Enteral nutrition involves administration of nutritional formulas through a tube directly into the stomach, duodenum or jejunum. It provides an adequate amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals which helps patients who are unable to eat or absorb enough nutrients orally. Some key advantages of enteral nutrition are minimised risk of complications associated with malnutrition, reduction in nosocomial infections and overall mortality rates. There has been a rise in chronic diseases globally which require enteral or parenteral nutrition support. The global enteral nutrition market is estimated to be valued at US$ 3.1 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.

Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the enteral nutrition market are Abbott, Nestlé S.A., Danone S.A., Fresenius Kabi AG, Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, Braun Melsungen AG, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd., Bahrain Pharma, Bionova Lifesciences, Global Health Products Inc., Victus Inc., Curtis Health Caps SP.

The key opportunities in the enteral nutrition market include growing demand for disease specific formulas that cater to the nutritional requirements of patients with chronic illness such as cancer, diabetes etc. Technological advancements such as development of low-profile tubes and enteral pumps with alarms has facilitated easy and safe administration of formulas directly into the digestive tract.

Market drivers
The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders that require nutritional support is a major driver for the enteral nutrition market. As per WHO, cancer was responsible for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. Moreover, growing geriatric population worldwide who are more prone to malnutrition is boosting the demand for enteral nutrition products. Favorable reimbursement policies and regulations especially in developed markets also support the growth of the enteral nutrition market.

Challenges in the Enteral Nutrition Market

The enteral nutrition market faces many challenges currently. Some of the key challenges include pricing pressures from generic and private label products. The market is also facing challenges from reimbursement cuts by various governments and insurance providers. Logistical issues related to transportation and storage of products is another challenge. Healthcare professionals have limited time to counsel patients on using enteral formulas which also poses difficulties. Meeting evolving consumer preferences and demands for customized formulas tailored to individual health conditions or lifestyle needs is a ongoing challenge.

SWOT Analysis
Strength: Formulas tailored for specific clinical needs or health conditions. Availability in variety of forms like liquid, powder or semi solid.
Weakness: Issues related to reimbursement and high costs. Improper usage can cause complications.
Opportunity: Growing geriatric population driving demand. Increasing cases of chronic diseases like cancer. Scope to innovate new formulas.
Threats: Intense competition from generic products. Stringent regulations around marketing and production.

The United States accounts for the major share of the enteral nutrition market in terms of value currently. This is owing to factors like high healthcare spending, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, growing elderly population and developed healthcare infrastructure in the country. Europe represents another major geographical region for the enteral nutrition market currently led by countries like Germany, U.K and France.

The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market for enteral nutrition over the forecast period from 2023 to 2030. Factors such as improving healthcare infrastructure, rising medical tourism, growing incidence of chronic conditions and increasing per capita healthcare expenditure are driving the market growth in Asia Pacific region. Countries like India, China and Japan will be key contributors to enteral nutrition market growth in Asia Pacific going forward.