Market Trends of Natural Vitamin E Industry
The Tocopherols Segment is the Most Popular Type of Natural Vitamin Globally
Vitamin E can be found naturally in highly fractionated D-alpha-tocopherol or its esters, meeting human nutrition requirements out of eight chemical forms. The standard unit of measurement for vitamin E is International Units (IU), with one IU equivalent to 0.67 mg d-α-tocopherol ("natural" vitamin E). Tocotrienols are less prevalent forms of vitamin E compared to tocopherols because tocopherols are more readily available in most diets. As a result, dietary supplements are formulated with higher concentrations of tocopherols.
Moreover, tocopherols have seen an increase in usage within the cosmetics industry. This is because they serve as an excellent source of vitamin E and offer protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation on the skin. The inclusion of tocopherols in cosmetic products acts as a scavenger for free radicals, preserving the skin's health. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, leading to significant growth in the industry. Key manufacturers are also introducing new products such as sunscreen lotions, face creams, and moisturizers to protect all skin types, including sensitive skin. These product launches increase the demand for natural vitamin E ingredients. Hence, manufacturers of natural vitamin E ingredients are driven to increase their production capabilities as competitors try to launch more such products in the market to gain a competitive edge.
North America Emerging as the Largest Regional Market
The North American market for vitamin E is expected to experience significant growth in the forecast period. The United States and Canada are witnessing rising trends in healthcare expenditure, technological advancements, improved medical services, and a growing population of insured individuals. These conditions create opportunities for the utilization of natural vitamin E across various end-user industries.
The market for natural vitamin E is also driven by growing consumer demand for natural ingredients and additives. Additionally, government agencies in the region have implemented stringent regulations to limit the usage of synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and nutraceutical products. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a list of substances that are restricted or prohibited in cosmetics, such as bithionol, chloroform, and mercury. Additionally, the increasing per capita healthcare expenditure and the growing focus on health and wellness to combat obesity and diabetes in the region are driving the demand for vitamin E supplements and fortified foods. The prevalence of obesity among the population of the United States exceeded 41.9% in 2023. Furthermore, the rising incidence of vitamin deficiency and the surge in meat consumption are expected to further contribute to the demand for vitamin E in the regional market.