achieved more than 80% of the target nutrition requirement more frequently than intermittent enteral feeding group. Furthermore, gastrointestinal conditions associated with excessive feed administration or decreased bowel motility favor continuous feeding over bolus feeding. For example, Fresubin 1200 Complete, a tube feed from Fresenius Kabi, addresses gastrointestinal diseases or malabsorption by providing essential nutrients for patients.

Stage Insights

Adult segment dominated the market with a share of 90.4% in 2023. Developing and developed economies are struggling in some or the other form to procure food. Lack of consistent access to food has been termed as “food insecurity” by the USDA. Moreover, prevalence of malnutrition and undernourishment is rising globally. Depending on the patient condition, nasogastric, gastrostomy, or enterostomy feeding is administered.Furthermore, the growing older adult population has led to an increased prevalence of chronic disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, sarcopenia, cancer, and diabetes, among them. Enteral feeding formulas are frequently used for feeding these patients, when the patients are unable to take food and nutrients naturally. This is expected to boost segment growth over the forecast period.

According to an article published in PLOS Global Public Health in November 2022, prevalence of low birth weight globally is estimated to be around 15% to 20% of total births, accounting for more than 20 million births every year. Furthermore, pediatric patients with dysfunctional or nonfunctional gastrointestinal tracts are unable to ingest nutrients orally and, hence, are administered enteral feeding.

Indication Insights

Other indications segment dominated the enteral feeding formulas market with a revenue share of 37.3 % in 2023. Some of the other indications include COPD, respiratory disorders, cystic fibrosis, postoperative stress inflammation, and infections. Due to an increase in the prevalence of various conditions wherein enteral nutrition can be used for the restoration of nutritional balance, the market is anticipated to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period.

According to an article published in the PLOS Global Public Health forum in November 2022, the prevalence of low birth weight globally is estimated to be around 15-20% of the total births, accounting for more than 20 million births every year. Furthermore, pediatric patients with dysfunctional or non-functional gastrointestinal tracts are unable to ingest nutrients orally and, hence, are administered enteral feeding.

Sales Channel Insights

Based on sales channels, institutional sales segment dominated the market with 52.0% of the revenue share in 2023. Institutions that purchase enteral nutrition products include hospitals, long-term care centers, hospices, and disability facilities. The purchase decision of enteral nutrition formulas is influenced by doctors. Furthermore, growing number of private and public healthcare institutions and increasing chronic disease patient population across the globe is impelling the segment growth.

Online sales channel segment is projected to grow at a fastest CAGR over the forecast period. There is a shift in the trend toward direct selling to customers via e-commerce platforms. The preference for online purchase of enteral feeding formulas is rising owing to the convenience offered by this sales channel. Although consumed under medical surveillance, these products are intended for long-term nutrition management, resulting in growing sales through e-commerce.

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the home care segment is projected to showcase the fastest CAGR of 5.8% over the projection period. Home enteral nutrition includes different subtypes such as hospices, home health agencies, nursing homes, adult day care centers, and residential care communities. According to data published by the CDC, in 2018, the number of hospices in the U.S. was around 4,700 and the number of patients opting for hospices was 1,426,000. In addition, there were 28,900 residential care communities and around 1.6 million patients were living as residents.

The rising number of hospital-associated cases of malnutrition is a notable indicator of the growing demand for enteral feeding formulas in hospitals. Tube feeding requires proper training & precision and is recommended to be used under proper guidance; hence, many hospitalized patients are recommended enteral feeding to meet the daily requirement of nutrition.

Regional Insights

North America held largest market share of 30% as of 2023. In the U.S., many individuals are suffering from head & neck cancer, which is expected to boost the adoption of these formulas. For instance, according to CDC, in 2019, 47,813 new cases of oral cavities and pharynx cancer were reported in the country. Moreover, the increasing incidence of various chronic disorders such as neurological diseases is anticipated to increase the applications of enteral feeding formulas during the forecast period.

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate over the coming years. Growing geriatric population in Japan is likely to drive the demand for enteral feeding formulas in the country over the forecast period. According to World Bank, in 2021, over 30% of the Japanese population was aged 65 & above. According to a UN report, the elderly population will increase twofold from 10% in 2017 to 20% by 2037 in China. Moreover, an increase in the number of hospitalized patients affected by malnutrition in Australia has fueled the growth of the market.

Recent Developments

• In September 2023, Abbott announced the plan to boost manufacturing of various adult enteral formulas for the retail market to counteract low supply in the institutional sector.
• In February 2023, Nestlé and EraCal Therapeutics initiated a research collaboration to identify novel nutraceuticals for controlling food intake
• In September 2022, Kate Farms introduced Adult Standard 1.4, a high-calorie medical formula now offered in chocolate. This product is designed to assist in weight gain, weight maintenance, and improved tolerance while providing a delicious taste

Some of the prominent players in the enteral feeding formulas market include:

• Abbott
• Danone S.A
• Fresenius Kabi AG
• Nestlé
• VICTUS
• Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• Meiji Holdings. Co., Ltd.
• Mead Johnson & Company, LLC

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global enteral feeding formulas market.

Product

• Standard Formula
• Disease-specific Formulas

• • Alzheimer’s
  • Nutrition Deficiency
  • Cancer Care
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic Kidney Diseases
  • Orphan Diseases
  • Dysphagia
  • Pain Management
  • Malabsorption/GI Disorder/Diarrhea
  • Others

Flow Type

• Intermittent Feeding Flow
• Continuous Feeding Flow

Stage

• Adults 
• Pediatrics

Indication

• Alzheimer’s
• Nutrition Deficiency
• Cancer Care
• Diabetes
• Chronic Kidney Diseases
• Orphan Diseases
• Dysphagia
• Pain Management
• Malabsorption/GI Disorder/Diarrhea
• Others

End-use

• Hospitals

• • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Critical Care (ICU)
  • Oncology
  • Others

• Home Care
• Long Term Care Facilities

Sales Channel

• Online Sales
• Retail Sales
• Institutional Sales

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)