Dietary Supplements Market Size Analysis in Iran From 2011 to 2015

Abstract

Background: Dietary Supplement (DS) is a manufactured preparation intended to supplement the diet; unlike medications, they are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Iran’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been collecting sales data from distribution companies. This datasheet is a remarkable source for the market analysis of medicines and dietary supplements. No study exists on the state of the market for dietary supplements in Iran. Our study attempted to address this issue and the related challenges in this area. Methods: The data of this study was derived from the official statistical sales data of dietary supplements compiled by the FDA in 2015, as well as a statistical dataset of dietary supplements managed by Iranian dietary supplementary manufactures syndicate in 20112015. Results: Dietary supplements market in 2015 included over 1380 products. Nutritional baby formula has assigned the largest share by value, followed by general tonics and dietary supplements for anemia. Adults and children are the greatest consumer groups. The 4-year period analysis suggested growth in the different sections of the market. Conclusion: DS market in Iran is experiencing significant growth, both by value and volume. The per capita expenditure of DSs in Iran is lower than the global average. This could be due to the lower price of the locally produced supplements, in comparison with the imported branded ones, as well as the lack of awareness of the general population about the specialized products. The economic sanctions of Iran and unsustainable policies of the Iranian FDA regarding the licensing and importation of the dietary supplements, also the allocation of subsidized foreign exchange for the production of those are the challenges of this market.

Keywords

• Dietary supplement
• Market
• Analysis
• Iran