The global dietary supplements market was valued at $360.2 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2023 to 2032. The market is expected to reach $688.9 billion by 2032.[1] Of course, the popular types and categories of dietary supplements are not static but change based on current trends and seasonal considerations. Such is the case for Spring supplements of 2024.
Types of Supplements in High Demand for Spring 2024
Current data suggest that the latest supplement trends for Spring of 2024 include immune support, metabolic health, energy and vitality, allergen support, gut health, beauty from within, and plant-based supplements. There are also additional trends in dietary supplement manufacturing, clean label formulations, and sustainable packaging.
Immune Support
The value of the immune health supplements market was estimated at approximately $25.45 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $63.46 billion, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4% during the forecast period.[2] The nutraceuticals in demand include the following:
- Vitamin C is recognized for its benefits in supporting respiratory/immune health.
- Colostrum from a bovine source has been shown to help promote the function of lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells.
- Herbal supplements, including echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus, have all gained popularity for being natural immune boosters.
- Probiotic supplements are known for their impact on gut health as well as consumed for potential immune benefits.
- Vitamin D has been shown to promote healthy immune function, especially in regions with limited sun exposure.
Why is immune support an important consideration in the Spring compared to any other time of the year? A study published in the journal Nature Communications[3], shows that the activity of almost a quarter of our genes (5,136 out of 22,822 genes tested) differs according to the time of year, with some more active in winter and others more active in summer. This seasonality also affects our immune cells. Winter and spring are times when our immune system could benefit from additional nutritional support. Considering these issues, immune support supplements may continue to be in high demand in Spring 2024.
Metabolic health
Metabolic health describes the body’s ability to respond to food in a beneficial way that promotes healthy blood sugar levels already in a normal range, healthy cardiovascular function, and healthy liver function. The global metabolic health market is expected to generate $28.9 billion by 2028, up from $22.5 billion in 2021. According to Google Trends, demand for metabolic health products spikes leading up to the Spring months and then cools off. Three nutraceuticals in most demand within this category include:
- Berberine is a well-research nutraceutical originally derived from herbal sources, which has been shown to help support healthy blood lipid and glucose levels already in a normal range.
- Chromium’s major function in the body is to work with insulin in glucose transport to cells. Some forms of chromium have also been shown to benefit glucose and blood lipids already in a normal range.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, have been shown to help promote healthy triglyceride levels already in a normal range. This is particularly important for metabolic health.
Energy and Vitality
The global size of the energy supplements market was valued at $90.33 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly $144.10 Billion.[4] The nutraceuticals used in these products include:
- Adaptogenic herbs – Popular adaptogens include but are not limited to Ashwagandha, Ginseng, and Rhodiola.
- B-vitamins – Decades-long consumer acceptance for energy and vitality, as well as a body of scientific research, has cemented B-vitamins place in the energy supplement lexicon.
- Caffeine & metabolites – Caffeine’s demonstrated effectiveness, and some of its metabolites, make this nutraceutical group a go-to category for experiential energy support.
During the Winter people tend to be more sedentary home-bodies due to colder temperatures and weather conditions. As the Spring rolls around, the desire to get outside and be more active is universal. Consequently, taking supplements to support the energy and vitality needed for an active lifestyle has gained in popularity. So, it is likely that energy and vitality supplements will continue to be in high demand in Spring 2024.
Allergy Support
The value of the allergy support market is expected to reach $21.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $31.07 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.[5] Of course, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why demand for allergy support supplements will likely increase during the Spring months. There are several nutraceuticals which are used to provide support for people with allergies, including:
- Quail egg powder – There are multiple human studies in adults and children demonstrating the effectiveness of quail egg powder for this category.
- Apple polyphenols – Double-blind studies have documented the benefits of apple polyphenols seasonally.
- Quercetin – Human research demonstrated positive results from quercetin supplementation for eyes, nose, and respiratory support.
- Curcumin – A body of research validates curcumin’s use in the support of the upper respiratory tract.
Gut Health
In the dietary supplement industry, the term “gut health” is synonymous with probiotics which are primarily consumed for their digestive and immune health benefits. According to an International Food Information Council survey[6] of 1,000 adults, nearly one in four people say that digestive health is the most important aspect of their overall health. Over half consider themselves familiar with probiotics, and one in three actively try to consume them. This is reflected in the global size of the probiotics market, estimated at $77.12 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2023 to 2030.[7] In addition to their use for digestive and immune health, specific probiotic strains have been shown to have other uses:
- A strain of Lactobacillus gasseri was clinically tested to significantly reduce visceral fat.
- Specific strains of Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium longum helped improve sleep quality.
- A specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum to help improve skin gloss, firmness, and redness, and a range of other strains with other benefits.
The probiotic strains shown to help digestive and immune health are too numerous to list here. That said, in the Spring, taking probiotics is ideal for gut renewal and the numerous benefits just discussed.
Beauty from Within
The market valuation of beauty from within supplements was $2.90 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $9.3 billion by 2032 as consumers increasingly seek natural approaches to skincare and overall well-being.[8] This figure does not include the collagen market, estimated to be worth $5.52 billion in 2023.[9] The entire beauty from within category is huge and continuing to grow. Some of the better evidence-based ingredients include:
- Collagen peptides – Multiple human clinical studies have shown that collagen peptides help reduce wrinkles, improve skin moisture content, and stimulate internal collagen production.
- Astaxanthin – Published clinical trials have validated astaxanthin benefits for improving skin moisture content while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Polyamines – Polyamines (particularly spermidine) have been shown to promote hair growth and thickness while reducing hair shedding.
- Biotin – Although frequently used for hair, research has demonstrated biotin’s benefits for strengthening and improving the appearance of nails.
Once again, the transition of Winter into Spring means that people are getting out more and wearing lighter clothing. This means they want to look better and will want to purchase supplements formulated to promote hair, skin, and nail health.
Plant-based Supplements
Sales of plant-based supplements are growing at leaps and bounds. Consumers prefer supplements made from natural, plant-based ingredients, perceiving them as gentler on the body and more easily absorbed. In addition, health and environmental sustainability concerns will drive the shift toward plant-based supplements.
Now consider that the 2023 global vegan protein market is estimated at $10.8 billion, and is expected to reach $22 billion by 2033, experiencing a CAGR of 7.4%.[10] Also consider that natural vitamin sources, inclusive of whole food-derived nutraceuticals, are expected to reach the value of $15.79 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period[11].
Furthermore, whole food-derived nutraceuticals are generally plant-based (vegan), and the vegan supplements market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.7% through 2028[12]. Significant opportunities exist for product innovation using plant-based nutraceuticals. For example:
- Vitamin D3 – Although typically synthesized for sheep wool lanolin, natural vegan sources of vitamin D3 are available from the lichen Cladonia rangiferina. Make your multivitamin vegan-friendly with this one small change.
- Vitamin K2 – Vitamin K2 as MK-7 is well-known for its cardiovascular and bone-health benefits. But rather than use a synthetic source, consider using a K2 fermented from natto or soy-free chickpea.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA) – A huge category unto itself, the O3FA EPA and DHA are typically derived from fish oil or krill. However, algae sources of these O3FA are available, offering a vegan alternative.
- Pea protein – Pea protein concentrates are an excellent vegan source of protein providing additional satiety, thermogenic, and cardiovascular benefits. Furthermore, newer extraction technologies mean that options for pea protein offer improved taste profiles.
- Greens – Spirulina, white grass, barley grass, chlorella, and many other green food nutraceuticals are often used to help compensate for diets low in the intake of green vegetables.
Spring is the time for renewal, and consumers are making changes to improve their health and well-being. These changes often involve the inclusion of more plant-based foods and supplements into their lifestyle.
Trends in Dietary Supplement Manufacturing
As with nutraceutical categories, there are also trends in dietary supplement manufacturing. This includes the Gen Z-driven use of alternative delivery forms such as gummies, stick packs, effervescent tablets, melts, and liquids. As consumers become savvier about the importance of absorption and bioavailability, evidence-based delivery systems are also gaining popularity. This includes the use of:
- Microencapsulation – Enrobing active nutraceuticals in clean-label materials can protect the active and improve its delivery in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Agglomeration – This “instantizing” of powders decreases the particle size for better dissolution in a liquid, and potentially better absorption.
Clean Label Formulations
Although there is no official definition of “clean label”, three primary meanings that consumers associate with this term include the absence of additives (or at least their minimal use), the use of natural ingredients, and sustainable, environmentally friendly positioning. In particular, using natural flavors is generally preferred over artificial flavors, and there are many outstanding natural options. Products are increasingly deemed to be clean label if they carry environmental benefits. Environmental messages are gaining ground at 16% CAGR.[13]
Regarding additives, eliminating excipients such as magnesium stearate in favor of acceptable alternatives (e.g. rice-based materials) is also regarded as being clean label. Also, although not strictly a necessity, the use of organic and non-GMO ingredients aligns nicely with the clean label paradigm.
Sustainable Packaging
With concerns about environmental impact rising, sustainable packing has also been trending. In this context, sustainability is defined as being easily recycled or composted. Likewise, a package made from recycled materials is also considered sustainable. Also, a “right-sized” package—rather than providing bottles and boxes larger than needed for the tablets, capsules, or powders within—is also deemed sustainable. Finally, creating packaging that produces fewer carbon emissions is considered more sustainable.
Spring Into Success with Vitaquest as Your Supplement Manufacturer
Spring has arrived, and along with it are new dietary supplement trends. This includes immune support, energy and vitality, allergy support, gut health, beauty from within, and plant-based supplement categories. Likewise, there are trends in dietary supplement manufacturing, clean label formulations, and sustainable packaging.
For over 45 years, dietary supplement brand owners have trusted Vitaquest for all their contract manufacturing needs. Our team has extensive knowledge of the Spring 2024 trends and can custom manufacture any of the nutraceuticals mentioned in this article. We also offer in-house packaging design, powder and particle engineering services, and supplement fulfillment solutions intended to save you time, helping you bring your product to the market faster than the competition.
If you’re ready to Deliver What’s Next in spring supplements, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives about your project or request a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the trends for the supplement industry in 2024?
Dietary supplement trends include immune support, energy and vitality, allergy support, gut health, beauty from within, and plant-based supplement categories. Likewise, there are trends in dietary supplement manufacturing, clean label formulations, and sustainable packaging.
Q: How can I ensure the quality and safety of the ingredients used in my supplements?
Work with an NSF GMP-certified contract manufacturer with decades of experience to help assure quality and safety.
References
[1] Nutritional Supplements Market. The Brainy Insights. Accessed March 7, 2024 from https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/nutritional-supplements-market-13585
[2] Immune Health Supplements Market Outlook (2023 to 2033). Future Market Insights. Accessed March 7, 2024 from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/immune-health-supplements-market.
[3] Dopico XC, Evangelou M, Ferreira RC, et al. Widespread seasonal gene expression reveals annual differences in human immunity and physiology. Nature Communications, 2015; 6: 7000.
[4] Energy Supplements Market Size & Analysis: Forecast Growth Rate of 6.9% in Forecast Period 2024-2030. MMR. Accessed March 7, 2024 from https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/energy-supplements-market/193885/#:~:text=The%20Global%20Energy%20Supplements%20Market,energy%20levels%20and%20combat%20fatigue.
[5] Allergy Treatment Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029). Mordor Intelligence. Accessed March 7, 2024 from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/allergy-treatment-market.
[6] Consumer Insights on Gut Health & Probiotics. International Food Information Council. April 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2024 from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://foodinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IFIC-Gut-Health-and-Probiotics-Survey.pdf.
[7] Probiotics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements), By Ingredient (Bacteria, Yeast), By Distribution Channel, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030. Grand View Research. Retrieved February 1, 2024 from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/probiotics-market?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_ad&utm_campaign=cmfe_latest&utm_term=probiotics_market&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn-2tBhDVARIsAGmStVlJ75EcV-khujGUBx-eCLb4CiTc3Gzo0PK4d0ePV42srhwtKspfKi0aAhTbEALw_wcB
[8] Beauty Supplement Market Trends. Global Market Insights. Accessed March 8, 2024 from https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/beauty-supplement-market/market-trends#:~:text=The%20market%20valuation%20of%20beauty,skincare%20and%20overall%20well%2Dbeing.
[9] Collagen Supplements Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029). Mordor Intelligence. Accessed March 8, 2024 from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/collagen-supplements-market
[10] Global Vegan Protein Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033). Accessed March 8, 2024 from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/vegan-protein-market
[11] Global Natural Vitamins Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030. Data Bridge Market Research. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-natural-vitamins-market
[12] Vegan Supplements Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 – 2028). Mordor Intelligence. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/vegan-supplements-market.
[13] Clean Label Trends: Global Market Overview. Innova Market Insights. Accessed March 8, 2024 from https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/clean-label-trends/
