Health buzz: Market for supplements grows 61% | Ahmedabad News

Ahmedabad: The sale of vitamins, minerals, and nutraceutical supplements skyrocketed in 2024, witnessing a staggering 61% year-on-year growth in Gujarat. Data from Pharmarack reveals that the market value for this segment surged from Rs 555.1 crore in 2023 to Rs 897.4 crore in 2024, driven by a growing consumer shift towards preventive healthcare. By February 2025, the moving annual total (MAT) for vitamins, mineral supplements, and nutraceuticals increased to Rs 908 crore, states Pharmarack, signalling a further rise in demand.
The post-pandemic emphasis on wellness, coupled with rising disposable incomes and new product launches, collectively fuelled the demand across urban and semi-urban India. Clearly, the market size almost doubled compared to Rs 450.1 crore in 2020, suggests the data.
Pointing at reasons, “Consumer demand for nutraceuticals in chemist shops as well as online increased significantly,” said Hari Natarajan, Co-founder of Pronto Consult. “Notably, over 70% of Indian consumers regularly take vitamins and minerals, and more than 45% of them do so without a doctor’s prescription.”
“The boom is further accelerated by the rapid expansion of online platforms, making nutraceuticals more accessible, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Social media and digital marketing also played a crucial role, with influencers and medical professionals actively endorsing supplements for chronic conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, and mental health,” he adds.
Many of such supplements are also prescribed by doctors to manage certain conditions or side effects. Putting this in perspective, Alpesh Patel, Chairperson of the Federation of Gujarat Chemists and Druggists’ Association (FGSCDA), said, “The market is evolving rapidly with frequent product launches. New nutraceuticals are entering the market, particularly for gut health, menstruation-related conditions, whey and plant-based protein supplements for ensuring optimal protein intake, and those to address specific deficiencies. Patients who already have conditions like cardiovascular diseases or diabetes often suffer from gut and other issues, which are better managed using nutraceuticals and hence are prescribed.”
“On the other hand, vitamins and minerals such as B-complex, calcium, B12, and D3 are in high demand as they not just help manage deficiencies but also are underlying causes of stress and poor immunity. Doctors are increasingly prescribing vitamin and mineral supplements in addition to nutraceuticals for managing conditions like fatigue, anxiety, and weakened immunity. There are no restrictions from the govt, and overall awareness about preventive healthcare is growing, and as a result, online as well as over-the-counter sales are high,” he added.
Industry players also said among the elderly, joint health supplements—such as glucosamine, collagen, calcium, and vitamin D—are particularly popular.