Page 73 - FoodFocusThailand No.198 September 2022

STRATEGIC R&D

According to the United Nations, Japan is considered a super in nutrients with complete nutrition, be soft and easy to chew and digest,
aged society, having 26% of the total population aged 65 years or and not have a very strong taste. Spices and herbs may be used to
over, where most of the elderly are women. South Korea has already enhance aroma and flavor. In addition, special attention must be paid
entered the aged society. Whereas Singapore, which has the same to good hygiene, clean food, and hygienic food preparation, especially
elderly proportion as Thailand, is still an aging society and is expected for the elderly with congenital diseases.
to become an entirely aged society soon. For Thailand, in 2022, it is Medical food and special purpose food are different from healthy
considered that we have completely entered the aged society, in which food and diet for the elderly in terms of food characteristics and
20% of the total population are 60 years or over. It is also expected consumption methods. Medical food is food used under the control of
that in 2033 we will enter the “super aging society” with approximately a physician to help patients obtain the correct nutrition and appropriate
28% of the total population aged 60 years or over. nutrients for their disease and supplementary food intake to meet the
By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. needs of the body and the condition of the disease. Food for special
As the aging population is increasing gradually, it has been noted that dietary is produced with specific process, formula, or ingredients for
these people tend to live longer and stay healthy. Consequently, special needs with characteristics, shapes or types and quantities of
various of their basic needs began to change. This results in diverse ingredients different from the same food normally produced.
products and services for the elderly that are increasingly available Examples are food for specific patients or those with physical
in the market. Most of the elderly concerned about their health and abnormalities, food for those who want to control their weight, food for
wellness. Data shows that more than 50% of the elderly have the elderly, and food for pregnant women, etc.
congenital diseases, and over 70% need to see a doctor on a regular The Global medical foods segment has a very high market growth
basis. Therefore, there is a tendency to increase demand for disease rate. In 2020, the market value was USD 20.2 billion. It is projected to
specific diets, medical food, and special purpose food both at present grow 5-6% over the next five years. By 2030, it is projected to be worth
and in the future. USD 33.5 billion. A key factor contributing to this market expansion is
Healthy food and senior food may not be much different. However, the increase in chronic disease symptoms in the elderly, which comes
medical food and special purpose food have characteristics. As an with an increasing number of the elderly population and raising
elderly lifestyle and behavior change with reduced activity and awareness of clinical nutrition among patients and healthcare
decreased energy demand, they still need complete nutrition to help professionals. In addition, the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19 has also
Medical Food Therefore, food for the elderly should provide adequate energy, high States are the largest markets for medical food. The market value of
build disease resistance as well as develop brain and memory function.
increased the demand for medical food. North America and the United

and Special

Purpose

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