Medical Food – Food for Special Dietary Use

The global medical foods market size was valued at USD 20.15 billion in 2020. It is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2021 to 2028.

Medical Food is something that is used to treat diseases that have a specific set of nutritional requirements. Confusing right? Let’s dive into the details for better clarity and understanding.

What is a medical food product?

Well, we have already discussed the basic meaning of medical food above. Now, let’s just listen to what Orphan Drug Act by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has to say. As per the act “a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation”.

If we break it down, medical food has three prime characteristics:

It involves such foods that meet distinctive nutritional requirements of an illness which can’t be met by dietary supplements. For example, Lunglaid is a medical food that is given to patients suffering from chronic asthma.

It should be consumed/administered orally under the supervision of a physician.

It is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition. For example, type 2 diabetes mellitus or Alzheimer’s disease.

Related Blog@ Medical Food �" Food for Special Dietary Use

Medical Foods Market Report Highlights

• The oral segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2020, owing to the high commercial viability of orally administered products and high preference for orally administered medical foods
• The others' segment dominated the market in 2020, owing to increasing application areas, high commercial availability, and easy administration of the products
• Diabetic Neuropathy dominated the market in 2020, owing to increasing diabetes prevalence and the rising number of patients that are at risk of developing some level of neuropathy
• Institutional sales accounted for the highest revenue share in 2020, owing to higher adoption and consumption of enteral and oral medical foods in healthcare institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and care centers
• North America dominated the market with a revenue share of 29.9% in 2020, owing to the presence of key market players and high revenue generated by these players in this region

Related Press Release@ Medical Foods Market Report