Iron Supplements Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Iron Supplements Market Size and Manufacturers

The global iron supplements market size was valued at USD 2.59 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 3.76 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.82% from 2024 to 2033. The iron supplements market is driven by the growing incidence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), especially in specific populations.

Iron Supplements Market Key Takeaways

• North America dominated the iron supplements market in 2023.
• By type, the oral iron therapy segment dominated the market in 2023.
• By type, the red blood cell therapy segment is observed to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
• By end-user, the anemia consumer segment dominated the iron supplements market.

Iron Supplements Market Overview

The industry sector devoted to creating, supplying, and marketing dietary supplements containing iron is known as the iron supplements market. The main reason people take iron supplements is to treat iron deficiency, which, if unchecked, can result in anemia. Many biological processes, such as the transportation of oxygen, the metabolism of energy, and the production of DNA, depend on iron. Iron deficiency can cause several health problems, including weakness, exhaustion, and reduced cognitive function.  Certain groups of people are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency than others, including expectant mothers, young children, teenagers, and people with certain medical conditions, including gastrointestinal or chronic illnesses. Therefore, the market fills a vital demand by offering practical and approachable ways to boost iron levels and enhance general health and well-being.

Iron Supplements Market Data and Statistics

• According to the WHO, daily iron supplementation is advised as a public health intervention to avoid iron deficiency and anemia for infants and young children (6–23 months) living in areas where anemia prevalence is 40% or higher.
• In February 2023, Kerala is going to start a drive to lower anemia door-to-door. The Center's Anaemia Mukt Bharat program will be implemented alongside the Kerala government's initiative. In six months, the initiative will reach 1.3 crore women in the state.

Iron Supplements Market Growth Factors

• An increase in the prevalence of chronic disorders causes iron shortage.
• It is expanding healthcare markets in underdeveloped nations.
• Illnesses like frequent blood transfusions or pregnancy bring on iron deficiency.
• Customers are increasingly concerned about staying healthy and taking precautions. 
• Iron deficiency is frequent in babies and pregnant women, the requirement for supplements to treat such deficiencies in women and kids create a potential for the iron supplements market.
• Creation of novel formulations with decreased side effects and easier absorption to enhance the user experience.

Iron Supplements Market Scope

Iron Supplements Market Dynamics

Drivers

Individuals engaged in strenuous physical activity

Performing high-intensity exercises, endurance training, or participating in competitive sports puts significant stress on the body's resources, especially iron. Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, is produced only with iron. When engaging in vigorous physical activity, the body requires more oxygen, which raises the need for hemoglobin synthesis. This calls for enough iron to be available. Due to their extended, repetitive workout regimens, endurance athletes like cyclists, triathletes, and marathon runners are especially vulnerable to iron deficiency. If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia is frequently caused by increased iron loss through sweat, gastrointestinal bleeding, low nutritional intake, and inadequate absorption.

Increased consumption of processed foods and diets lacking in iron-rich foods

Processed foods are popular among many individuals, especially those who lead hectic lifestyles because they are easily accessible and convenient. Moreover, convenience frequently comes at the expense of nutritional value. People who eat more processed food may unintentionally consume less iron-rich foods like beans, lean meats, and leafy greens as their diet becomes more processed.

Restraint

Lack of awareness about iron deficiency

Regular iron deficiency screening is not shared worldwide, particularly in populations where the prevalence of iron insufficiency is not considered high. This implies that even those at risk cannot be recognized in time to receive the right help. A multimodal strategy is typically necessary to treat iron shortage, involving dietary modifications, supplements, and, in extreme situations, intravenous iron therapy. Treatment suggestions may not be followed because of resistance or ignorance of the significance of these interventions and the possible repercussions of untreated iron deficiency. 

Opportunities

Availability of iron supplements through various distribution channels

A wider population can now obtain iron supplements because they are distributed in various ways. No matter where they live or how mobile they are, people can readily get iron supplements thanks to traditional channels, including pharmacies, supermarkets, health stores, and internet businesses. The iron supplements market can reach a wider demographic by leveraging various distribution channels, such as underserved groups.

This is especially crucial in areas with restricted access to pharmacies or medical services. For example, geographical constraints can be overcome by online distribution methods, which allow people living in rural areas to obtain iron supplements without having to travel great distances.

Growing awareness about the importance of maintaining overall health and well-being

An increasing number of people are becoming aware of the incidence and effects of iron deficiency because of growing education and awareness initiatives on nutrition and health. Iron is essential for the body to produce energy, carry oxygen, and maintain the immune system. People are more inclined to look for ways to manage iron deficiency as they become more aware of its symptoms and consequences, which increases demand for iron supplements.

Type Insights

The oral iron therapy segment dominated the iron supplements market in 2023. Oral iron therapy is widely recommended because it is so successful in treating iron deficiency anemia. Oral iron therapy usually entails taking iron supplements in the form of pills or capsules. Since these supplements are easily obtained over the counter and meant to be taken orally, patients can conveniently give them on their own without requiring medical supervision.

These supplements are widely accessible to customers worldwide and may be found at pharmacies, drugstores, and online platforms. Patients can readily obtain these supplements without encountering substantial barriers to access, contributing to the oral iron therapy segment's dominance in the market.

The red blood cell therapy segment is observed to show a significant growth in the iron supplements market during the forecast period. Red blood cell therapy, which is high in iron and hemoglobin, is a possible treatment for severe cases of iron deficiency anemia. Red blood cells are transfused directly into the patients' bloodstreams as part of this therapy. RBC therapy can help people with severe anemia more quickly than standard oral iron supplements, especially if they have trouble absorbing iron via their digestive tract.

Clinical research and empirical data have shown that red blood cell treatment effectively treats severe iron deficient anemia.  Hemoglobin levels in patients undergoing red blood cell transfusions frequently improve quickly, providing symptomatic relief and enhancing quality of life. Due to positive patient outcomes, the market for iron supplements has shown a notable increase in demand.

The parental iron therapy segment shows notable growth in the iron supplements market during the forecast period. Parenteral iron therapy is the injection of iron intramuscularly or intravenously into the bloodstream. This technique guarantees quick iron absorption into the body by avoiding the gastrointestinal tract, where absorption may be hampered by conditions such a poor diet, digestive problems, or drug interaction. As a result, iron levels are frequently replenished in patients more quickly than with oral supplements, which makes it a desirable choice for people with severe iron insufficiency or malabsorption problems.

End-user Insights

The anemia consumer segment dominated the iron supplements market in 2023. Anemia is a common condition worldwide, generally due to a lack of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia is more common in several demographic groups, such as old people, newborns, teenagers, and fertile women. The need for iron supplementation to treat or prevent anemia is higher in these populations. Accessibility and cost are critical factors in the anemic customer segment's market domination for iron supplements. Consumer access has been helped by initiatives to make iron supplements easily accessible in pharmacies, grocery stores, and internet marketplaces. 

The pregnancy consumer segment is observed to be the fastest growing iron supplements market during the forecast period. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common in expectant mothers worldwide. As access to prenatal care expands and healthcare infrastructure improves, an increasing number of IDA cases are diagnosed. As a result, medical professionals stress the importance of taking iron supplements to avoid pregnancy-related issues like low birth weight and preterm delivery. Expectant moms value their unborn child's health above all else and are prepared to spend money on dietary supplements that promote fetal development. Iron is necessary for the transfer of oxygen, essential for the growth and development of the fetus's brain. Pregnant women are motivated to look for iron supplements to secure the best possible health for their unborn child.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest share of the iron supplements market in 2023. The region is observed to sustain the position throughout the forecast period. Iron insufficiency in North America is a prevalent health problem affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Bad eating habits, blood loss from menstruation, and specific medical disorders influence this occurrence. As a result, there is a constant need for iron supplements to treat this inadequacy. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors in the area are always coming up with new and improved ways to formulate iron supplements. Products with improved bioavailability, creative administration methods, or increased nutritional value might be among these breakthroughs. These developments support consumer preferences for convenient and effective supplementation, increasing market expansion.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing iron supplements market during the forecast period. Due to poor dietary practices, restricted availability of nutrient-rich foods, and a high prevalence of illnesses such as gastrointestinal diseases that can impair iron absorption, iron insufficiency is a serious health concern in many parts of Asia-Pacific. As a result, there is a growing market for iron supplements as people look for ways to meet their dietary needs and avoid becoming sick. Online retail platforms are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional brick-and-mortar pharmacies and health stores for buying supplements. It is now simpler for customers to get iron supplements because of this increased accessibility.

Iron Supplements Market Recent developments 

• In April 2023, the announcement was made by Lubrizol Life Science Health, which plans to introduce new vegan sweets that are high in iron content (10 mg each gummy).

Iron Supplements Market Companies 

• Amieson
• Pronova Corporation
• Olly Nutrition
• Walgreens
• Mineral BioSciences
• Nature Made
• Ferro Sequels
• NovaFerrum
• Twinlab
• ACGrace

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Oral Iron Therapy
• Parental Iron Therapy
• Red Blood Cell Therapy
• Other Therapy Types

By End-user

• Pregnancy Consumer
• Ordinary Consumer
• Anemia Consumer
• Others 

By Geography

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa