South Korea Probiotic Food Supplement Market -20024-2027

The South Korea probiotic food supplement market recorded a value of US$ 649.05 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of US$ 819.40 million in 2027, growing at a CAGR of 12.94% during the forecast period (2024-2027).

The probiotic food supplement market in South Korea has experienced robust growth in recent years, fuelled by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with probiotics. As South Koreans become more health-conscious, there has been a noticeable shift towards preventive healthcare, with probiotic supplements being perceived as beneficial for gut health, immune support, and overall well-being.

Technological advancements are a key trend in the probiotic supplement market in South Korea, driving innovation and enhancing product efficacy. For instance, in April 2022, osmax NBT, a South Korea-based supplements company, developed Zeta Probiotics Technology. The technology enables restoring the cell wall of probiotic microbes after passing through the freeze-drying process, thereby improving the viability and adhesion of probiotic strains in the intestine.

Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Digestive Disorders

As digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and dysbiosis become more prevalent, individuals are becoming more aware of the role of gut health in overall well-being. Many individuals prefer natural approaches to managing health issues, including digestive disorders. Probiotics are perceived as natural remedies that can restore the balance of gut bacteria, which is often disrupted in digestive disorders like IBS and diarrhea.

According to the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 2023, stated that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain related to defecation or altered bowel habits. IBS affects about 10.0% of the population worldwide; in Korea, the prevalence of IBS has been reported to be 6.6–8.0%. The growing prevalence of digestive disorders is boosting consumer awareness of gut health and driving demand for probiotic supplements due to their potential in managing related symptoms.

Increasing Disposable Income

South Koreans are increasingly health-conscious, especially with rising disposable incomes. According to the Bank of Korea, estimated disposable personal income in South Korea increased to 2191418.90 KRW Billion (1586 Bn) in 2022 from 2099125.20 KRW Billion (1520.09) in 2021. Disposable Personal Income in South Korea averaged 695146.82 KRW Billion (503.39) from 1970 until 2022, reaching an all-time high of 2191418.90 KRW Billion (1586 Bn) in 2022.

With more disposable income, South Korean consumers can afford to spend more on health and wellness products, including probiotic supplements. This makes these supplements more accessible to a larger segment of the population. Urbanization in South Korea has led to changing dietary habits and lifestyles. Urban people with higher incomes are more likely to seek out convenient health solutions like probiotic supplements to balance their diets and manage stress.

Market Restraints

Stringent Regulations for Health Supplements

In South Korea, the probiotic food supplement market is tightly regulated by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), requiring extensive safety and efficacy data, clinical trials, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for product approval. The approval process is lengthy and may face delays due to additional data requests. Strict labelling requirements mandate clear ingredient details and prohibit unsubstantiated health claims, with non-compliance leading to fines or recalls.

Imported probiotic supplements must meet rigorous local standards, often necessitating local representation, adding to operational costs and complexities for foreign manufacturers. Thus, while regulatory measures in South Korea aim to safeguard consumer health and maintain product quality, they simultaneously impose substantial barriers on the probiotic food supplement market. These constraints necessitate careful compliance management and strategic planning by industry players seeking to navigate and thrive in this regulated environment.

Market Segment Analysis

The South Korea probiotic food supplement market is segmented based on ingredient, dosage, application, age, and distribution channel.

Rising Awareness about the Health Benefits of Lactobacillus Drives the Segment Growth

Lactobacillus has become a key player in South Korea's probiotic supplement market, driven by the country's advanced healthcare industry and health-conscious population. The strains are popular for their digestive, immune, women's health, and mental health benefits, aligning with South Korea's holistic health approach. This demand is further fuelled by the nation's cultural appreciation for fermented foods like kimchi, which naturally contains Lactobacillus.

In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients in April 2023, researchers in the Republic of Korea reported that oral administration of Lactobacillus probiotics could facilitate the growth of Lactobacillus species and decrease vaginal dysbiosis in asymptomatic women. This type of scientific validation reinforces consumer trust and drives demand for Lactobacillus-based supplements, making it a key trend contributing to the strain's significant market share in the South Korean probiotic supplement industry.

Sustainability Analysis

The South Korean market has seen a rise in demand for natural and organic probiotic products, prompting manufacturers to adopt sustainable sourcing practices, such as using non-GMO ingredients and biodegradable packaging. Additionally, many companies are investing in eco-efficient manufacturing processes that minimize waste and energy consumption. The government has introduced regulations to promote food safety and quality, encouraging the use of probiotics derived from indigenous strains that align with local dietary habits.

However, challenges remain, such as ensuring the bioavailability and stability of probiotics during production and transportation, which can impact their efficacy. The reliance on imported raw materials for certain probiotic strains raises concerns about carbon footprints associated with transportation. Consumer education about the benefits of probiotics and sustainability can further enhance market growth.

Collaborations between producers and research institutions are essential to innovate and develop new strains with enhanced health benefits while adhering to sustainable practices. Overall, the future of probiotic food supplements in South Korea appears promising, with significant potential for further integration of sustainability in production, distribution, and marketing strategies.

Unmet Needs

While there is growing consumer interest in probiotics for various health benefits, there is a need for more robust clinical research and evidence supporting these claims. Products backed by strong scientific data demonstrating efficacy and safety are likely to gain trust and preference among consumers. The trend toward personalized nutrition presents opportunities for companies to offer customized probiotic formulations based on individual health profiles or genetic testing. Such differentiation could enhance market appeal and consumer preference.

Despite increasing awareness of gut health and probiotics, there remains a need for targeted educational campaigns. These could help consumers better understand the benefits of probiotics, optimal usage guidelines, and the importance of selecting products based on quality and efficacy. Incorporating digital health technologies, such as apps for gut health monitoring or personalized probiotic recommendations based on microbiome analysis, could enhance consumer engagement and adherence. There is potential for growth in this area as digital health adoption increases.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include Ildong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., DAESANG WELLIFE CO., LTD., Nutricare Co., Ltd., Lacto Mason Co., Ltd. and ESTHER FORMULA.

By Ingredient
• Lactobacillus
• Streptococcus
• Bifidobacterium
• Others

By Dosage
• Tablet
• Capsules
• Liquid
• Powder
• Others

o Chewables & Gummies

o Soft Gels

o Others

By Application
• Gastrointestinal Health

o Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance

o Digestion

o Constipation

o Bloating

o Diarrhea

o Leaky Gut

o Inflammation

o Immune System

o Others

 Gluten sensitivity

 Abdominal Pain

 GERD/Helicobacter pylori

 Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea/Post-Antibiotic Treatment

 Gut Flora/Gut Microbiome Restoration

 Others
• Vaginal Health
• Urinary Tract Health

o Kidney Stones

o UTIs

o Others
• Oral Health
• Anti/Healthy Ageing
• Allergies/Asthma
• Bone & Joint Health

o Osteoarthritis

o Osteoporosis/Low Mineral Bone Density

o Inflammation
• Brain/Mental Health

o Sleep

o Cognition

o Mood

o Depression

o Focus
• Cardiovascular Health
• Circulation
• Energy/Fatigue Reduction
• Metabolic Syndrome/Blood Glucose
• Liver Health
• Energy
• Immunity/Respiratory Infections
• Nutrient Absorption
• Skin-Hair-Nails

o Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema

o Acne

o Rosacea

o Hair Growth/Hair Loss

o Skin Microbiome

o Others
• Sports
• Women’s Health

o Fertility

o Menopause

o Pregnancy

o Pcos

o Vaginal Health&Health Vaginal Microbiome

o Vaginal Infections (Bv/Vvc)

o Pregnancy Outcomes

o Others
• Men’s Health & Men's Fertility
• Weight Management
• Pediatric Health

o Colic

o Constipation

o Regurgitation

o Atopic Dermatitis

o Others
• Others

By Age
• Infant
• Children
• Adults
• Seniors

By Distribution Channels
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments
• In January 2024, South Korea’s Chong Kun Dang Healthcare (CKDHC) announced that it is tapping on the ongoing GLP-1 boom with the launch of a probiotic formula which it said could support the body’s production of the appetite hormone.
• In April 2022, Cosmax NBT, a South Korea-based supplements company, developed Zeta Probiotics Technology. The technology enables restoring the cell wall of probiotic microbes after passing through the freeze-drying process, thereby improving the viability and adhesion of probiotic strains in the intestine.
• In March 2020, Medibiolab, located in Seoul, South Korea, in partnership with Lallemand Health Solutions, launched a unique formulation of probiotics for the brain-gut axis that will be available for the first time in history to the Korean market

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the South Korea probiotic food supplement market segmentation based on ingredient, dosage, application, age, and distribution channel, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of South Korea probiotic food supplement market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The South Korea probiotic food supplement report would provide approximately 30 tables, 55 figures and 210 pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies