Argentina Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Disease-specific Formulas, Standard Formula), By Flow Type, By Stage (Adult, Pediatric), By Indication, By End-use, By Sales Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The Argentina enteral feeding formulas market size was estimated at USD 62.7 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.99% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), along with the growing trend of disease-specific formulas, is driving the demand for clinical dietary management. Enteral nutrition, designed for patients with impaired or limited ability to digest, ingest, absorb, or metabolize a regular diet and require specialized nutrients, is expected to further boost market demand.

The increase in the prevalence of diabetes due to aging, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles is one of the other factors contributing to the growth of the enteral feeding formula industry. Obesity is a significant factor leading to diabetes. According to the Global Nutrition Report 2022, Argentina has made limited advancements toward meeting diet-related non-communicable disease (NCD) targets. Obesity affects 31.7% of adult women and 30.2% of adult men, exceeding the regional averages of 30.7% and 22.8%, respectively.

Moreover, the increasing incidence of preterm births, combined with rising healthcare expenditures, and greater patient awareness, is anticipated to be a significant contributor to market growth during the forecast period. Proper nutrition is crucial for preterm infants, and providing early nutrition can lead to better clinical outcomes and growth, including improved neurodevelopment and a reduced risk of conditions such as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). The commitment of nonprofits and NGOs, such as Every Woman Every Child, to preventing and caring for preterm births is expected to drive demand for enteral feeding formula.

Furthermore, clinical nutrition is increasingly utilized for the personalized treatment of diseases such as cancer and cystic fibrosis, as these conditions require specialized nutrition to prevent any potential drug interactions. For instance, individuals with cystic fibrosis may need unique digestive enzyme capsules, which can vary from person to person. Prominent companies such as Nestlé offer personalized enteral feeding products. One of their products, Tolerex, is designed for individuals with severely compromised gastrointestinal (GI) function, while Diabetisource AC is specifically formulated for people with diabetes.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The Argentina enteral feeding formulas industry is witnessing a moderate degree of innovation driven by the efforts of various companies to increase the visibility, awareness, and market share of their products. Key companies have started offering robust product portfolios of enteral feeds such as ready-to-use oral nutritional supplements, tube feeds, and powdered products in the market.

There are a significant level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activities in the market owing to the rising expansion activities of key companies in the market. For instance, in March 2023, Danone acquired ProMedica, a Poland-based company that specializes in providing care services for patients in their homes. This acquisition is part of Danone’s lucrative specialized nutrition market expansion strategy to strengthen its presence in Poland.

The impact of regulations on the market is considered high. In Argentina, the registration of Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) products is overseen by the National Administration of Drugs, Food, and Medical Technology (ANMAT), a decentralized body under the Ministry of Health responsible for regulating food products, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies, which oversees food and dietary supplement regulations. The pathway includes key processes such as classification, labelling compliance, authorization, and market entry.

The companies are continuously engaged in expansion activities, which are likely to drive market expansion. For instance, in November 2022, Nestlé announced the expansion of a new research & development (R&D) center for Latin America, designed to drive innovation tailored to the region's consumers.

Product Insights

The disease-specific formulas segment held the largest revenue share of 50.54% in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.31% over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to an increase in the prevalence of several chronic disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. These formulas provide nutritional support to individuals suffering from specific diseases often characterized by organ dysfunction. For instance, Abbott offers Pulmocare for people with COPD, cystic fibrosis, or respiratory failure who may benefit from a high-calorie, modified carbohydrate, and fat enteral formula. Formulas specific to renal diseases contain a higher amount of sugar, low protein content, and reduced concentration of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus as against standard formulas.

The standard formula segment is expected to grow significantly owing to the wide adoption of standard formulas among all types of patients and associated cost-effectiveness. In addition, the easy availability of polymeric nutritional complete formulas, suitable for use in hospitals and home care settings, is anticipated to accelerate segment growth in the coming years. Standard formulas contain intact nutrients, often in the form of corn syrup solids and maltodextrin, protein as soy protein caseinates or isolate, and lipids in the form of canola, safflower, or soybean oil. They are available in various doses ranging from 1 kcal/mL to 2 kcal/mL; more concentrated formulations may be acceptable for patients suffering from diseases that need fluid restriction, such as renal disease and heart failure. Some standard formulations contain fiber, often a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber, while others are without fiber.

Flow Type Insights

Intermittent feeding flow segment dominated with the largest revenue share in 2024. Intermittent tube feeding is useful for patients that need nutrient intake at intervals. It is usually preferred in cases where a nasogastric feeding tube is being used. In the elderly population, malnutrition and dysphagia are common and can lead to nutritional deficiency, thereby increasing the need for enteral feeding to provide essential nutrients. Various companies are introducing feed products that would be beneficial for patients on intermittent tube feeding. For instance, Fresubin 1800 Complete is a tube feed provided by Fresenius Kabi for dysphagia and many other conditions. It can be tube fed at intervals and is nutritionally complete.

The continuous feeding flow segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate of 6.74% during the forecast period. Continuous Tube Feeding (CTF) is favored over bolus feeding in conditions involving excessive feed administration or decreased bowel motility, as it helps maintain stable intragastric pH levels. Studies support its benefits; for instance, a January 2022 MDPI article reported that the continuous feeding group met over 80% of their target nutrition days compared to the intermittent feeding group. The study also highlighted lower mortality rates in the continuous feeding group (approximately 32%) versus the intermittent group (around 49%). Products like Fresubin 1200 Complete by Fresenius Kabi exemplify this approach, offering tailored nutrition for patients with gastrointestinal diseases or malabsorption issues.

Stage Insights

The adult segment held the largest revenue share in 2024 and is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.28% over the forecast period. The increasing prevalence of malnutrition is likely to drive segment growth in Argentina. As per the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Argentina with a score of 6.6, the country is categorized as having a low level of hunger, and 3.2% of the population suffering from malnutrition. In addition, the growing older adult population has led to an increased prevalence of chronic disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, sarcopenia, cancer, and diabetes, leading to the rising demand for enteral feeding formulas. These formulas are frequently used for feeding these patients, where the patients are unable to take food and nutrients naturally. Such factors are expected to boost segment growth over the forecast period.

The pediatric segment is expected to grow significantly owing to the wide prevalence of malnutrition in children and adolescents in Argentina. For instance, the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC) report that 31.1% of children under 5 years old in Santiago del Estero suffer from chronic malnutrition. In addition, the poverty rate among children aged 0-14 in Argentina stood at 56.2% in 2023, underscoring severe barriers to child health and well-being. Pediatric patients with dysfunctional or nonfunctional gastrointestinal tracts, unable to consume nutrients orally, often require enteral feeding.

Indication Insights

The cancer care segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024. According to the OECD "Tackling The Impact of Cancer On Health, The Economy and Society - Country Notes: Argentina" report 2024, cancer ranks as the third most common cause of death in Argentina, with projections indicating that 18% of premature deaths (those occurring before the age of 75) are likely to be attributed to cancer between 2023 and 2050. This reflects an estimated 34,200 premature cancer-related fatalities annually, resulting in an average life expectancy that is 1.8 years shorter than it would be in the absence of cancer.

The orphan diseases segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Enteral feeding formulas are recognized as the primary therapy for managing most inborn errors of metabolism, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality. While the prevalence of orphan diseases remains low, their management poses considerable challenges. As a result, government-supported initiatives aimed at raising awareness of rare diseases and their nutritional management, alongside the ongoing R&D of orphan products, are key drivers of market growth.

End-use Insights

The home care segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024. Home care facilities play a critical role in the administration of enteral nutrition, offering specialized care tailored to individual health needs. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases has increased the demand for enteral feeding solutions, positioning home care settings as key end users of enteral feeding formulas. Home care providers collaborate with healthcare professionals, including dietitians and nurses, to create personalized feeding plans that ensure adequate nutrition and minimize tube-feeding complications.

The hospital segment is expected to grow significantly owing to the wide adoption of standard formulas among all types of patients and associated cost-effectiveness. The rising number of hospital-associated cases of malnutrition is one indicator of the growing demand for enteral feeding formulas in hospitals. For instance, according to a survey published in the Clinical Nutrition Journal in September 2021, 2 of every 5 hospitalized patients were at risk for malnutrition. Moreover, tube feeding requires proper training & precision and is recommended to be used under proper guidance; hence, many hospitalized patients are recommended enteral feeding to meet the daily requirement of nutrition.

Sales Channel Insights

The institutional sales segment held the largest revenue share in 2024. Institutions that purchase clinical nutrition foods include hospitals, long-term care centers, hospices and disability facilities. The purchase decision of these products is influenced by doctors. Since the consumption of medical foods is recommended under medical supervision, the revenue generated through institutional sales is the highest.

The DTC sales channel segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. There is a trend toward direct selling to customers via e-commerce platforms. The convenience offered by this sales channel is driving the preference for online purchases of medical foods. Moreover, the growing adoption of telehealth and remote healthcare services has increased the demand for medical foods. These services often recommend or prescribe specific nutritional interventions, encouraging patients to adopt DTC channels to source the recommended medical foods.

Key Argentina Enteral Feeding Formulas Company Insights

Key companies in the market have established a strong presence in Argentina, offering a range of enteral feeding products to meet the nutritional needs of patients. The global prominence and extensive distribution networks of these companies and increasing focus on strategic activities such as mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to increase their product portfolio and market share are significantly contributing to their market growth.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, Abbott collaborated with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) through the Innovation Incubator initiative to increase access to healthy foods and improve health.

• In May 2024, Danone acquired Functional Formularies, a U.S.-based whole food tube feeding producer, strengthening the company’s medical foods product portfolio and expanding its market in the U.S.

• In September 2023, Danone announced a USD 53.78 million-line expansion of its production facility at Opole, Poland, to meet the increasing demand for medical nutrition worldwide. This move aims to enhance its position in the adult medical nutrition market, with the growing rate of chronic diseases and an aging population.

Argentina Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Report Scope

Argentina Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides country level analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global Argentina enteral feeding formulas market report based on product, flow type, stage, indication, end-use, and sales channel:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Standard Formula

  • Disease-specific Formula

• Flow Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Intermittent Feeding Flow

  • Continuous Feeding Flow

• Stage Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Adult

  • Pediatric

• Indication Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Alzheimer’s

  • Nutrition Deficiency

  • Cancer Care

  • Diabetes

  • Chronic Kidney Diseases

  • Orphan Diseases

  • Dysphagia

  • Pain Management

  • Malabsorption/GI Disorder/Diarrhea

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospitals

    • Cardiology

    • Neurology

    • Critical Care (ICU)

    • Oncology

    • Others

  • Home Care

  • Others (Long Term Care Facilities, etc.)

• Sales Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • DTC Sales Channel

    • Online Sales

    • Retail Sales

  • Institutional Sales

    • Private Institutes

    • Public Institutes