Immune Health Supplements Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Ingredient Type (Vitamins, Minerals, Herbal Botanical Extracts, Probiotics, Amino Acids, Omega 3-fatty acids, Others), By Form (Soft Gels/Capsules, Tablets, Powder, Liquids, and Others), By Source Type (Plant Based, Animal Based), By Distribution Channel (Pharmacies and Drug Stores, Hypermarket/Supermarket, Online Stores, Specialty Store) and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global immune health supplements market size was USD 18.22 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 20.18 billion in 2021 to USD 31.50 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 6.6% in the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with immune health supplements witnessing a positive demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a considerable growth of 11.6% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The sudden fall in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The immune system involves a diverse group of cells that execute important immunity-enhancing functions all through the body. A healthy diet is the best way to maintain a strong immune system. Nevertheless, nutritional supplements are a useful and easy way to ensure that all the nutritional needs are met.

The use of prebiotics and probiotics may also influence the immune system’s response. Factors such as growing awareness related to health issues and changing lifestyles, coupled with an upsurge in the weight management program are likely to fuel the market growth. For Instance, consumers are looking for added benefits or protection from their daily foods and beverages. According to research published in Natural Products Expo, 65% of U.S. customers now look for supplementary functional benefits from food and beverages. This, in turn, is likely to propel the demand for immune health supplements in the forecast period.

To boost immunity and overall health amid the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are gradually looking for efficient products that they believe might increase immunity and the body’s defense capability. With health being one of the highest priorities for consumers, immunity health supplement manufacturers are choosing ingredients that would offer clinically proven benefits. Key ingredients used to manufacture health supplements such as elderberry, button mushrooms, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics are in high demand from manufacturers. Moreover, research & development activities on immune health supplements are constantly growing to make highly effective nutritional supplements for boosting one’s immunity.

Demand for Immune Health Supplements to Surge Backed by Need to Prevent COVID-19  

The market is exhibiting a huge positive impact, as consumers are looking for immunity boosters to dodge any kind of infectious disease. Immunity boosters such as vitamins, herbal extracts, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids supplements are experiencing huge demand. As the whole world has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand is likely to upsurge universally and exponentially. But, the key challenge would be forming a proper supply chain network to certify the systematic distribution of products.

Positively, COVID-19 and social distancing measures have caused consumers to reconsider their well-being and this is reflected in their purchase priorities. According to the Nutrition Business Journal, not surprisingly, the purchase of immune supplements in April 2020 surged significantly. Some of the statistics stated by the journal include: 17 out of the top 20 vitamin type products are immune-related, 57% of the top 100 fastest emerging vitamin products are vitamin C, and elderberry ranks as one of the topmost products in the immunity-boosting space.

LATEST TRENDS

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Clean Label Trend is on Rise and will Drive Market Growth

Companies are progressively under pressure to improve the profile of their health supplements products with the growing awareness about supplements amongst consumers. Not only are consumers demanding products that would include natural and minimally processed ingredients, but they also need transparency about where those ingredients are coming from. Organic and non-GMO ingredients are speedily gaining momentum globally, due to several health benefits linked with these products. Henceforth, companies in this market are also including organic and non-GMO ingredients in their immunity health supplements to inspire consumers. This trend has positively swayed the demand for organic products, further making a potentially advantageous market set-up for organic and non-GMO immune health supplements.

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Awareness Regarding Self-care and Well-being to Fuel Demand

Globally, millions of customers are taking immunity boosters for maintaining their good health. There is a rising interest in personal fitness and thus, it is creating a high demand for immune-boosting products with vitamins and herbal extracts, probiotics, and others. In addition, seasonal health issues including the flu virus have driven the customers’ interest in immune health supplements and are assisting to drive the sales of immunity supplements. For instance, In the U.S., people are more conscious about the wellbeing of their children and hence, they spend dollars to supplement their nutrition. Factors such as surging awareness, increasing consumption of immunity-boosting supplements, and rising disposable incomes are likely to impel the market growth.

Furthermore, physicians and consumers are becoming more aware that the immune system plays a vital role in critical areas of health that helps to diminish other chronic health issues. As per researchers, nearly every area of health is affected by the immune system. It includes the digestive system, brain, and cardiovascular system. Since our systems are challenged each day and not only during the seasonal flu, the overall demand for immune boosters will propel the market growth in the near future. For instance, Embria has financed multiple clinical research studies presenting EpiCor performing as a multivitamin to demonstrate and balance the immune system offering year-round benefits.

Innovation and Formulation of New Immunity Boosters to Drive Market Growth

Innovation has been a stable part for manufacturers in the progression of the immune supplement business, as well as in opportunities and business expansion. New product launches with several health benefits are increasing the demand for innovative immunity supplement products. Besides, factors such as a surge in the usage of traditional and new ingredients for supplement manufacturing are responsible for the growth of new innovative immunity boosters. The high risk of infectious diseases has also created a buzz in the development of state-of-the-art and new immune health supplements.

Furthermore, owing to the development of nanotechnology, companies are capable of producing their best innovation for boosting supplements. This would further upsurge the supply side with better formulations of supplements having higher benefits. Thus, it is creating a high demand for immunity supplements. For instance, in February 2019, Swisse, an Australian wellness company, announced the launch of its new product Vitamin C and Manuka honey chewing tablets. The product contains lemon and acerola cherry extract which helps in supporting the immune system.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Adverse Effects Related to Immunity Health Supplements to Limit Adoption

Although vitamins and supplements can help fill in the gaps in one’s diet, the finest way to take these essential nutrients is to get them straight from food. But, some of the supplements may show adverse effects, particularly when taken before surgery or when combined with other medicines. Immunity health supplements can also cause problems for those who have certain health conditions. In addition, the effects of many supplements haven’t been tested in children, pregnant women, and other groups.

Moreover, these supplements are regulated as foods, and not as drugs. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t assess the quality of supplements or evaluate their effects on the body. There are no requirements that the dietary supplements packaging list shows potential adverse effects, nor are there standards for the determined pill size. Thus, it is creating a high risk for the elderly population. All the aforementioned factors are anticipated to inhibit the immune health supplements market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Ingredient Type Analysis

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Wider Consumption of Vitamin Supplements to Aid Growth of This Segment

On the basis of the ingredient type, the market has been segmented into vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, probiotics, Omega3 fatty acids, amino acids, and others. The vitamins segment held a dominant share of the market in 2020. The dominance is due to the growing consumption of vitamin supplements. The omega- 3 fatty acids segment is projected to register a higher CAGR by 2028 due to the increasing number of new product launches which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is also widely accessible in liquid and tonic forms.

Besides, the herbal extract segment is expected to grow on account of their growing demand and utilization in several foods.

However, the probiotics segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the rising inclination to fortify food products with natural additives. Probiotics are predicted to be a game-changer in the supplements industry. Factors such as rising investments, mergers and acquisitions, government initiatives, surging consciousness toward probiotics, and robust market growth opportunities in emerging countries are likely to drive the segment.

By Form Analysis

Tablets Segment Dominated the Market in 2020 Backed by Their Cost-effective Nature

Based on form, the market is segmented into soft gels/capsules, tablets, powder, liquids, and others. Globally, the tablet segment dominated the market followed by the capsules segment. Factors such as high shelf life, easy affordability, and convenient packaging are anticipated to surge the demand for capsule and tablet supplements. In addition, the dosage is well defined in tablets and capsules and thus, they are preferred over the other forms such as powder, liquid, and more.

By Source Type Analysis

Plant-based Segment to Register a Higher CAGR during the Forecast Period

In terms of the source type, the market is segmented into plant-based and animal-based. The plant-based segment is expected to have a dominant share in the market during the forecast period. Though, that doesn't mean that there aren’t enough sales for animal-based supplements. The demand for vegetarian products is greater in comparison to animal-based products owing to the dominance of vitamins in the field of plant-based immune supplements. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 has strengthened the demand for vitamin C in the form of gummies and chewable from cranberry, elderberry, and some other fruits which have further fostered the growth of the segment. However, the growing preference and supported health benefits are influencing the penetration level of animal-based ingredients in the market.

By Distribution Channels Analysis

Hypermarkets/supermarkets Segment to Grow Steadily in the Near Future

Based on distribution channels, the market has been segmented into hypermarket/supermarket, pharmacies & drug stores, online stores, specialty stores, and others. The pharmacies and drug stores segment dominated in 2020 and is expected to retain its position during the forecast period. Hypermarkets/supermarkets are the most preferred outlets after pharmacies and drug stores. In countries, such as Indonesia, India, and Brazil, people are buying supplements from supermarkets, contributing to the overall revenue generation.

Specialty stores entail organic and natural retail outlets. With the rising vegan public, organic chains and natural food stores are in the focus and thus, driving the product demand. They assist as a tool to promote and cite the products in the market. Besides, the online channel segment has gained traction post the hasty internet penetration and progressions in e-commerce shopping sites. The segment is anticipated to become the second-fastest-growing distribution channel in the supplements industry.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The demand for immune health supplements has been showcasing an extraordinary growth following the outbreak of COVID-19. The market size in North America stood at USD 6.58 billion in 2020. The dominance of this region is attributable to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes, coupled with the growing awareness about self-wellness and health. Following North America is Asia-Pacific, which has seen remarkable growth in the number of immunity booster products sold. This growth is attributed to reasons such as rising urbanization, increasing health consciousness, and rapidly changing lifestyles. For instance, in March 2020, according to an article published in Indian Express, there has been a surge in the bulk production of immunity boosters such as Vitamin C, D, zinc-based products, and elderberry due to COVID-19.

Besides, the immune health supplements market in Europe is expected to grow at a significant CAGR owing to the rapidly surging aging population and the prevalence of chronic diseases. In addition to this, market players in this region are making heavy investments, which, in turn, will fuel the demand for these supplements. Latin America & the Middle East & Africa accounted for a comparatively lower share owing to the presence of a huge underpenetrated market.

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KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Companies Focus on Scientific Research to Intensify Competition

The market is consolidated owing to the strong product portfolio and remarkable distribution network of major companies in developed and emerging countries. The global market share is highly competitive with a substantial number of major players. Several clinically proven formulations and ongoing scientific research are the major distinguishing factors in the market that can significantly upsurge the level of investment. Furthermore, factors including innovations, competitive landscape, research, availability of substitutes, and rigorous regulations from standard bodies can further strengthen the market dynamics. For instance, in May 2020, TB12, a health and wellness company based in the U.S. announced the launch of Protect, an immunity blend supplement prepared from clinically studied ingredients.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Herbalife Nutrition (California, United States)


• Nutramax Laboratories (Maryland, United States)


• BioGaia (Stockholm, Sweden)


• Blackmores Limited (New South Wales, Australia)


• Glanbia, Plc (Kilkenny, Ireland)


• Royal DSM (Heerlen, Netherlands)


• Alticor Inc. (Amway) (Michigan, United States)


• USANA Health Sciences (Utah, United States)


• Bayer AG (Leverkusen, Germany)


• NOW Foods (Illinois, United States)


• Pfizer (New York, United States)


• Other Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• July 2021 - Solabia-Algatech Nutrition announced the launch of BioGlena powdered ingredients for immune support. The company is strategically looking to increase our microalgae portfolio and meet the increased demand for immune-supporting and clean label ingredients.


• March 2021 - PanTheryx, announced the acquisition of TruBiotics, a daily probiotic supplement brand LLC in the U.S. This acquisition will accelerate the growth in the probiotics and microbiome category through innovation and investment and expand digestive and immune health product lines for human nutrition.


• March 2021 - Royal DSM announced the launch of ampli-D, a fast-acting form of vitamin D for dietary supplements in Australia. It is a more effective way to boost vitamin D levels in the body to support immune health. The first market for the launch of this product in Australia and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for its use in dietary supplements.


• December 2020 - Healthycell announced the launch of IMMUNE SUPER BOOST, a highest-dose immune supplement that is an add-on to the company’s line of category-leading pill-free supplements.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Immune Health Supplements Market

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The global immune health supplements market research report provides a detailed industry analysis and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, it offers insights into the key market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth rate of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation