Page 46 - FoodFocusThailand No.145_April 2018

STRATEGIC R & DD
STRATEGIC R &

Eye Health Ingredients

Market & Benefits

Eye health ingredients market size is set to surpass U.S. eye health ingredients market could witness over 5% growth
USD 290 million by 2024; according to a new research through to 2024. Growing consumer health consciousness coupled
report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Rising diseases with increasing product launches will drive the regional demand. Low
including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), vision and blindness is observed in over 3.2 million people in the
North America in 2015, which is estimated to surpass 6 million by
diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts will 2024.
propel product demand. Protection from UV radiation, Europe, led by Germany and UK will witness growth over 5.5%.
elimination of free radicals and enhancing strong High geriatric population along with increasing consumer spending
vision are other key features stimulating the industry on healthcare will propel the regional industry growth. China and
India together will witness CAGR over 6.5% up to 2024. Increase in
growth. consumer purchasing power along with growing consumer interest
for a healthy lifestyle will stimulate industry growth.
Eye Health Ingredients Market
Zeaxanthin and lutein are the broadly used eye care ingredients, high Eye Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin
efficiency and effectiveness in lower dosages causes low zeaxanthin Lutein and zeaxanthin are two types of carotenoids (kuh-RAH-teh-
consumption compared to lutein. Lutein will witness CAGR exceeding noids), which are yellow to red pigments found widely in vegetables
6.5% up to 2024. Rising demand for infant supplementary to overcome and other plants. Though lutein is considered a yellow pigment, in
vision deficiency among children are the main factors driving high concentrations it appears orange-red. Cooked spinach is one
lutein demand. of the best natural food sources of lutein and zeaxanthin.
Bilberry extracts will be worth over USD 25 In nature, lutein and zeaxanthin appear to absorb
million by 2024. Potential application outlook in excess light energy to prevent damage to plants
healthcare industry to treat vision disorders will from too much sunlight, especially from high-
enhance the product penetration. Retinal health energy light rays called blue light.
enhancement and blood sugar level In addition to being found in many green leafy
maintenance are the key substantial benefits. plants and colorful fruits and vegetables, lutein
Demand for animal eye health ingredients and zeaxanthin are found in high concentrations
market will witness over 7% growth up to 2024. in the macula of the human eye, giving the macula
Preventive care among owners of pet and its yellowish color. In fact, the macula also is called
commercial animal will remain a key driving the “macula lutea” (from the Latin macula, meaning
factor for the segment. “spot,” and lutea, meaning “yellow”). Recent
Shifting consumer preference towards naturally sourced products research has discovered a third carotenoid in the
will drive the industry growth. Synthetic eye health ingredients market macula. Called meso-zeaxanthin, this pigment is not found in food
is driven by low processing costs with high benefits which will impact sources and appears to be created in the retina from ingested lutein.
natural eye health ingredients market price trend. Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to have important antioxidant
High surgery costs are the factors influencing consumers toward functions in the body. Along with other natural antioxidants, including
OTC supplements to avoid substantial costs on clinical treatments. vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E, these important pigments
Development and innovation in terms of product personalization and guard the body from damaging effects of free radicals, which are
customization will be a key strategy for the nutraceutical industry. unstable molecules that can destroy cells and play a role in many
Capsule, soft gel and tablets accounted for more than 40% of the diseases.
industry share in 2016. Reduced side effects along with ease in In addition to important eye and vision benefits, lutein may help
consumption are the factors positively influencing the product protect against atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in arteries),
penetration. the disease that leads to most heart attacks.
Age-related macular degeneration treatment is the leading
segment for the product consumption. Rising dry eye syndrome
diseases globally is another factor fueling the eye health ingredients
market.

44 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND APR 2018

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