Vietnam Medical Nutrition Market Expected to Reach $0.16 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Vietnam medical nutrition market: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024–2033," The Vietnam medical nutrition market size was valued at $0.09 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $0.16 billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2035. The enteral and oral nutrition segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Medical nutrition is a specialized field that focuses on the use of targeted dietary interventions to manage medical conditions and improve health outcomes. It involves the formulation and administration of specific nutritional products designed to address the unique needs of individuals with various health issues, such as chronic diseases, malnutrition, or metabolic disorders. The mechanism of action involves delivering essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support physiological functions, enhance immune response, and promote recovery. These interventions can optimize metabolic pathways, improve nutrient absorption, and prevent complications associated with diseases, ultimately aiding in the management of symptoms and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.

The growth of the Vietnam medical nutrition market is significantly driven by the rising prevalence of various disease conditions and an increasing awareness among patients and healthcare providers regarding the benefits of medical nutrition for effective disease management. Conditions, such as cancer, phenylketonuria, tyrosinemia, homocystinuria, isovaleric acidemia, and maple syrup urine disease, require specialized nutritional products tailored to meet specific dietary needs. For instance, cancer patients often face malnutrition due to the effects of the disease and its treatments, necessitating high-protein and calorically dense nutritional supplements to support recovery and maintain strength. Similarly, metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria require strict dietary management, where medical nutrition products play a crucial role in preventing complications and ensuring adequate nutrient intake.

Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing number of surgical procedures further augment the demand for medical nutrition products. Patients undergoing surgery often need specialized nutrition to aid recovery, minimize complications, and promote healing. Conditions such as diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders also contribute to the need for targeted nutritional interventions, as they can significantly impact a patient's nutritional status.

In addition, the presence of key players offering the medical nutritional products in Vietnam and growing initiative taken through partnership and collaborations are contributing to the market growth. For instance, Abbott, formed strategic partnerships with the Departments of Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for long-term improvements to public healthcare. The company’s support on MOH and APEC health initiatives (including food safety, maternal health, and clinical nutrition) led the MOH to grant Abbott an MOH Award recognizing the company’s contributions in Vietnam. These efforts not only elevate the standards of healthcare in Vietnam but also promote the adoption of medical nutrition products, driving further growth in the market.

The Vietnam medical nutrition market is segmented into product, application, end user, and distribution channel. On the basis of product, it is segmented into infant nutrition, parenteral nutrition, and enteral & oral nutrition. The enteral & oral nutrition segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to its effectiveness in delivering nutrition orally, and directly to the gastrointestinal tract, which supports natural digestion processes. This approach is increasingly preferred for patients with functional GI tracts, as it enhances nutrient absorption, reduces infection risks compared to parenteral methods, and promotes overall recovery.

On the basis of application, the market is divided into diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, intensive care, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and others. The others segment dominated the market share in 2023. This growth is driven by increasing awareness and diagnosis of rare metabolic disorders, which require specialized medical nutrition products for effective disease management and symptom control. Additionally, advancements in genetic screening and greater availability of targeted nutritional solutions tailored to these specific disorders are boosting demand in this segment, further supporting high growth rates.

However, the cancer segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the high demand for specialized nutritional support in cancer patients. Nutritional products are critical for managing treatment-related side effects, improving immune function, and maintaining body weight and muscle mass during therapies. This support is essential in helping cancer patients tolerate and recover from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, driving significant demand in this segment.

On the basis of end user, it is classified into private hospitals, public hospitals and home care. The homecare segment dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing demand for at-home treatment options, as patients seek convenience and comfort, particularly for long-term care. Homecare solutions also reduce the burden on healthcare facilities, making them a preferred choice for chronic conditions, rehabilitation, and elderly care, further fueling market expansion.

On the basis of distribution channel, it is classified into hospital pharmacies, drug store & retail pharmacies, and online providers. The drug store & retail pharmacies segment dominated the market in 2023. This is attributed to its wide availability and accessibility, making it convenient for consumers to purchase medical nutrition products. These outlets also benefit from established customer trust and personalized service, encouraging repeat purchases. Additionally, drug stores and pharmacies often have knowledgeable staff to guide customers, further enhancing their appeal as a preferred source for nutritional products.

However, the online providers segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to increasing shift towards digital healthcare solutions and the convenience they offer. As more consumers become accustomed to online shopping, the demand for easy access to medical nutrition products through e-commerce platforms is rising. Online providers offer a wide range of medical nutrition products, often at competitive prices, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking affordability and convenience.

Key Findings of the Study

• On the basis of product type, the enteral & oral nutrition segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of application, the others segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, the cancer segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of end user, the home care segment dominated the market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
• On the basis of distribution channel, the drug store and retail pharmacies segment dominated the market share in 2023. However, online providers segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.