Heightened health and wellness concerns spur demand for dietary supplements in APAC, according to GlobalData.
The onset of winter results in a rise in the number of community outbreaks in Asia-Pacific (APAC), fuelling the demand for immunity-boosting nutritional supplements in the region. In addition, elevated health awareness in the aftermath of COVID-19 has also spurred the need for supplements, especially for vitamins C and D. Against this backdrop, manufacturers are rolling out combinations of various supplements to tap the resurgence of the APAC vitamins and dietary supplement market, which is set to expand by a volume compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of eight to ten percent over 2022–27, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Priyanka Jain, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, said that in an era marked by busy lifestyles, nutrient-depleted diets, and growing health concerns, dietary supplements have emerged as indispensable tools for promoting health, wellness, and vitality.
"These consumers increasingly prioritise preventive healthcare and seek natural solutions to support their well-being," said Jain.
Deepak Nautiyal, Director of Consulting APAC, GlobalData, stated that as winter approaches and community illness becomes more prevalent, there is a noticeable uptick in dietary supplements such as vitamins C, D, and B complex among consumers seeking protection against seasonal illnesses.
The winter months often coincide with an increased risk of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections, prompting individuals to take proactive measures to support their health and well-being.
"Many studies suggest that reduced exposure to sunlight leads to lower levels of vitamin D production in the body. This aligns with GlobalData's Q4 2023 consumer survey finding that 62 percent of APAC consumers are often or always influenced by how well the product/service impacts their health and well-being," said Nautiyal.
While dietary supplements play an essential role in promoting health, they can cause harm if consumers do not make informed choices and start taking supplements without consulting with healthcare professionals.
There is also a need for more clarity around the quantity of vitamins recommended to consumers. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines unveiled a new regulation for daily vitamin and mineral intake levels to alleviate concerns about the overconsumption of these supplements.
"Dietary supplement manufacturers face many obstacles in ensuring their products' safety, efficacy, and compliance. The sector's growth will be inhibited by the ambiguous and unclear information provided to consumers, whether it pertains to the ingredients used in the supplements or their potential side effects," said Jain.
By embracing innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, manufacturers must strive to meet consumers' evolving needs and contribute to advancing public health and wellness. Manufacturers must be transparent regarding the health claims and the certifications obtained for the supplements to instil consumer confidence.
