Global Enteral Nutrition Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET SIZE

The global enteral nutrition market was valued at USD 20.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 30.96 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 6.78% over the forecast period. The market is undergoing significant transformation, fueled by advancements in innovative, organic, and specialized formulations, continuous improvements in enteral nutrition (EN) delivery methods, and enhanced coverage and reimbursement policies in developed regions. The steady market growth is expected to persist, driven by the rising burden of chronic illnesses, a growing aging population, an increasing number of preterm births, and the escalating prevalence of malnutrition among pregnant women.

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET DEFINITION

Enteral nutrition refers to specialized liquid nutritional products designed to deliver nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract. These formulas offer a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and often include added components such as specialized nutrients and dietary fibers. Enteral nutrition is typically administered through tube feeding to meet the nutritional needs of individuals who are unable to consume sufficient nutrition orally. There are three primary types of enteral nutrition formulas: standard formulas, peptide-based formulas, and real-food formulas.

Enteral nutrition plays a crucial role in patient care, ranging from hospital settings to home care environments. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with gastrointestinal conditions, difficulty swallowing, those undergoing surgery, the chronically or critically ill, and individuals at risk of malnutrition.

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET NEWS

In March 2025, Nutrisens Group, an emerging player in clinical nutrition, announced its expansion into Latin America through the acquisition of Brazilian-based Prediet Medical Nutrition. Prediet specializes in manufacturing oral and enteral nutrition products in various forms, including powders, liquids, and tube feeding. This strategic acquisition is expected to enhance Nutrisens’ product portfolio and strengthen its regional market presence.

In 2024, Danone, a leading company in the enteral nutrition market, acquired Functional Formularies—a prominent whole-food tube feeding business based in the U.S. This move supports Danone’s ongoing efforts to broaden its Medical Nutrition offerings, particularly within the enteral nutrition segment.

Also in 2024, Danone completed the acquisition of Kate Farms to further develop its whole-food tube feeding (enteral nutrition) formulations. Kate Farms, known for its natural ingredient-based tube feeding products, contributes to strengthening Danone’s enteral nutrition portfolio with globally recognized solutions.

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Transitioning from Parenteral to Enteral Nutrition

In recent years, there has been a significant shift toward enteral nutrition through tube feeding over parenteral nutrition. When the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is functional, tube feeding is generally regarded as the primary method of artificial nutrition. Clinicians widely agree that enteral feeding should be the first choice for nutritional support when the GI tract is accessible and operational. According to a 2023 report by the National Library of Medicine, both healthcare providers and patients tend to favor enteral nutrition over parenteral options due to its cost-effectiveness and the lower risk of complications, such as infections and blood clots.

Innovations in Enteral Nutrition Technology and Formulations

Enteral nutrition is typically delivered through oral intake or tube feeding. While both methods are used, tube feeding is generally more effective, though it presents certain challenges. These challenges have driven ongoing advancements in tube feeding techniques. Innovations in tube materials, cutting-edge technologies, and improved designs have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of enteral nutrition delivery. One of the most notable recent innovations in enteral nutrition tube feeding is the adoption of closed systems. These systems enable the administration of nutrients without exposing the feeding tube or patient to external contaminants, thereby minimizing the risk of infection and other complications. Additionally, the development of specialized formulations targeting specific health conditions has gained popularity among healthcare professionals. This advancement promotes greater customization in enteral nutrition therapies and is expected to create substantial revenue growth opportunities in the market.

Rising Incidence of Cancer and Neurological Conditions

Cancer and neurological disorders are among the most prevalent health conditions contributing to widespread malnutrition and an increased incidence of dysphagia in patients. These conditions have emerged as significant global public health concerns. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million related deaths worldwide. The global cancer burden is projected to surge by around 75% over the next two decades, potentially reaching 35 million new cases annually by 2050, with the most substantial rise expected in low- and middle-income countries. The growing incidence of cancer worldwide is expected to significantly boost the demand for enteral nutrition in cancer care, thereby driving the overall growth of the enteral feeding devices market.

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

• By Feeding Method: In 2024, the tube-feeding segment accounted for the largest global enteral nutrition market share of over 57%. This method involves delivering nutrition directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using a tube inserted through the mouth, nose, or directly into the stomach. Tube feeding is the most commonly used approach when patients are unable to swallow food or clinical nutrition products due to dysphagia. It is also recommended when individuals cannot meet their daily nutritional needs through oral clinical nutrition products, making enteral nutrition deliveries essential. Tube feeding is widely adopted when medical conditions prevent food from moving along the normal digestive route—from the mouth to the esophagus, then to the stomach, and finally to the small intestine. According to the 2023 Health Nutrition Council report, tube feeding is the most frequently used method to provide life-sustaining nutrients and is often considered the first-line feeding option when oral enteral nutrition is not feasible. This approach reduces the risk of failure in nutritional therapies, enhances effectiveness, and promotes faster recovery from malnutrition. Both adult and pediatric patients receive enteral nutrition via tube feeding. The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses and dysphagia in adults, along with the rising incidence of low birth weight in infants, continues to fuel demand for tube-feeding-based enteral nutrition solutions.
• By Patient Group: By patient group, the adult segment is projected to witness the highest growth rate of 6.97% during the forecast period. Within this segment, aging individuals and the geriatric population are key drivers of demand for enteral nutrition (EN) therapies, primarily due to the high incidence of chronic illnesses and associated swallowing impairments. Adults aged 18 and above are frequently affected by conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, many of which necessitate EN support. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 390 million adults globally are undernourished and in need of nutritional interventions due to the significant impact these conditions have on overall health. Adults constitute one of the largest groups requiring enteral nutrition therapies. Among them, cancer, CVD, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke remain the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Furthermore, the Diabetes Atlas 2025 underscores the growing global burden of diabetes among adults, while WHO data highlights a widespread prevalence of cancer and neurological conditions in this demographic.
• By Indication: Based on the indication, the oncology segment dominates and holds the largest global enteral nutrition market share in 2024. Globally, the increasing incidence of cancer is contributing to a higher prevalence of malnutrition among patients. According to the Nutrition Journal (2024), a substantial portion of individuals diagnosed with cancer are at high risk of severe malnutrition. The Oncotarget Journal (2022) noted that hospital-based studies across Europe found that one in three cancer patients is at risk of malnutrition and frequently requires nutritional support therapies. Additionally, the World Health Organization’s 2024 report on the global cancer burden projects a significant rise in cancer cases by 2050. Malnutrition in cancer patients is often a result of the disease itself, tumor-related complications, and the side effects of medical or anticancer treatments. A considerable share of cancer-related mortality is linked to the severe consequences of malnutrition, where enteral nutrition plays an essential role in integrated cancer management. Among all health conditions, cancer shows one of the highest utilizations of enteral nutrition. The growing incidence of cancers—particularly gastric, head and neck/throat, and esophageal cancers—along with the escalating need for nutritional support, is a major factor driving the growth of the enteral nutrition market.
• By End-User: The hospitals segment remains the leading contributor to the growth of the enteral nutrition (EN) market. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the resulting surge in hospital admissions have significantly boosted the demand for EN therapies within hospital environments. The expansion of hospitals, particularly the growth of critical care and intensive care units (ICUs), has further driven the need for enteral nutrition. ICU patients are often at heightened risk of malnutrition, necessitating reliable nutritional support through EN solutions. The growing incidence of malnutrition among hospitalized patients continues to accelerate the adoption of EN therapies. Hospitals are also preferred due to the availability of trained healthcare professionals skilled in administering enteral nutrition, making them more suitable for patients requiring long-term care. Globally, a large percentage of individuals with serious chronic conditions are admitted to hospitals for extended periods. For instance, in the U.S., gastrointestinal (GI) diseases alone contribute to millions of hospitalizations annually. This rising burden of GI disorders has led to a consistent increase in enteral feeding procedures, reinforcing the growth of the hospital segment within the enteral nutrition market.

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

APAC ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET

APAC stands as the most dominant region in the global enteral nutrition market, accounting for approximately 41% of the overall market share. The strong demand for enteral nutrition (EN) therapies in this region is primarily fueled by a large and diverse patient population. Key contributing groups include the expanding elderly population with chronic conditions, pediatric patients affected by low birth weight or malnutrition, and critically ill individuals with trauma or physical injuries, all of whom drive the need for EN support.

China and India are among the leading countries in APAC with a substantial and growing target patient base. Japan also exhibits significant demand for enteral nutrition, supported by widespread access to healthcare and higher per capita spending on medical services and nutritional solutions.

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is witnessing increasing adoption across several APAC countries. In Australia, robust healthcare infrastructure and government funding are propelling the growth of HEN services. Japan’s National Health Insurance system provides extensive coverage for home-based EN therapies, while in India, both public and private health insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for HEN products and services. These supportive policies and developments are accelerating the shift toward home care, further contributing to the rising demand for enteral nutrition across the APAC region.

ENTERAL NUTRITION MARKET VENDOR LANDSCAPE

The global enteral nutrition market report includes exclusive insights on 16 vendors. A high level of concentration and intense competition among key players marks the market. In the current landscape, vendors are continuously refining their unique value propositions to strengthen their market positioning. However, the market also faces the risk of low-quality product infiltration, posing a challenge to established brands. Leading vendors actively compete for top positions, occasionally facing competitive pressure from local and regional players. The market features a mix of both global and regional vendors, though the growing presence of international companies is expected to make it increasingly difficult for smaller regional players to maintain their foothold. The growth of the global enteral nutrition market will be driven by the launch of innovative products featuring enhanced formulations, greater effectiveness, and improved patient tolerance. Additionally, strategic initiatives such as mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships are set to further intensify competition and shape the market dynamics.