Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Size - By Product Type, By Probiotic Strain, By Distribution Channel, By Application, Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Report ID: GMI14228
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Published Date: June 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Global Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Size

The global postnatal probiotic supplements market size was valued at USD 5.3 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 11.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.1%.
 

Global Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market

Postnatal probiotic supplements are specialized nutritional products, which are produced using beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, to maintain the health of women after childbirth. These supplements are important to replace the balance of gut microbiota, increase immunity, prevent mastitis, and support digestive and emotional health in the postpartum recovery process. The postnatal probiotic supplements market is witnessing a steady growth on the global level due to the growing awareness concerning maternal health, the desire to use more natural recovery options, and the growing retail and e-commerce distribution.
 

Market opportunities in the developing regions are good, due to the high birth rates and the growth in maternal healthcare schemes. Moreover, a rise in investment in personalized nutrition, the requirement of multi-strain probiotic combination, and the clinical effectiveness of strain-specific solutions are providing opportunities to innovation. The postnatal probiotics category is on the verge of explosive growth with increasing medical professional recommending its use and major brands introducing new strategic products to the market.
 

For instance, according to the national Institute of Health (NIH), atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, affecting approximately 15% to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults worldwide. A recent study indicates that using probiotics during both prenatal and postnatal periods significantly reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis in children—underscoring maternal probiotic value.
 

Also, in recent reports published in 2022 & 2024 by WHO stating postnatal care guidelines emphasizing the first six weeks as a crucial window for supporting maternal mental and physical health, recognizing the importance of supplement strategies (implicitly including probiotics-based microbiome support). The market is showing shifting demand focused on clear label, health and wellness preventive nutritional products, highlighting a broad opportunity in postnatal probiotic supplements market, while considering the rising environmental and sustainability concerns.
 

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Trends

The postnatal probiotic supplements industry is being influenced greatly by technological development in the field of microbiome and strain-specific formulation. New technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics tools are helping researchers to discover the helpful strains including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis that can help in digestion, immunity, and postnatal recovery.
 

The market is further being driven by the fact that there is a worldwide move towards preventive and natural healthcare, with mothers taking a growing interest in non-pharmaceutical, probiotic-based recovery options. Increasing awareness in developing economies and better retail availability, particularly online (e-commerce) and in pharmacies, is continuing to increase access. Further, governments of developing countries are incorporating maternal nutrition supplements, involving probiotics, into health care programs, which further accelerates the adoption.
 

Along with this steady growth, the market is characterized by certain threats, including a high price of products, which diminishes the affordability of supplements among low-income segments. Also, the differences between the regulations in different countries and the lack of clinical validation of some probiotic strains decrease the medical recommendation and credibility. The absence of internationally uniform labeling and frequent non-coverage by state health care programs also adds to these obstacles.
 

Nevertheless, with the growing clinical research, the declining costs due to local production, and the growing awareness due to the presence of healthcare professionals, the market is likely to leapfrog these constraints. As maternal wellness becomes a greater focus area and as consumer trust and scientific support continue to grow around postnatal probiotic supplements, it is only a matter of years before they become a standard element of maternal wellness.
 

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Analysis

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market, By Product Type, 2021 - 2034 (USD Billion)

The postnatal probiotic supplements market by product type is segmented into capsule, powders, gummies, liquid and other (soft gels, sachets). Capsule segment accounted for 39.3% of the market share in 2024 with a market size of USD 2.1 billion.
 

  • The capsule segment leads the market by product type, this is mainly due to being this form is widely favoured due to their convenience, higher shelf stability, controlled dosing, and ease of consumption. Capsules also blend better with multi-strain formulas and can be used with or without food, which makes them a perfect fit to postpartum mothers demanding gut health and immune restoration.
     
  • Most of the prominent brands, such as Gerber, Similac, and Nutricia, produce capsules with strains, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve, which are proven clinically for postpartum support. The capsules are also preferred in the clinical and pharmacy environment, and this increases their credibility and adoption.
     
  • Meanwhile other segments such as powders and gummies are gaining traction, particularly among younger and health-conscious consumers. Powders can be administered in sachets or canisters, and mixed with drinks or food, which is flexible.
     
  • Gummies, while holding a lesser share, are growing at a fast pace, owing to their better flavor and chewable forms. In mother-infant paired probiotic solutions as well as in pediatric applications, liquids are favored especially in Asia. The Others category, which consists of soft gels and sachets, offers a wide range of solutions to customized delivery, particularly in high-end wellness formulations. Each format will help to reach the markets wider in terms of demographics and geography.

 

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Share, By Probiotic Strain, (2024)

The postnatal probiotic supplements market by probiotic strain is segmented into lactobacillus species, bifidobacterium specie, multi strain formulations and emerging strains. The lactobacillus strain accounted for 34.3% of the market share in 2024 with a market size of USD 1.8 billion.
 

The Lactobacillus species segment dominates the postnatal probiotic supplements market by strain type. The segment comprises highly characterized strains, like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. salivarius and L. acidophilus, which are clinically proven in aiding digestion, enhancing immunity and limiting the occurrence of mastitis in postpartum females.
 

Their strong acid-tolerance and capacity to colonize the gut renders them an excellent choice in the formulation of supplements targeted at maternal health. These strains are commonly available in capsules and powder form of products and are also believed to be safe and effective by health care professionals as well as consumers in terms of replenishing the gut flora during post-partum recovery period after delivery.
 

Meanwhile, the other segments such as bifidobacterium species, specifically B. longum and B. lactis, that are considered prominent in the immunity modulation and infant gut development via breastfeeding. There is also a growing momentum on multi-strain formulations which include a synergistic combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
 

At the same time, emerging strains such as newer yeast-based or spore-forming bacteria are gaining attention due to their robustness and specific advantages but have a minor share now. With increased scientific innovation and consumer awareness, each of the segments is likely to play a role in the emerging dynamic environment of personalized postnatal probiotic care.
 

The postnatal probiotic supplements market is segmented into online retail, pharmacies and drugstores, supermarket and hypermarket, specialty health stores and healthcare facilities based on distribution channel. The pharmacies and drugstores are made up 34.6% of the market in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 7.1% CAGR to reach a wider consumer base. 
 

The pharmacies and drug stores segment hold the largest share of the postnatal probiotic supplements market, this is due to medical professionals highly recommending medicinal products to be bought through pharmacies, the high consumer confidence regarding the products recommended by the pharmacists, high accessibility to medically approved formulated products and inclusion of postnatal wellness supplements as a part of regular postpartum check.
 

Some of the clinically supported brands that could be found in pharmacies include Similac, Nutricia, and Gerber, which are well-known and sought-after by new mothers in need of high-quality probiotics. This is because the physical availability of the pharmacists also provides face-to-face consultation, which promotes the uptake of the products. Moreover, the prescription and over the counter addition of probiotics in the wellness segments ensure steady incremental sales, particularly in the urban and semi-urban markets.
 

Other prominent channels of distribution are online retail, which is growing at a tremendous pace, owing to the convenience of having products delivered at home, increased range of products and regular discount offers on websites and apps. The supermarkets and hypermarkets provide convenience and impulse shopping with the inclusion of wellness aisles, whereas specialty health stores are drawing health-conscious consumers interested in high quality and organic formulations.
 

Healthcare facilities, with a minor share, are important to distribute probiotics at the maternity clinics and hospitals, particularly at the postpartum discharge or breastfeeding advice. The channels guarantee market coverage in terms of different consumer choices and geographical coverage.
 

The postnatal probiotic supplements market by application is segmented into digestive health support, immune system enhancement, mood and mental health support, mastitis prevention and treatment and overall wellness and recovery. Health application for overall wellness and recovery accounted for 30.3% of the market share in 2024 with a market size of USD 1.6 billion.
 

The overall wellness and recovery segment dominates the postnatal probiotic supplements market by application. The segment implies the holistic attitude to postpartum care, with a particular focus on the role of probiotics to aid in the overall physical and emotional postpartum recovery. Probiotics are important in restoring digestive and immune functionality in women in the postpartum period as they experience altered metabolism, hormonal homeostasis, and intestinal microbiome.
 

This segment includes products that tend to include a combination of strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis, and which are designed to support nutrient absorption, lactation and energy replenishment. The demand is also backed by increasing knowledge regarding natural and non-pharmaceutical alternatives to maternal recovery, and the prescription of such supplements by midwives and gynaecologists.
 

Other application segments are digestive health support, aimed at alleviating constipation, bloating, and gut balance that occurs post-childbirth. The boosting of the immune system helps the mother and baby during breastfeeding by ensuring immune resilience. Mood and mental health application-based support targets postnatal depression and anxiety using gut-brain axis-targeted strains. Finally, an emerging niche is mastitis prevention and treatment, which applies special probiotics such as Lactobacillus salivarius PS2, which was demonstrated to decrease inflammation of the breast, thus being an essential field of clinical use of probiotics in postnatal care.
 

China Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Size, 2021- 2034 (USD Billion)

The postnatal probiotic supplements market is dominated by Asia Pacific, accounting for 34.5% of total revenue in 2024.
 

  • The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for postnatal probiotic supplements; this dominance is primarily driven by countries like China. The region's growth is supported by the rising awareness regarding postpartum care; the rising demand of probiotics enriched functional foods and the high government initiatives regarding maternal and infant health. Postpartum confinement traditions of zuo yuezi (confinement period) in China and similar practices in India and Southeast Asia creates a demand for digestive and immunity-boosting supplements.
     
  • Moreover, the growing accessibility of probiotics in pharmacies, online shops, and health retail chains as well as the probiotics product introductions by companies such as Nestlé (Materna) and Reckitt (EnfaMama A+) further enhance market penetration. The rising demand among urban consumers to spend on maternal wellness as well as government healthcare programs also form a significant contribution to the region’s growing market.
     
  • North America and Europe are closely following, Asia Pacific contributing to the stable growth of global postnatal probiotic supplements market. US dominates the North America region, due to region’s strong healthcare infrastructure, high consumer awareness, and the widespread presence of established maternal brands such as Abbott’s Similac and Gerber by Nestlé. Healthcare individuals commonly prescribe postnatal supplements in the area, especially those related to gut health, mood support, and immunity boosting in breastfeeding women.
     
  • Meanwhile, in Europe, the expansion in this market is facilitated by the demand in clinically supported, clean-label, and non-GMO supplements, particularly in such countries as Germany, the UK, and France. The market in this region is being influenced by the regulatory standards (e.g., EFSA approvals) and consumer preference to more natural wellness solutions.
     
  • Danone (Nutricia) and BioGaia AB are among the companies with strong presence in this area, as they built on evidence-based marketing and pharmaceutical collaborations. Collectively, these developed markets are likely to experience a moderate, innovation-driven growth where the personalized and preventive postnatal care is increasingly becoming important.
     

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Share

The Nestle S.A., Danone S.A., Abbott Laboraries, BioGaia AB and Reckitt Benkiser Group plc are significant 5 players in the postnatal probiotic supplements industry with respect to innovation and distribution. These are prominent companies within the global postnatal probiotic supplements industry operating in their respective regions. These companies hold strong positions globally due to their extensive experience in postnatal probiotic supplements market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand across various regions.
 

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Companies

Abbott Laboratories: Abbott Laboratories play a significant role in the postnatal probiotic supplements market through its Similac line, offering formulas and supplements enriched with probiotics and prebiotics to support maternal and infant gut health. The company integrates scientifically backed strains like Bifidobacterium in its nutritional products, targeting improved immunity, digestion, and nutrient absorption for postpartum women and infants. Abbott's strong clinical R&D, global presence, and trust in healthcare settings make it a key player, particularly in North America and emerging Asian markets.
 

BioGaia AB: BioGaia AB is a biotechnology company renowned for its specialization in probiotic research and development, particularly with its flagship strain Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938). The company licenses its strains to major brands worldwide and has a strong scientific foundation supporting its use in maternal and postnatal health. BioGaia’s probiotics have shown clinical efficacy in reducing infant colic, mastitis, and improving gut health in mothers.
 

Danone S.A.: Danone S.A., through its specialized nutrition division including Nutricia and Aptamil, holds a prominent place in the postnatal probiotic space. The company emphasizes early-life nutrition and provides probiotic-enriched maternal supplements designed to support lactation, immunity, and postpartum recovery. Danone integrates clinically validated strains like Bifidobacterium breve into its offerings and invests significantly in maternal microbiome research. With a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Danone’s emphasis on sustainable, science-driven health products allows it to effectively cater to the wellness needs of postpartum mothers.
 

Nestlé S.A.: Nestlé S.A., via its Nestlé Health Science and Gerber® product lines, is a leader in maternal and infant nutrition, including probiotics tailored for postnatal care. Nestlé develops formulations with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, focusing on supporting gut balance, immune health, and breastfeeding benefits. Their research-backed products are widely available across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, giving them significant market penetration. Nestlé also collaborates with medical professionals and invests in clinical trials to validate the effectiveness of its probiotic solutions.
 

Reckitt Benckiser Group plc: Reckitt Benckiser operates in the postnatal probiotic market through its Mead Johnson Nutrition brand, particularly with products like EnfaMama A+. These supplements cater to postpartum mothers with a blend of probiotics, DHA, and other nutrients to support gut health, immune defense, and cognitive recovery. Reckitt’s strong distribution in Asia-Pacific, where maternal nutrition products are in high demand, enhances its competitive advantage. The company leverages both local partnerships and global supply chains to deliver clinically supported, premium postnatal supplements.
 

Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Industry News:

  • In June 2025, Nestlé confirmed plans to assess the launch of “Materna,” its maternal supplement brand—including postnatal probiotics—starting in India and Asia-Pacific.
     
  • In July 2024, Reckitt announced evaluation of strategic options for Mead Johnson Nutrition (EnfaMama A+), signaling possible divestment of its maternal probiotic/formula business.
     
  • In November 2024, Nestlé Health Science introduced a prenatal probiotic capsule (Garden of Life Microbiome Once Daily Prenatal) through Holland & Barrett, targeting pregnancy and breastfeeding stages.
     
  • In April 2025,” Danone launched Almimama, the first synbiotic supplement combining L. salivarius PS2 and FOS to reduce mastitis in lactating mothers.
     
  • In May 2025,” BioGaia terminated its French distribution contract to expand direct subsidiary presence, strengthening control over its L. reuteri-based maternal probiotic business.
     

The postnatal probiotic supplements market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

Market, By Product Type

  • Capsules
  • Powders
  • Gummies
  • Liquids
  • Others (Soft Gels, Sachets)

Market, By Probiotic Strain

  • Lactobacillus species
    • L. rhamnosus
    • L. salivarius
    • L. acidophilus
  • Bifidobacterium species
    • B. longum
    • B. lactis
  • Multi-strain formulations
  • Emerging strains

Market, By Distribution Channel

  • Online retail
  • Pharmacies and drug stores
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Specialty health stores
  • Healthcare facilities

Market, By Application

  • Digestive health support
  • Immune system enhancement
  • Mood and mental health support
  • Mastitis prevention and treatment
  • Overall wellness and recovery

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America 
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe 
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Netherlands
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific 
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America 
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East and Africa 
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • UAE
    • Rest of Middle East and Africa
Authors: Kiran Pulidindi, Kunal Ahuja
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
Who are the key players in postnatal probiotic supplements industry?
Some of the major players in the industry include Abbott Laboratories, BioGaia AB, Danone S.A., Nestlé S.A., Bayer AG, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences.
How much is the China postnatal probiotic supplements market worth in 2024?
How big is the postnatal probiotic supplements market?
What is the size of capsule segment in the postnatal probiotic supplements industry?
Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Scope
  • Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Size
  • Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Trends
  • Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Analysis
  • Postnatal Probiotic Supplements Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 7

    Tables & Figures: 145

    Countries covered: 23

    Pages: 220

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