The global bone and joint health supplements market will exceed $9 billion by 2017, according to a new report from Global Industry Analysts, Inc. (GIA).

Bone and joint health supplements are increasingly finding their place in the functional foods industry, with calcium fortification, glucosamine, MSM, vitamins and soy supplements gaining immense popularity.

Globally more than 200 million people are affected by osteoporosis, and countries around the world are witnessing an alarming rise in bone and joint related diseases. There is a marked consumer shift toward a proactive, rather than a reactive approach to health and living, with increased focus on disease prevention instead of mere treatment. Increased inclination toward value-added products and preference for supplements/medications used in the treatment of age and gender-related disorders support market development and growth.

Population groups such as Asian and Caucasian women that are more prone to age-related bone and joint diseases are escalating interest levels in ingredients and products that promote and support bone and joint health. Future growth prospects for Food Supplements would depend on media promotion and attention since it plays a key role in generating consumer interest, the report suggests. Scientific research and clinical trials backing claims of safety and efficacy of supplements and remedies remain a critical factor in determining long-term success of the category.

Development of supplements is likely to increase in the future, with marketers capitalizing on the aging population world over. Fish oils, herbal supplements and other natural offerings such as probiotics are emerging as alternatives to conventional synthetic supplements. People of different age groups are turning to natural health supplements as they offer greater health benefits in comparison to artificial supplements. Food supplements, including omega 3s, herbal extracts, multivitamins, probiotics, chondroitin and glucosamine logged healthy growth rates in 2008 and 2009 despite the economic downturn and squeeze in consumer spending.

The market for general dietary supplements is losing sheen, while the demand for specialty supplements is growing at a heady pace, since specialty products are scientifically proven, efficient and primarily aimed at self-help oriented customers. Vegetable-sourced glucosamine is the latest trend prevalent in the bone and joint health market. Manufacturers are increasingly using vegetarian ingredients for catering to the needs of the growing “green” and vegetarian population. Since glucosamine is derived from shellfish and other animal sources, the trend is gaining popularity not just with vegetarians, but also with people allergic to shellfish and those following a kosher diet.

Combination supplements are also growing in importance, as they are perceived to offer higher clinical efficacy compared to a single/stand-alone ingredient. Glucosamine, earlier used independently to repair and rebuild human cartilage, is now increasingly paired with other ingredients, most notably chondroitin, that promotes more elastic cartilage.

The U.S. market, driven by aging Baby Boomers represents the single largest market, as stated by the new research report. Growing incidence of obesity, sports injuries and consumer awareness is driving the demand for joint health supplements/ingredients, including glucosamine in the U.S. market. Japan trails closely as the other important market, propelled by market deregulation, healthcare expenditure, stress on healthy diets and rapidly aging population. Asia-Pacific, largely spurred by China, the largest producer and supplier of glucosamine globally, is forecast to surge ahead at the overall fastest CAGR of 6.8% through 2017. Calcium Supplements account for a dominant share of the bone and joint supplements market. The category for other supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin K2, MSM, soy isoflavones, collagen and others is poised to expand at a robust pace of 6% over the analysis period.

The research report titled “Bone and Joint Health Supplements: A Global Strategic Business Report” provides a comprehensive review of industry, segment and product overview, trends and issues, herbal supplements, recent industry activity and profiles of market players worldwide. Major product segments analyzed include, Glucosamine-Chondroitin Supplements, Calcium Supplements and Other Supplements. The study also provides historic data for an insight into market evolution over the period 2003 through 2008.