South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Size

• The South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market size was valued at USD 914.20 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1457.09 Million by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.00% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the increasing prevalence of malnutrition, chronic diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders, which are driving the demand for clinically formulated enteral nutrition products across hospitals, clinics, and homecare settings
• Furthermore, rising awareness about patient-specific nutritional requirements, advancements in formulation technology, and growing adoption of specialized feeding formulas for pediatrics, geriatrics, and critical care patients are accelerating the uptake of Enteral Feeding Formulas solutions, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Analysis

• Enteral Feeding Formulas are increasingly vital for managing nutrition in patients with medical conditions that prevent normal oral intake, providing complete nutritional support for hospitals, clinics, and homecare settings
• The escalating demand for Enteral Feeding Formulas is primarily fueled by the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, aging populations, rising awareness of clinical nutrition, and increasing adoption of homecare therapies
• Brazil dominated the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market with the largest revenue share of 38.7% in 2024, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of hospital-based nutritional programs, and the presence of key industry players
• Argentina is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market during the forecast period, with a CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing healthcare modernization, growing hospital and homecare services, and rising adoption of advanced enteral nutrition products
• The adult segment dominated with a 52.1% revenue share in 2024, attributed to increasing geriatric population, rising chronic disease prevalence, and higher hospital admissions in adult patients

Report Scope and South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Segmentation 

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Trends

“Rising Focus on Personalized and Disease-Specific Nutrition”

• A key trend in the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market is the growing focus on personalized and disease-specific nutrition solutions. Manufacturers are increasingly developing formulas tailored for specific medical conditions such as diabetes, renal disorders, cancer, and pediatric malnutrition
• For instance, in May 2024, Abbott Nutrition expanded its South American product portfolio with specialized enteral formulas for patients with metabolic disorders, enabling more precise nutritional management
• There is also a growing shift towards ready-to-use liquid formulas and modular nutrient components that provide flexibility for healthcare providers and caregivers to customize patient diets
• The trend of integrating clinical guidelines and evidence-based nutrition into product design is influencing healthcare institutions to prefer advanced enteral feeding formulas over generic solutions
• These personalized nutrition trends are driving innovation in flavor, nutrient composition, and delivery formats, enhancing patient compliance and outcomes
• Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating immune-supportive nutrients, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids into formulas, responding to rising awareness of holistic patient care
• Homecare delivery models are expanding, with products designed for ease of administration outside hospital settings, supporting long-term patient adherence
• Collaborations between nutrition companies and healthcare providers are emerging to develop education programs for caregivers, improving proper utilization of enteral feeding products

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Dynamics

Driver

“Rising Prevalence of Malnutrition and Increasing Healthcare Awareness”

• A significant driver for the growth of the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market is the rising prevalence of malnutrition and chronic diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions, which necessitate specialized nutritional support
• For instance, in March 2024, Nestlé Health Science announced the expansion of its enteral nutrition portfolio in South America, introducing new formula options tailored for patients with specific dietary needs. Such initiatives by key companies are expected to drive the Enteral Feeding Formulas industry growth during the forecast period
• Healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the importance of early nutritional intervention to improve patient outcomes, reduce hospital stays, and enhance recovery rates, which is contributing to the heightened adoption of enteral feeding formulas
• Furthermore, the growing awareness among caregivers and family members about the benefits of medically supervised nutrition is promoting the usage of specialized formulas for both pediatric and adult patients
• The availability of a wide range of flavors, nutrient compositions, and formula types catering to different age groups and medical conditions is further propelling the adoption of enteral feeding products in both hospital and homecare settings
• Government healthcare initiatives and hospital nutrition programs are increasingly recommending enteral feeding solutions as part of standard patient care protocols, supporting broader adoption
• Rising investments in healthcare infrastructure and medical nutrition research in South America are driving the introduction of innovative, clinically validated formulas
• Increasing partnerships between global and regional manufacturers are facilitating knowledge transfer, product localization, and wider market penetration

Restraint/Challenge

“High Costs and Limited Access in Remote Areas”

• The relatively high cost of specialized enteral feeding formulas, particularly those with advanced nutrient compositions or disease-specific formulations, can limit adoption in price-sensitive regions across South America
• Access to enteral nutrition products is also restricted in rural or remote areas, where supply chains and distribution networks are less developed, hindering consistent availability for patients in need
• Moreover, the lack of trained healthcare professionals in certain regions to guide proper administration and monitor patient responses can pose challenges to the effective utilization of enteral feeding formulas
• Concerns about patient compliance, taste preferences, and potential gastrointestinal side effects may also impact sustained usage of these products
• Overcoming these challenges through improved distribution networks, government support for nutritional programs, and the development of cost-effective, palatable, and medically tailored formulas will be essential for sustained growth in the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market
• Logistical issues, including temperature-sensitive storage and transportation requirements, can create barriers in maintaining product efficacy in remote regions
• Market fragmentation and limited awareness among smaller healthcare facilities and caregivers may slow adoption rates despite product availability
• Insurance coverage limitations and reimbursement policies can also impact affordability and patient access, especially in developing South American countries

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product, type of tube feeding, stage, application, and end user.

• By Product

On the basis of product, the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market is segmented into standard formulas and disease-specific formulas. The standard formulas segment dominated the largest market revenue share of 48.3% in 2024, driven by its widespread adoption across hospitals and long-term care facilities due to ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with most patients’ nutritional requirements. Standard formulas are preferred for their balanced nutrient composition, regulatory approvals, and availability from multiple suppliers, ensuring reliability and accessibility. The segment’s dominance is further supported by extensive awareness campaigns and training programs for healthcare professionals emphasizing routine nutritional management. In addition, standard formulas are often stocked in bulk in hospitals and care facilities, ensuring consistent supply and adherence to clinical guidelines. Growth in healthcare infrastructure and increasing hospital admissions in South American countries also contribute to the segment’s steady dominance. Strong distribution networks, partnerships with key healthcare providers, and increasing patient preference for convenient nutrition solutions further strengthen the market share. The segment’s established presence, coupled with ongoing research into optimized nutrient profiles, reinforces its leadership. Furthermore, standard formulas are often covered under national healthcare schemes, improving adoption in public hospitals. Increasing recognition of malnutrition risks in both pediatric and adult populations drives consistent demand. Hospitals and care facilities often prefer standard formulas for their proven efficacy and predictable patient outcomes, making them a reliable choice for daily clinical use. The segment’s market strategies focus on expanding availability in remote regions and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

The disease-specific formulas segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth with a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising incidences of chronic diseases such as diabetes, renal disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions in South America. The segment’s growth is supported by increasing awareness among healthcare professionals regarding personalized nutrition interventions. Disease-specific formulas are tailored to meet unique nutritional needs, offering enhanced therapeutic outcomes for patients with critical or chronic conditions. Technological advancements in formulation and clinical trials validating efficacy further encourage adoption. The growing prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders, coupled with an increase in diagnostic capabilities, enables better patient-targeted nutrition management. Healthcare institutions are integrating disease-specific formulas into treatment protocols to improve recovery and patient satisfaction. In addition, collaborations between formula manufacturers and medical institutions drive market penetration. The segment benefits from government initiatives promoting specialized healthcare nutrition programs. Rising disposable incomes in urban centers also contribute to higher adoption rates. Training programs for dietitians and nurses emphasize the clinical benefits of disease-specific formulas. Furthermore, the expansion of hospital networks in emerging regions of Brazil and Argentina supports widespread utilization. Continuous innovation in nutrient composition tailored for specific diseases ensures sustained demand. The integration of digital monitoring tools for patient nutrition further enhances the segment’s appeal in modern healthcare facilities.

• By Type of Tube Feeding

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into gastric tube feeding, nasogastric tube feeding, gastrostomy tube feeding, and duodenal or jejunal tube feeding. The gastric tube feeding segment dominated the market with a 45.7% share in 2024, driven by its versatility, clinical reliability, and ease of placement for both acute and long-term care patients. Gastric tubes are widely preferred due to minimal complications, patient comfort, and broad clinical applicability across adult and pediatric patients. Healthcare providers favor gastric feeding for its compatibility with a wide range of formulas and established protocols. The segment’s dominance is reinforced by healthcare infrastructure in Brazil and Argentina that prioritizes safe and efficient nutritional interventions. Large-scale adoption in hospitals and rehabilitation centers ensures consistent demand. Training programs for clinical staff emphasize correct placement and monitoring, ensuring safe utilization. In addition, gastric tube feeding is compatible with both standard and disease-specific formulas, enhancing versatility. Supply chain availability and local manufacturing in South America improve accessibility. Established clinical guidelines for nutrition management further solidify market leadership. The segment benefits from endorsements by regional health authorities and inclusion in medical education. Integration with enteral feeding pumps enhances precision and patient safety, reinforcing preference among clinicians. High acceptance in long-term care facilities for both adults and pediatric patients strengthens consistent market share. Government programs promoting critical care nutrition also indirectly support the segment’s dominance.

The nasogastric tube feeding segment is expected to witness the fastest growth at a CAGR of 9.3% from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing adoption in home healthcare, emergency care, and pediatric nutrition programs. Nasogastric tubes are favored for short-term feeding, ease of insertion, and lower procedural risks, making them ideal for both hospitals and homecare settings. Rising awareness of patient-centric care and non-invasive feeding solutions accelerates market growth. The segment is supported by technological improvements in tube materials, enhancing patient comfort and reducing complications. The growing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and acute illnesses in South America fuels demand. Training of caregivers and homecare staff further promotes adoption. Emerging telehealth programs integrating nutrition management also boost segment growth. Partnerships between tube manufacturers and healthcare providers improve distribution and accessibility. Government initiatives in Argentina and Brazil to improve pediatric nutrition care enhance market potential. Nasogastric feeding tubes are increasingly used in rehabilitation centers and intensive care units, ensuring steady demand. The segment benefits from cost-effective options suitable for homecare patients. Continuous innovation in tube design and patient monitoring ensures long-term growth prospects. Rising interest in minimally invasive clinical interventions further drives adoption.

• By Stage

On the basis of stage, the market is segmented into adult and pediatric. The adult segment dominated with a 52.1% revenue share in 2024, attributed to increasing geriatric population, rising chronic disease prevalence, and higher hospital admissions in adult patients. Adult feeding solutions are widely preferred for intensive care units, post-surgery recovery, and chronic condition management. Hospitals and long-term care facilities prioritize adult formulas due to consistent clinical efficacy. The dominance is reinforced by the availability of both standard and disease-specific adult formulas. National health programs promoting adult nutrition interventions support adoption. The segment benefits from ongoing clinical studies validating formula effectiveness. In addition, adult nutrition management is well-integrated into hospital protocols and electronic health systems. Urbanization and improved hospital infrastructure in Brazil and Argentina also boost demand. Adult feeding tubes are compatible with most tube types, increasing clinical flexibility. Supply chain readiness ensures reliable formula availability. Market growth is further supported by healthcare provider awareness and patient preference for nutritionally optimized solutions. Strategic partnerships between formula manufacturers and adult care facilities enhance market penetration.

The pediatric segment is expected to record the fastest CAGR of 9.1% from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing focus on infant nutrition, prematurity care, and pediatric chronic illness management. Pediatric formulas are specifically tailored to meet developmental needs, ensuring optimal growth and recovery. Hospitals, neonatal care units, and pediatric clinics are key drivers of adoption. Rising awareness among parents regarding specialized nutritional requirements boosts market penetration. Advances in pediatric tube feeding devices and minimally invasive insertion techniques further promote adoption. The segment is supported by healthcare initiatives focusing on child health in Brazil and Argentina. Digital tools and monitoring systems facilitate precise nutrition management for pediatric patients. Collaboration with pediatric associations enhances clinical acceptance. Emerging urban hospitals are integrating pediatric feeding solutions into routine care protocols. Government programs promoting early-life nutrition indirectly support market growth. Continuous R&D in pediatric formulas ensures sustained demand. Awareness campaigns targeting infant and child nutrition further accelerate segment growth.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into critical care, gastroenterology, oncology, neurology, diabetes, and others. The critical care segment dominated with a 48.8% revenue share in 2024, driven by high hospital utilization for post-surgical recovery, ICU patients, and patients with acute medical conditions. Critical care feeding formulas are designed for rapid nutrient absorption and energy provision, making them essential in intensive care units. Hospitals prioritize critical care formulas for clinical reliability and patient outcome improvements. Adoption is further supported by the availability of specialized tubes and feeding devices. Training programs for ICU staff emphasize accurate formula delivery. The segment’s dominance is reinforced by increasing ICU bed capacity in South America. Partnerships with nutrition solution providers ensure uninterrupted supply. Integration with hospital electronic health records improves monitoring and safety. Government health initiatives and hospital accreditation standards support adoption. Continuous innovation in high-protein and immunonutrition formulas enhances clinical efficacy. Awareness campaigns targeting critical care nutrition further strengthen market dominance. The presence of multi-specialty hospitals facilitates segment adoption.

The gastroenterology segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 9.0% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising incidence of gastrointestinal disorders, improved diagnostic capabilities, and increased use of disease-specific formulas. Patients with chronic digestive conditions increasingly rely on targeted enteral nutrition. Hospitals and outpatient clinics adopt specialized feeding solutions to optimize treatment outcomes. Awareness among gastroenterologists regarding personalized nutrition supports segment growth. Technological advancements in formula composition and delivery devices enhance patient compliance. Expansion of gastroenterology-focused clinics in Brazil and Argentina contributes to market penetration. Integration with digital patient monitoring facilitates precise feeding protocols. Government programs promoting digestive health indirectly drive adoption. Partnerships with specialized formula manufacturers improve supply availability. Nutritional research validating formula efficacy enhances clinician confidence. Increasing patient preference for convenient tube feeding solutions supports growth. Continuous product innovation ensures sustained adoption rates.

• By End User

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals and long-term care facilities. The hospital segment dominated with a 55.0% revenue share in 2024, driven by high patient throughput, critical care requirements, and hospital infrastructure expansion in South America. Hospitals prefer standardized protocols, trained staff, and wide formula availability, which aligns with clinical needs. Hospitals invest in both standard and disease-specific formulas to address diverse patient requirements. Partnerships with manufacturers enhance supply chain efficiency and formula availability. Hospitals also adopt advanced tube feeding devices to improve safety and precision. Training programs ensure proper usage and compliance with clinical guidelines. Hospital dominance is further supported by healthcare policies and reimbursement schemes. Continuous investment in hospital infrastructure boosts segment growth. The presence of specialized units like ICU and gastroenterology wards ensures consistent demand. Hospitals also act as hubs for education and awareness campaigns. Strategic collaborations with dietitians and clinical nutritionists drive adoption. High patient recovery rates reinforce preference for hospital-based feeding solutions.

The long-term care facilities segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.8% from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing geriatric population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and expansion of assisted living centers in Brazil and Argentina. Long-term care facilities require customized nutrition solutions for elderly patients with complex conditions. Adoption is supported by government programs promoting senior care nutrition. Advanced feeding devices ensure safety and convenience for caregivers. Facilities increasingly prefer disease-specific formulas for targeted nutrition interventions. Training programs enhance staff competency in formula administration. Collaboration with formula manufacturers ensures reliable supply chains. Integration of digital monitoring supports precision feeding and patient tracking. Awareness campaigns targeting caregivers and family members further boost adoption. Expansion of healthcare infrastructure in suburban and rural regions supports market penetration. Focus on quality of life and patient safety drives consistent growth. Government incentives for long-term care development indirectly support the segment. Increasing demand for home-like care environments encourages adoption of convenient nutrition solutions.

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Regional Analysis

• The South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR throughout the forecast period, primarily driven by rising healthcare investments, growing awareness of clinical nutrition, and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
• The region is witnessing enhanced adoption of enteral feeding programs across hospitals, clinics, and homecare settings
• Improving healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives aimed at malnutrition management are also supporting market growth

Brazil South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Insight
Brazil South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market dominated the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market with the largest revenue share of 38.7% in 2024, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of hospital-based nutritional programs, and the presence of key industry players. The country has seen increased use of specialized enteral formulas for critical care, oncology, and pediatric patients, further bolstering market expansion.

Argentina South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Insight
Argentina South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market is expected to be the fastest-growing country in the South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market during the forecast period, with a CAGR  from 2025 to 2032. Growth is driven by increasing healthcare modernization, rising hospital and homecare services, and the growing adoption of advanced enteral nutrition products. In addition, initiatives promoting clinical nutrition awareness and evidence-based dietary management are supporting the market’s rapid growth.

South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market Share

The Enteral Feeding Formulas industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Abbott (U.S.)
• Nestlé Health Science (Switzerland)
• Baxter International Inc. (U.S.)
• Danone Nutricia (France)
• Fresenius Kabi (Germany)
• Mead Johnson Nutrition (U.S.)
• Prolacta Bioscience (U.S.)
• Vitaflo International Ltd. (U.K.)
• B. Braun Melsungen AG (Germany)
• Cardinal Health, Inc. (U.S.)
• Royal DSM N.V. (Netherlands)
• Nutrisa (Brazil)
• Laboratorios Bagó (Argentina)
• Cenexi (France)
• Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition (Japan)

Latest Developments in South America Enteral Feeding Formulas Market

• In November 2021, Abbott Laboratories launched the Similac 360 Total Care line of infant formula, incorporating five human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that are naturally found in breast milk. This formula is designed to aid in the development of babies’ digestive system, immune system, and brain, marking a significant advancement in infant nutrition
• In September 2023, Cardinal Health Inc. introduced the Kangaroo OMNI Enteral Feeding Pump, a next-generation enteral feeding system designed to deliver nutrition and hydration from hospital to home. This launch underscores Cardinal Health’s commitment to advancing enteral feeding solutions
• In August 2023, VGM Wound Care, a UK-based community and resource center for healthcare providers and vendors specializing in wound care, launched the Enteral Nutrition Guide. This comprehensive resource provides essential insights, protocols, and guidance for the seamless integration of enteral nutrition into the wound care business of Home Medical Equipment (HME) providers

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