Enteral nutrition involves delivery of liquid nutrition formulas through a tube placed in the stomach or intestine. It provides nutritional requirements to individuals who are unable to meet their dietary needs through normal food intake due to various age-related or disease-related factors. The global enteral nutrition market is estimated to witness a significant demand growth in the coming years owing to rising prevalence of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population worldwide.

Enteral nutrition consists of tube feeding formulas that provide balanced nutrition for patients with functional, mechanical, or pathological difficulties which limit voluntary oral intake. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, and diabetes which negatively impact normal eating. With technological advancements making enteral feeding procedures safer and more convenient, it is now preferred over parenteral nutrition by healthcare providers. 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., and Curtis Health Caps SP. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing adoption of enteral tube feeding are major market growth drivers. Technological developments have led to the availability of compact and portable enteral feeding pumps and administration sets for flexible homecare.

Market Trends
One of the key trends in the enteral nutrition market is the introduction of disease-specific and customized formulas. Manufacturers are focusing on developing formulas tailored to the nutritional needs of patients with specific medical conditions. Another trend is the rise in demand for organic and natural ingredient based enteral formulas due to increasing health consciousness.

Market Opportunities
Growing geriatric population suffering from dysphagia and other age-related comorbidities presents significant opportunity for enteral nutrition product providers. Additionally, expansion of homecare and home enteral nutrition services in developing countries will further drive the market growth over the forecast period.

Impact of COVID-19 on Enteral Nutrition Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted the growth of the enteral nutrition market in the initial months. During the lockdown period, the distribution channels were disrupted which affected the supply of enteral nutrition products. There was a shortage of feeding tubes and accessories due to supply chain issues. Many non-critical surgeries and procedures were postponed which lowered the demand for post-operative enteral nutrition support during this period. However, as the number of COVID-19 cases increased worldwide, the demand for enteral tube feeding rose significantly for the management of infected patients who were unable to eat orally. This demand was further fuelled by the recommendations from medical associations regarding the use of enteral nutrition as the preferred mode of feeding for critically ill COVID-19 patients.

In the post-COVID period, the enteral nutrition market is expected to witness steady growth. The pandemic has created more awareness about the advantages of enteral nutrition among healthcare professionals as well as patients. There is an increased focus on preventive health and nutrition which is boosting the demand. Moreover, the rising cases of chronic diseases and growing geriatric population who are more prone to conditions requiring enteral nutrition will support market expansion over the forecast years. Companies are investing in innovation and leveraging digital technologies to ensure stable supply chain and meet the rising demand in the future.

Europe holds the largest share of the enteral nutrition market in terms of value. This can be attributed to the presence of major industry players, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, developed healthcare infrastructure and growing aging population. Germany dominates the European market due to strong government support and awareness levels regarding clinical nutrition. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market owing to increasing healthcare expenditure, large patient pool, growing access to advanced therapies and rising incidence of malnutrition. Other emerging economies in South American and Middle Eastern countries are also expected to offer lucrative opportunities with rapid infrastructural and economic development.