Global Postbiotics Food Supplements Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Postbiotics Food Supplements Market reached US$ 10.8 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 27.3 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The postbiotics food supplements market is gaining significant traction due to the scientifically validated health benefits of postbiotics, their high stability profile, and their versatility across various product formats. Postbiotics, the non-viable bacterial products or metabolic byproducts from probiotic microorganisms, are positioned to address a broad spectrum of health issues, including gut health, immunity, and inflammation, driving consumer interest and market growth.

Recent studies indicate that postbiotics can offer more direct immunomodulation effects than probiotics. Specific postbiotic strains have demonstrated a higher increase in IL-12 production in macrophages, which is pivotal for defending against infectious diseases. This leads to beneficial changes in the immune response, enhancing the proliferation of IL-10 and IL-12, and the production of IFN-Y in splenocytes and dendritic cells.

The direct immunomodulation effect of postbiotics provides superior health benefits and mitigates potential negative effects associated with probiotics. This makes postbiotics a safer alternative for immune-compromised populations, such as the elderly or transplant patients.

Furthermore, postbiotics present significant opportunities for product innovation, especially in environments where probiotics are less effective. A key advantage of postbiotics is their stability, which makes them less sensitive to storage conditions and suitable for various delivery formats, including tablets and capsules. This versatility enhances consumer convenience and broadens market potential.

Market Dynamics

Rising Awareness of Postbiotics in Improving Human Health

The increasing awareness and adoption of postbiotics in health and wellness are driving significant growth in the functional foods and dietary supplements sectors. Postbiotics, comprising metabolites and components produced by probiotics, offer a unique value proposition by enhancing human health through various mechanisms without necessitating live microbial consumption. This trend is fueled by rising consumer demand for health-boosting products, a greater focus on gut health, and a growing inclination towards scientifically validated, non-living alternatives to traditional probiotics.

According to an article published in the Scholarly Community Encyclopedia (MDPI) in January 2023, Postbiotics, the bioactive compounds produced during microbial fermentation, have emerged as a promising frontier in health enhancement. These compounds, including lactic acid, bacteriocins, and exopolysaccharides (EPS), exhibit significant antimicrobial properties. For instance, lactic acid and bacteriocins demonstrate direct inhibition of Gram-negative pathogens, highlighting their role in managing pathogenic infections and supporting gut health. Notably, postbiotics derived from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains have shown efficacy in combating enteroinvasive E. coli and other harmful microorganisms, which can be crucial for maintaining a balanced microbiota and preventing gastrointestinal diseases.

The market potential for postbiotics is bolstered by their stability and safety profiles compared to live probiotics, which often face challenges related to shelf-life and regulatory hurdles. As consumers and healthcare practitioners become more informed about the advantages of postbiotics, including their ability to support gut health and enhance immune function, demand is expected to rise. Companies investing in postbiotics stand to benefit from a growing segment of health-conscious consumers seeking scientifically backed, effective, and safe dietary supplements.

Growing Scientific Evidence Supporting postbiotic Benefits

Scientific research increasingly validates the health benefits of postbiotics, enhancing their appeal in the food supplements market. Postbiotics, the bioactive compounds produced by probiotics during fermentation, are gaining traction due to their stability, safety, and effectiveness in supporting gut health, immune function, and overall well-being. Emerging studies highlight their role in modulating the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic health, further solidifying their value proposition. This growing body of evidence supports their incorporation into dietary supplements, positioning postbiotics as a scientifically backed, stable alternative to traditional probiotics and fueling market growth in this segment.

According to the National Library of Medicine, in 2022, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical condition contributing significantly to infant morbidity and mortality. This underscores the urgent need for effective and safe prophylactic treatments. Recent therapeutic studies have identified probiotics as a leading potential intervention for NEC, particularly in preterm infants. However, concerns related to safety and dosage have limited the practical application of probiotics in clinical settings for these vulnerable populations.

Though still under research, postbiotics present a promising alternative or complementary therapy to live probiotics. These are derived from bacterial structures that retain biological activity even after heat-induced destruction of the microorganisms. A recent study in a murine model of immature intestines demonstrated that heat-killed Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) exhibits comparable therapeutic efficacy to live probiotics in enhancing intestinal barrier function.

Regulatory Challenges and Compliance Issues

Regulatory challenges and compliance issues pose significant restraints to the postbiotic food supplements market, despite growing awareness of their potential health benefits.

The regulatory landscape for dietary supplements, including postbiotics, varies widely across different regions and countries, creating complexities for manufacturers in terms of product registration, labeling requirements, and health claims substantiation.

Many jurisdictions, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Pharmacopoeia, have established standards for probiotics and prebiotics, but they have yet to create specific regulations for postbiotics. Similarly, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not provided specific guidelines for postbiotics, leaving their regulatory status to be determined based on existing categories applicable to similar products. This regulatory uncertainty can lead to inconsistencies in how postbiotics are marketed and sold across different markets.

Market Segment Analysis

The global postbiotics food supplements market is segmented based on type, form, application, distribution channel, and region.

The Surging Demand For The Use Of Postbiotics In The Food And Beverage Applications

In recent years, postbiotics have emerged as a compelling ingredient within the food and beverage sector, offering substantial potential for innovation and differentiation in product development. Postbiotics, which include bacterial lysates, enzymes, peptides, and metabolites, are gaining traction due to their stability across a range of temperatures and pH levels. This stability allows manufacturers to incorporate postbiotics into various food and beverage products without compromising their functionality, presenting significant technical and financial advantages.

The application of postbiotics in food and beverage products is diverse, encompassing dairy and non-dairy segments. For instance, postbiotics derived from fermentation processes are commonly found in products like kefir, kombucha, yogurt, and pickled vegetables. This natural incorporation of postbiotics enhances the functional profile of these products, catering to the growing consumer demand for functional and health-promoting foods.

The incorporation of postbiotics can also be strategically employed to enhance the sensory and physicochemical attributes of food products. For example, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can improve the texture and mouthfeel of dairy products, providing a competitive edge in the market. Additionally, postbiotics can facilitate the enrichment of foods with essential vitamins and bioactive compounds. The fermentation process, for instance, can boost levels of B vitamins in cereal grains, compensating for nutrient losses during milling and processing.

Market Geographical Share

Demand for Postbiotics Food Supplements in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific countries such as China, India, and Japan are experiencing rising birth rates and a growing emphasis on maternal and child health. This demographic trend is a significant driver for the demand for nutritional supplements, including postbiotics, which are recognized for their potential to support maternal health during the postnatal period and enhance infant development.

Culturally, countries like China and India place strong emphasis on maternal well-being and the health of newborns. Postbiotics are increasingly sought after due to their perceived benefits in promoting gut health, bolstering immune function, and aligning with traditional healthcare practices that prioritize natural remedies and preventive health measures.

Postbiotics, although a newer segment compared to probiotics and prebiotics, are emerging as a key area of interest. These metabolites produced by probiotic bacteria are gaining recognition for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. The stability and efficacy of postbiotics are under scrutiny, with ongoing research aimed at validating their health claims and ensuring regulatory compliance.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the postbiotic food supplements market, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, heightened health awareness during the pandemic has led to increased consumer interest in health and wellness products, including postbiotics.

Many consumers have turned to dietary supplements to boost their immune systems, support overall health, and manage stress, leading to a surge in demand for postbiotic products. This trend has been particularly pronounced among new mothers seeking to enhance their postpartum health and well-being, driving growth in the postbiotic food supplements market.

On the negative side, the pandemic has caused significant disruptions to global supply chains, affecting the availability and cost of raw materials necessary for postbiotic supplements. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and labor shortages have hampered manufacturing and distribution processes, leading to delays and increased costs. Additionally, the economic downturn induced by the pandemic has affected consumer purchasing power, potentially limiting market growth as some consumers may cut back on non-essential spending.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war has had significant repercussions on the global supply chain, impacting the postbiotic food supplements market. Both countries are major producers and suppliers of various raw materials and ingredients used in dietary supplements, including postbiotics. The conflict has led to disruptions in the production and export of these critical components, resulting in supply shortages and increased production costs for manufacturers worldwide.

The instability in the region has also caused fluctuations in energy prices, further driving up manufacturing and distribution costs. Consequently, companies in the postbiotic food supplements market have faced challenges in maintaining consistent supply and managing increased costs, which can affect product pricing and availability for consumers.

Moreover, the geopolitical tension has influenced market dynamics by creating uncertainty and affecting consumer confidence. Economic sanctions and trade restrictions imposed on Russia have complicated international trade and business operations, causing delays and uncertainties in market activities. This has particularly impacted European markets, where the dependence on Eastern European raw materials is substantial.

By Type

Short-chain fatty acids

Lipopolysaccharides

Exopolysaccharides

Enzymes

Cell Wall Fragments

Others

By Form

Capsules & Tablets

Liquid

Powder

Others

By Application

Digestive Health

Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance

Digestion

Constipation

Bloating

Others

Immune Support

Skin Health

Weight Management

Sports Nutrition

Mental Health

Sleep

Cognition

Mood

Depression

General Wellness

Others

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Convenience Stores

Online Retailers

Other Distribution Channels

By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Russia

Rest of Europe

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of South America

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

Australia

Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

In February 2024, Kerry Group introduced a Plenibiotic (Lactobacillus casei subsp. 327), a rice-derived postbiotic suitable for both human and pet supplement formats. This ingredient is supported by scientific research demonstrating its benefits for digestive and skin health. Plenibiotics are notably stable across various temperatures and environments, ensuring their shelf life and effectiveness even at minimal dosages.

In October 2023, Tetra Pak collaborated with AB Biotek to introduce a range of innovative postbiotic food solutions. These postbiotics, available in powder form, can be efficiently incorporated during the mixing stage of Ultra High Temperature (UHT) processing. This integration is applicable to a variety of products, including beverages, dairy items, ice cream, and cheese.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include ADM, Cargill, Incorporated., ABbiotek Health, Tetra Pak International S.A., DSM, AB-BIOTICS, SA, Sabinsa, Postbiotica Srl, Lesaffre, and Lactobio A/S.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the global postbiotic food supplements market segmentation based on type, form, application, distribution channel, and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of postbiotic food supplements market-level with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global postbiotic food supplements market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 66 figures, and 219 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies