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Tech advancements pave way for personalised nutra
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Wednesday, 07 May, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Dr K Anitha
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Historical Perspective and Evolution of Nutraceuticals
The nutraceutical industry in India has experienced substantial growth, shaped by its rich traditional medicinal practices and the rising global interest in health-oriented products. Its development can be categorised into distinct phases, each playing a role in establishing it as a dynamic and expanding sector. India’s roots in nutraceuticals stem from ancient medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, which focus on preventive healthcare and holistic wellness.
These traditions emphasise the therapeutic use of natural herbs, spices, and dietary formulations to enhance health and address ailments. Classical texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita highlight the medicinal significance of food, underscoring nutrition’s role in overall well-being. Ingredients such as turmeric, ashwagandha, amla, and neem have been integral to Indian households for centuries, valued for both their culinary and medicinal benefits. Following India's independence, there was a gradual transition from traditional healing practices to modern pharmaceutical approaches.
However, during the 1980s and 1990s, interest in dietary supplements and functional foods was reignited, fuelled by increased awareness of the health advantages associated with natural ingredients. This period also witnessed the entry of multinational corporations into the Indian market, blending Western supplement concepts with indigenous herbal formulations. The early 2000s marked a transformative phase for India's nutraceutical sector. Globalisation facilitated the exchange of knowledge and technological advancements, allowing Indian manufacturers to develop innovative, high-quality nutraceutical products. Functional foods, fortified beverages, and dietary supplements gained traction among urban consumers. Simultaneously, Indian companies capitalised on growing international demand for herbal and natural products, expanding exports to markets in the United States, Europe, and South-East Asia.
Recognising the growth potential of the nutraceutical sector, the Indian government introduced various supportive policies and regulatory frameworks. The formation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2006 provided a well-defined structure for the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of nutraceutical products. In recent years, the industry has witnessed remarkable expansion, driven by increasing health awareness, an aging population, and the rising incidence of lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. The Covid-19 pandemic further amplified consumer demand for immunity-enhancing products, leading to a surge in the popularity of herbal supplements and functional foods. Additionally, advancements in technology have paved the way for the development of personalised nutraceuticals designed to meet individual health requirements.
Today, India’s nutraceutical sector seamlessly integrates traditional wisdom with modern scientific advancements. Companies are harnessing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence and genomics, to create next-generation products, while Ayurvedic nutraceuticals continue to gain international recognition. With increased investments in research and development, a strong regulatory framework, and a rapidly expanding domestic and global market, India is on track to emerge as a key player in the global nutraceutical industry. This evolutionary journey underscores India’s ability to merge its rich traditional heritage with scientific progress, serving both national and international consumers in the pursuit of better health and well-being.
Current Trends in Market Size – India
By 2025, India's nutraceutical market is expected to reach approximately $10 billion, driven by a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15-20% over the following five years. Several factors contribute to this rapid expansion. The increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity has heightened demand for health-centric products. Additionally, a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare, particularly among millennials and Gen Z, has significantly influenced the adoption of nutraceuticals. India’s long-standing tradition of Ayurveda and herbal medicine continues to shape its nutraceutical sector. The heightened demand for immunity-boosting products, particularly during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, has further accelerated industry growth. Technological innovations are playing a pivotal role in the future of India's nutraceutical market.
Companies are utilising artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse consumer preferences and develop personalised health solutions. Research and development efforts are focused on creating novel products such as plant-based proteins, vegan supplements, and probiotics to cater to niche markets and evolving dietary trends. India’s nutraceutical industry holds immense potential in both domestic and global markets. Sustaining this momentum will require ongoing innovation, investment in research, and continued regulatory support. By integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern scientific advancements, India is establishing itself as a key player in the global nutraceutical landscape. The combination of rising consumer awareness, technological advancements, and supportive government policies highlights the industry’s vital role in shaping the nation’s healthcare and economic future.
Regulatory Framework and Policy Landscape
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the manufacturing, marketing, labelling, and safety of nutraceuticals under the Food Safety and Standards (Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, Food for Special Dietary Use, and Food for Special Medical Purpose, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods) Regulations, 2016. These guidelines establish permissible ingredients, labelling norms, and health claims to ensure product quality and consumer safety. Manufacturers are required to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and secure approvals for novel ingredients and formulations. Additionally, products derived from traditional Indian medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (ASU), fall under the purview of the Ministry of AYUSH.
India’s export regulations for nutraceuticals are aligned with international standards, such as those set by the Codex Alimentarius, to enhance global trade opportunities. Government initiatives like Make in India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes support domestic production and encourage innovation within the industry. Furthermore, research and development in the sector receive financial support through various grants and incentives. As consumer demands evolve, the FSSAI continues to revise its regulations, ensuring that India's nutraceutical industry meets global safety and quality standards. This well-structured regulatory environment promotes industry expansion while prioritising public health.
Role of Ayurveda and Indian Traditional Medicine
Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine have significantly influenced the evolution of India’s nutraceutical sector, giving it a distinct advantage in the global market. These age-old healing systems focus on holistic well-being and preventive healthcare, aligning with the increasing preference for natural, plant-based, and immunity-enhancing products. Essential Ayurvedic components such as turmeric, ashwagandha, giloy, amla, and neem are widely recognised for their medicinal benefits and are now commonly integrated into dietary supplements, functional foods, and health beverages. Many of these formulations cater to prevalent health concerns like stress, immunity support, and digestive wellness, addressing lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The Ministry of Ayush has played a key role in advancing Ayurveda-based nutraceuticals by fostering research, standardisation, and commercialisation efforts. Additionally, collaborations between Ayurveda experts and modern scientific researchers have facilitated the development of scientifically validated products, strengthening consumer confidence. Globally, the demand for Ayurvedic nutraceuticals is rising, with Indian manufacturers expanding their presence in markets such as the US, Europe, and South-East Asia. By merging ancient knowledge with modern technological advancements, Ayurveda remains a cornerstone of India’s rapidly expanding nutraceutical industry.
Challenges and Strategies for Sustainable Growth in the Indian Nutraceutical Industry
Despite its rapid expansion, the Indian nutraceutical sector faces multiple challenges. Key hurdles include complex regulatory requirements, low consumer awareness in rural regions, and inefficiencies within the supply chain. While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India provides a regulatory structure, frequent modifications and inconsistent enforcement create compliance difficulties for manufacturers. Additionally, the presence of counterfeit and substandard products erodes consumer trust. Limited investment in research and development (R&D) hampers innovation, particularly in the creation of scientifically validated formulations. Furthermore, reliance on imported high-quality raw materials increases production costs, making affordability a concern. The lack of awareness about nutraceutical benefits among rural populations also limits the industry’s market reach, despite India’s vast consumer base.
For sustainable growth, companies should prioritise R&D investments and harness advanced technologies to develop innovative, research-backed products. Strengthening quality control and aligning with international standards will enhance consumer confidence and open up global market opportunities. Increasing public awareness, especially in rural areas, can help drive demand. Government support through regulatory simplification, R&D incentives, and public-private partnerships will be crucial in overcoming these challenges. A collaborative effort among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers will ensure the long-term growth of the sector, contributing to both national health and economic progress.
(The author is assistant professor, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management (SPTM), SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Deemed-to-be-University, Shirpur)
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