With Nexium losing patent protection this year and the return of Rolaids after a three-year hiatus in the US, the gastrointestinal (GI) remedies market is sure to see some shakeups in 2014, according to a Mintel research.
About 86% of US consumers have experienced some type of GI or digestive issue in the past year, while 40% of those who suffer from GI issues are concerned about the side effects associated with them.
Suggesting further consumer reluctance about using GI remedies, 38% of sufferers agree that they only use them when absolutely necessary.
Despite the preponderance of gastrointestinal issues in the US, sales of antacids and laxatives declined by 2.5% from 2011-13 and are expected to remain mostly flat through 2018.
“The prevalence of GI issues suggests that the market of products to treat these issues is prime for growth,” says health and wellness analyst Emily Krol.
“However, US consumers appear to be taking a more proactive stance to their health and looking to prevent issues rather than treat them.”
Consumers look to yogurt, fiber-rich foods
About 29% of consumers say they have changed their diet to add more yogurt and fiber-rich foods to manage their digestive health and 24% have changed their diet to eliminate problem foods that aggravate digestive issues.
Meanwhile, 22% have tried exercising more, 17% have lost weight and 13% have started taking regular probiotics, all in an effort to manage their GI problems.
These problems can have a huge impact on consumers’ daily lives, with 41% have experienced GI issues stating that the pain associated with them is “often unbearable.”
Meanwhile, 64% say that it is frustrating when GI problems get in the way of things they want to do, and 36% agree that suffering from GI issues makes them feel unattractive.
