India’s nutraceuticals bank on biotech & nanotech to set new benchmarks for scientifically-backed health solutions

The industry is on a trajectory of rapid growth and innovation, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a supportive regulatory framework. The government is also promoting R&D through public-private partnerships, dedicated R&D parks, and integrating nutraceuticals into the National Medicinal Plants Board scheme. With rising health consciousness and preventive healthcare trends, innovation is poised to be a key growth stimulator for the Indian nutraceutical industry, he added.
We are seeing that the nutraceutical industry is currently undergoing a sea change with developments in biotechnology and nanotechnology, which make the products more bioavailable and effective. Nanotechnology improves the solubility and absorption of the nutrients. Biotechnology included in this is fermentation, produces bioactive ingredients like probiotics and prebiotics for gut health. With rising awareness of healthcare and preventive solutions, such innovations are touted to be the future of the nutraceutical sector in India, steering it toward global prominence, Kondepudi told Pharmabiz in an email.
The nutraceutical industry is R&D-intensive, with new product developments done to meet consumer needs. However, high research costs make it competitive for small companies and start-ups. Considering this, financial mechanisms like grants and subsidies have a great role to play in building innovation and catalysing the growth of the industry. Accordingly, better customer education, increased funding towards research and development, and an improved regulatory framework are essential for the future success of the nutraceutical sector in India, said Kondepudi.
India offers biodiversity and well-developed agricultural research infrastructure, which can easily help cultivate botanicals under controlled conditions and, therefore, meet organic and other claims. The country also has the know-how to develop superior nutraceutical ingredients. Its strong clinical research industry helps quantify outcomes in human studies, he noted.
The new regulations enforced are for FSS norms for Health Supplements, Nutraceuticals, and Food for Special Dietary Use, so that the system of classification and approval procedures is well spelt out for nutraceutical products. This facilitates growth in a cumbersome way and help industries align with international standards, thereby increasing the global competitiveness of the sector.
Further, sustainability is being pursued by Indian nutraceutical companies through green manufacturing, responsible sourcing of raw materials, innovative packaging, reducing wastes, and collaboration. These have an add-on effect on the preservation of the environment and correspond to the rising consumer demand for green and sustainable, ethically produced products, he said.
The growth of India’s nutraceutical industry has been strong, driven by changing consumer preferences and regulatory developments, coupled with increasing investments. As the market matures, its stakeholders need to continuously adapt and become innovative in a bid to meet the changing consumer need. With these dynamics in play, India stands in a good position to emerge as a significant player in the global nutraceutical landscape, said Kondepudi.
Yet there is an impending need for nutraceutical companies to embark on education campaigns. Simple clear messages need to be devised to highlight its benefits for a healthy lifestyle. A lot can be achieved in consumer education and awareness regarding nutraceuticals. This enables customers to make informed decisions regarding their health, he said.
Source: Pharmabiz