UAE Maternal Supplements Market Research Report: Forecast (2024-2030)

Market Definition

Maternal Supplements like like folic acid, Vitamin D, multivitamins, Vitamin B, etc., are essential to support the health of women & the growth and development of the fetus during different stages including preconception, prenatal, and postpartum.

Market Insights & Analysis: The UAE Maternal Supplements Market (2024-30):

The UAE Maternal Supplements Market size was valued at USD 40.51 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 62.59 million by 2030. The market is also estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 6.18% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-30.

In the UAE, rates of congenital heart disease (CHD) & spina bifida among newborns have been notable. When consumed adequately, maternal supplements, such as Folic Acid, Vitamin B, Omega-3 Fatty Acid, etc., tend to potentially reduce the development of such birth defects in children. In light of this, medical professionals in the UAE have been aggressively pushing expectant mothers, especially those in consanguineous marriages, to prioritize consuming these supplements. As a result of this, the UAE Maternal Supplements Market has been experiencing positive growth trends. For instance, the UAE Congenital Heart Association released a statement in 2023 highlighting that, in the UAE, approximately 970 children are born each year with CHD.

Furthermore, social media & government health programs in the UAE have greatly increased pregnant women’s health literacy. As a result, the women are now more informed about the consequences of nutritional deficiencies of vitamin D, folate, and iron deficiencies in child's health. Therefore, to prevent birth defects and fetal mortality and to maintain the overall health of newborns they actively seek advice from health experts for updating their nutritional intake. This subsequently has led them to integrate maternal supplements into diet plans to mitigate such risks.

Hence, the market size of maternal supplements in the UAE is experiencing a significant growth trajectory. Also, a heightened number of cases of infertility as a consequence of obesity, smoking, late marriages, etc. have been reported in the UAE and have led women wanting children to consult their doctors about incorporating supplements like Folic acid & Vitamin D into their daily routines.

Additionally, companies like Nestlé with their Materna line and Abbott Laboratories with their SimMom Plus products are providing supplements formed to meet specific nutritional requirements during various stages of pregnancy & postpartum. These products are designed to appeal to pregnant women in the UAE who look for supplements catering to their unique health requirements during these crucial phases. This targeted approach would attract a broader consumer base seeking specialized products, thereby supporting market growth throughout the forecast period.

The UAE Maternal Supplements Market Driver:

Government Initiatives to Enhance Maternal Health – The Abu Dhabi & Dubai governments started various programs & initiatives in collaboration with healthcare providers to reduce the high rates of maternal & fetal mortality. For instance, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) in collaboration with maternity and children's hospitals in Abu Dhabi, introduced a campaign in 2023, named 'Maternal and Child Health' program to raise awareness about aspects related to the health of pregnant women & children in the emirate. These campaigns and programs are increasing awareness about the benefits of maternal health supplements among pregnant women and their families. As a result, the sales of maternal health supplements are growing.

Moreover, to prevent nutritional deficiencies and other brain & spinal cord malformations, health authorities are continuously including multivitamins, minerals, etc., in their nutritional guidelines for pregnant women. Due to this as well, the market for Maternal Supplements has been expanding in the UAE.

The UAE Maternal Supplements Market Challenge:

Classification of Maternal Supplements as Nutraceuticals – Maternal supplements are classified under dietary supplements & functional food category. Owing to this, the content of maternal supplements is not evaluated in the same way as pharmaceutical products are. The lack of an evaluation process has led to suspicion among consumers & healthcare professionals regarding the claims made by companies about their supplement products. As a result, many healthcare professionals refrain from prescribing maternal supplements to pregnant women or to those who are in the postpartum phase.

Moreover, due to a lack of stringent evaluation, some women and their family members do not support the idea of consuming maternal supplements, hampering the market’s potential.

The UAE Maternal Supplements Market Trend:

Heightened Preference For Gut Microbiota Supplements – During the past few years, many scientific research studies have been published that highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome ecosystem during pregnancy. These studies enlightened the role of microbiomes in immune system development, efficient nutrient absorption, and protection against infections. The proliferation of social media has further enhanced awareness about gut health & the benefits of microbiota (probiotic) supplements. Consequently, Garden of Life Prenatal Probiotic for Women, Pink Stork Prenatal Probiotics for Women, and other probiotic maternal supplements are witnessing an increased adoption across the country.

Furthermore, these probiotic maternal supplements are recognized for their potential to alleviate occasional morning sickness, a common concern among pregnant women, which is further fueling its demand in the UAE. Additionally, as consumer awareness about health benefits expands, more companies are expected to enter the market with innovative probiotic maternal health supplements, which would create new market trends during the forecast period.

The UAE Maternal Supplements Market (2024-30): Segmentation Analysis

The UAE Maternal Supplements Market study by MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends & influencing factors in each segment & includes predictions for the period 2024–2030 at the national level. As per the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Type:

• Multivitamins
• Vitamins (Vitamin D, Vitamin B, and Others)
• Folic Acid
• Omega 3
• Calcium
• Iron
• Others

The Multivitamin segment has showcased a significant growth trajectory due to its pivotal role in fetal development. Multivitamins are essential for nourishment, especially in the initial weeks when neural tube formation is occurring, owing to this women during the initial phases of pregnancy significantly consume multivitamin supplements. Moreover, multivitamins are available in different forms like capsules, tablets, gel caps, and powdered formulations. This availability of multivitamins in different forms makes it suitable for all types of different end-user perspectives.

Additionally, multivitamins offer a balanced blend of different vitamins which makes them more attractive and leads to frequent purchases. The affordability and convenience of purchasing a single multivitamin rather than separate individual vitamin supplements have increased its appeal among pregnant women and those in the postpartum stage in the UAE. These benefits and convenience offered by multivitamins would continue to enhance its market share during the forecast period.

Based on the Distribution Channel:

• Offline (Pharmacy & Supermarket/Hypermarket)
• Online

The market share of the Offline category has been substantially upgraded and reached almost USD 29.54 million in 2023. The growth has been notably driven by the widespread presence of pharmacies such as Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, etc., and supermarkets/hypermarkets, like West Zone, Al Maya, and Viva across the country. This extensive reach has allowed maternal supplement companies to tap into a broader consumer base and enhance brand visibility by stocking their supplement products in these retail outlets.

Furthermore, with supermarkets & hypermarkets offering a diverse selection of maternal supplement products, competitive pricing, and convenient one-stop shopping experiences, consumers seeking nutritional solutions find them advantageous over other distribution channels. Additionally, these supermarkets/hypermarkets provide valuable promotional opportunities, contributing to increased sales & overall market expansion for maternal supplement brands.

Moreover, pharmacists in local pharmacies tend to often advise consumers on the correct and safe consumption of products, including maternal supplements, as a result, pregnant women or their families having doubts often visit pharmacies to seek maternal health supplements.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our UAE Maternal Supplements Market Report

• The UAE Maternal Supplements Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
• This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
• The UAE Maternal Supplements Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.