Canada Clinical Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Diseases Market Analysis

Canada Clinical Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Diseases Market Executive Summary

Canada Clinical Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Diseases Market was valued at $125.60 Mn in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.03% from 2023 to 2030, to $189.20 Mn by 2030. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function over at least three months, often progressing silently due to the absence of early symptoms. The main causes include diabetes and high blood pressure, though family history and other conditions also contribute. As CKD advances through stages, it may necessitate dialysis or a kidney transplant and is associated with increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and bone issues. Management focuses on slowing disease progression, symptom management, and preventing complications through dietary changes, medications, and blood pressure control. Key dietary adjustments include moderating protein intake, managing fluid levels, controlling electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, and ensuring sufficient calorie intake to avoid malnutrition. Early detection and screening are crucial for those at risk.

In Canada, kidney disease affects approximately 1 in 10 people, totaling 4 Mn individuals, with diabetes being the leading cause of kidney failure in 36% of cases. Currently, over 52,000 Canadians are receiving treatment for kidney failure, with 57% undergoing dialysis and 43% benefiting from kidney transplants. Despite these treatments, 77% of those on the organ transplant waiting list in Canada are awaiting a kidney, with a median wait time for a deceased-donor kidney transplant lasting approximately 3 years and 9 months.

The market therefore is driven by significant factors like the rising prevalence of CKD, growing awareness and diagnosis, advancements in medical research, and the aging population. However, the high cost of treatment, limited reimbursement, and scarcity of qualified dietitians restrict the growth and potential of the market.

Prominent players in this field are Abbott Nutrition, Pfizer Inc., Bayer AG, and Nestlé Health Science among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of CKD: The increasing incidence of CKD in Canada, driven by factors such as diabetes and hypertension, creates a growing demand for specialized nutritional products tailored to CKD management.

Aging Population: Canada's aging population is increasingly susceptible to chronic kidney disease (CKD), driving demand for specialized clinical nutrition products to meet the dietary needs of older adults affected by the condition. In 2021, 17.5% of Canadians were aged 65 and older, a figure projected to rise to 23% by 2031 and 25% by 2051. This demographic shift highlights the growing requirement for tailored healthcare solutions to address the health and nutritional challenges posed by CKD among Canada's elderly population.

Growing Awareness and Diagnosis: Increased efforts to educate both healthcare providers and patients about the benefits of clinical nutrition in managing CKD are driving market growth. Awareness campaigns and professional training programs are helping to bridge the knowledge gap.

Advancements in Medical Research: Innovations in delivery systems and formulation technologies for clinical nutrition products are making these products more accessible and easier to use for CKD patients, driving adoption and market growth.

Market Restraints

High Cost of Treatment: The cost of specialized clinical nutrition products for CKD patients can be prohibitively high, limiting accessibility for many patients, particularly those without comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Limited Reimbursement: Reimbursement for CKD-specific clinical nutrition products is not widespread in Canada. Both public and private health insurance often do not cover these specialized products, which can be a significant barrier for patients.

Scarcity of Qualified Dietitians: There is a shortage of dietitians in Canada with expertise in CKD nutrition, which restricts patients' access to specialized nutritional guidance and tailored dietary management plans.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In Canada, the regulatory oversight of CKD-specific clinical nutrition is managed primarily by Health Canada, which ensures the safety, quality, and efficacy of specialized nutritional products under the Food and Drugs Act and associated regulations. These regulations set stringent standards for labeling, safety, and quality control of enteral nutrition products used in CKD management. Additionally, certain medical devices such as specialized feeding tubes or pumps used for CKD patients fall under Health Canada's medical device regulations, ensuring they meet specific safety and effectiveness criteria. Provincial regulatory bodies oversee the licensing and practice guidelines for healthcare professionals, including dietitians who play a crucial role in providing nutritional therapy for CKD patients. These bodies ensure that dietitians are qualified and adhere to provincial guidelines when offering dietary advice for managing CKD.

Regarding reimbursement for CKD clinical nutrition in Canada, coverage varies between provinces and insurance plans. Each province has its health insurance plan that covers medically necessary services, which may include consultations with dietitians and enteral nutrition products for CKD management. The specifics of coverage for these services can differ significantly depending on the province's health insurance policies. Additionally, private health insurance plans may offer supplementary coverage for consultations with dietitians or specific nutritional products used in CKD therapy, although coverage details vary by plan.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the Canada Clinical Nutrition for Chronic Kidney Diseases Market

• Abbott Nutrition
• Pfizer Inc.
• Bayer AG
• Nestlé Health Science
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical
• Mead Johnson & Company, LLC
• Danone S.A.
• Victus, Inc.
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• Fresenius Kabi AG