What you need to know
The UK gastrointestinal (GI) remedies market enjoyed 3% growth in value sales in 2015, rising from £281 million in 2014 to £288 million in 2015, driven by strong sales of upset stomach and irritable bowel syndrome remedies, as well as indigestion treatments.
Going forward, however, increased consumer emphasis on healthy eating could see more people look for dietary solutions to their GI ailments, lessening demand for targeted remedies. As such, brands could benefit from product innovation and marketing to help promote a more holistic approach to health.
Products covered in this Report
This Report analyses the market for all types of indigestion and stomach remedies available over the counter, which together constitute the gastrointestinal (GI) remedies market.
The five main categories are as follows:
Indigestion/heartburn remedies range from simple antacids such as Rennie or wind relief such as Setlers or Wind-eze to more potent medication such as Gaviscon or Zantac.
Laxatives relieve constipation and work in one of several ways, either by introducing fibre to the bowel, stimulating the bowel or softening stools.
Anti-diarrhoeals are usually opiate-based to slow down the movement of waste through the bowel, and/or contain kaolin to add bulk to waste and neutralise bacteria. This segment also includes rehydrating solutions, or electrolyte solutions, which replace the fluid and salts lost when suffering from diarrhoea.
Stomach upset remedies, for example, Alka-Seltzer or Andrews, relieve general nausea and settle the stomach.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) products provide symptomatic relief for the spasms and bloating which are typical of IBS. Many of these products, such as Colpermin, are based on peppermint oil, which is naturally soothing for gastrointestinal problems.
This Report covers only over-the-counter (OTC) (non-prescription) medication, defined by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain as being:
“Specifically designed to treat the symptoms of common, minor and self-limiting ailments that do not require a medical diagnosis.”
They are divided into two categories:
P: Pharmacy-only products, which can only be sold through pharmacies by, or in the presence of, a qualified pharmacist.
GSL: General Sales List, which can be sold in any type of outlet.
Prescription-only Medicines (POMs), which have to be prescribed by a GP (General Practitioner) and dispensed by a qualified pharmacist, are not included within the scope of this Report.
