The changing lifestyle and diet is leading to digestive disorders in millions of people worldwide. Increasing awareness regarding gastrointestinal health, fitness, and overall wellbeing is driving the digestive aids market growth. Digestive aids are the supplements used to improve digestion and help in breakdown of consumed food particles. Digestive aids help in treating problems such as constipation, gas, acidity, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome, etc. Digestion aids products include prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Enzymes such as lactases, lipases, proteases are marketed as dietary supplements. New lactose free products are gaining significant traction as compared to traditional digestive aids, which can be used for the population suffering from lactose intolerance.

Global Digestion Aids Market: Drivers

Digestion aids market revenue is expected to witness significant growth, owing to increasing number of new product launches for digestive health in children. For instance, in July 2017, Alcresta Therapeutics received 510(K) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of RELiZORB in children. RELiZORB is used for Pancreatic and Gastric disorders in both children and adults.

Rising geriatric population and growing awareness regarding gastrointestinal health are also two important factors driving the digestion aids market size. In elderly population functionality of digestive system decreases and muscles in the digestive tract become stiff, weak, and less efficient for food digestion. For instance, according to a study published in BMC Gastroenterology Journal, around 11% of the population suffer from a chronic digestive disease in U.S. with a prevalence rate as high as 35% for those 65 years and above.

Global Digestion Aids Market Restraints

The major restraining factor for digestion aids market growth is the side effects shown by the probiotics and prebiotics. Although there are many benefits, but excess consumption of probiotics can lead to unpleasant digestive symptoms. Amines in probiotic foods may trigger headaches, while some ingredients can cause adverse reactions. According to a study published in National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2012, certain probiotic compounds may contain hidden allergens of food and may not be safe for subjects with allergy to cow's milk or hen's egg.

Global Digestion Aids Market: Regional Analysis

North America is expected to hold the dominant position in digestion aids market over the forecast period, owing to increasing digestive disorders among the population coupled with unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. According to the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) 2015 data, around 13.8% to 25.8% population in North America is affected by GERD.

Asia Pacific digestion aids market revenue is expected to witness significant growth owing to increasing consumption of probiotics, prebiotics and new launches of digestion aids. For instance, in February 2018, Yakult Danone launched a new version of signature probiotic drink in India. The new formulation contains vitamin D and E, as well as Yakult’s trademark Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS).

Global Digestion Aids Market: Competitive Landscape

Key players operating in the global digestion aids market include Nebraska Cultures Inc., Chr. Hansen, Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories, and Dabur India Ltd. Other prominent players in the digestion aids market are GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Amway Inc., Pfizer, Cargill Inc., and Nestle.

Global Digestion Aids Market: Taxonomy

The global digestion aids market is segmented on the basis of product type, formulation, channel of distribution, and region.

By Product Type