In 2021, the market for Feeding Tubes worldwide was worth $4.2 billion US dollars. AMR Group projects that the market will reach US$ 6.23 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.8 percent between 2022 and 2031.
Industry Overview
Feeding tubes, also known as enteral tubes, are medical devices used to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or small intestine when a person is unable to eat or swallow normally. These tubes are typically inserted through the nose, mouth, or a small incision in the abdomen and can remain in place for varying lengths of time, depending on the patient's condition. Feeding tubes are used in a variety of medical situations, including: Patients who are unable to swallow due to conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or dementia. Patients who have undergone surgery on the digestive system, such as bariatric surgery. Patients with conditions that cause difficulty absorbing nutrients from food, such as Crohn's disease or cystic fibrosis. Patients who are critically ill and unable to eat or drink on their own. Feeding tubes can be categorized into different types based on their design and placement, including nasogastric tubes (NG tubes), gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes), and jejunostomy tubes (J-tubes). NG tubes are inserted through the nose and extend into the stomach, while G-tubes and J-tubes are inserted directly through the skin into the stomach or small intestine, respectively.
Market Dynamics
The global feeding tubes market is driven by several factors, including:
Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases: As the global population ages, the incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders is increasing. Many of these conditions can result in difficulty swallowing or require patients to receive nutrition through feeding tubes, driving demand for these devices. Technological advancements: The development of new materials, improved design, and better insertion techniques have made feeding tubes safer, more effective, and easier to use. Technological advancements have also led to the development of feeding tubes with antimicrobial properties, which reduce the risk of infection. Growing demand for home healthcare: The demand for home healthcare is increasing as patients seek to avoid hospital stays and receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes. Feeding tubes are a key component of home healthcare, as they allow patients to receive nutrition and medication without leaving their homes. Rising healthcare expenditures: As healthcare expenditures continue to rise, healthcare providers are increasingly looking for cost-effective solutions. Feeding tubes are less expensive than parenteral nutrition, which requires the administration of nutrients intravenously, making them an attractive option for healthcare providers and patients alike. Increasing awareness of enteral nutrition: With the increasing awareness of enteral nutrition as a safe and effective alternative to parenteral nutrition, demand for feeding tubes is expected to continue to grow. However, there are also some factors that may hinder the growth of the feeding tubes market, including the risk of complications associated with feeding tube placement and use, and the availability of alternative therapies. Additionally, the lack of skilled professionals and proper training in handling feeding tubes can also limit market growth.


COVID Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has had both positive and negative impacts on the global feeding tubes market. On the positive side, the pandemic has led to an increased awareness of the importance of enteral nutrition and the use of feeding tubes. In COVID-19 patients, feeding tubes can help to provide essential nutrition and hydration to patients who are unable to eat due to respiratory distress or other complications. As a result, the demand for feeding tubes has increased during the pandemic. However, the pandemic has also led to disruptions in the global supply chain, which has affected the production and distribution of feeding tubes. The closure of manufacturing facilities and restrictions on transportation have led to shortages of certain types of feeding tubes and delayed delivery times. In addition, the pandemic has led to a decrease in elective medical procedures, which may have impacted the placement of feeding tubes in some patients. Furthermore, the pandemic has increased the risk of infection for healthcare workers and patients. This has led to an increased emphasis on infection control measures, including the use of feeding tubes with antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce the risk of infection. Overall, while the COVID-19 pandemic has had some negative impacts on the feeding tubes market, the increased awareness of enteral nutrition and the importance of feeding tubes in COVID-19 patients may drive long-term growth in the market.
Regional Trend
The global feeding tubes market can be analyzed based on various regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold a significant share of the global feeding tubes market due to the high prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases in the region. Additionally, the region has a well-established healthcare infrastructure and advanced medical technologies, which is expected to increase the adoption of feeding tubes. Europe is also expected to hold a substantial share of the global feeding tubes market due to the increasing geriatric population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Moreover, the favorable healthcare policies and reimbursement policies in the region are expected to drive market growth.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness rapid growth in the feeding tubes market due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising geriatric population, and increasing healthcare spending in the region. Additionally, the presence of a large patient population and improving healthcare infrastructure in countries such as China and India is expected to contribute to market growth. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions are also expected to witness significant growth in the feeding tubes market due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, improving healthcare infrastructure, and rising healthcare expenditure in these regions. Overall, the global feeding tubes market is expected to grow in all regions due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising demand for enteral nutrition. However, the growth rate may vary across regions depending on factors such as healthcare infrastructure, patient population, and healthcare policies.
Competitive Landscape
The global feeding tubes market is highly competitive and fragmented, with several players operating in the market. Some of the key players in the market include:
Abbott Laboratories
B. Braun Melsungen AG
Boston Scientific Corporation
Cook Medical LLC
Fresenius Kabi AG
Halyard Health, Inc.
Moog Inc.
Nestle Health Science
Vygon SA
CONMED Corporation
These companies are primarily focused on developing new products, expanding their distribution networks, and entering into strategic partnerships and collaborations to strengthen their market position. Additionally, companies are also focused on obtaining regulatory approvals for their products to expand their market reach. The market is also witnessing a trend of mergers and acquisitions, with large companies acquiring smaller companies to expand their product portfolio and increase their market share. For instance, in May 2019, Boston Scientific Corporation completed the acquisition of BTG plc, a UK-based company that develops and commercializes products used in minimally invasive procedures, including feeding tubes. Overall, the global feeding tubes market is expected to remain competitive with the entry of new players and the development of innovative products. Companies are expected to focus on improving the quality of their products and services to meet the growing demand for enteral nutrition.
Market Segmentation
The global feeding tubes market can be segmented based on type, application, and end-user.
Based on type, the market can be segmented into:
Nasogastric Tubes
Nasojejunal Tubes
Gastrostomy Tubes
Jejunostomy Tubes
Others
Based on application, the market can be segmented into:
Oncology
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Neurological Disorders
Diabetes
Hypermetabolism
Others
Based on end-user, the market can be segmented into:
Hospitals
Clinics
Ambulatory Surgical Centers
Home Care Settings
Others