Enteral Feeding / Feeding Tube Supplies

What is in Feeding Tube Formula?

Standard tube feeding formulas are designed to be nutritionally complete, and include all the necessary nutrients for staying healthy. Some are even comprised of real food blends.Formulas will usually provide the patient with the following important ingredients: Carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, fiber, water, vitamins, and minerals.

Water

Water is crucial because it allows a patient to stay hydrated. All formulas contain water. The chart below brings out how much water is in each size formula.

Carbohydrates

Carbs provide the body with energy. Therefore, many enteral formulas include corn syrup, corn maltodextrin (form of cornstarch), table sugar, and fructose. These carbs also add flavor to the formula.

Some formulas also include insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion.

Protein

Protein assists in immune function, and helps build and repair tissues. Formulas usually include soy protein isolate, Whey, and/or casein. Although casein and whey are both extracted from cow’s milk, they are not dairy, since the lactose has been taken out.

Fats

Healthy fats are important. They protect organs, are needed for blood clotting, and serve many other purposes in helping the body stay healthy. Plant oils are a source of fat in many formulas.

Vitamins and Minerals

Formulas usually contain the full selection of necessary vitamins and minerals. Often, vitamins are listed by chemical names. Common vitamins found in formulas include the following:

Can Glucerna Be Used for Tube Feeding?

Glucerna and Boost can be used for interim enteral feeding, but is not recommended for long-term use. Boost Compact should not be used for tube feeding at all.

KCal/mL Options

Most brands offer formulas with a kcal/mL of 1.0 or of 1.5, and some also carry formulas with other amounts of calories per mL. The most commonly used kcal per mL amount is 1.5. Jevity 1.5, Isosource 1.5, Osmolite 1.5, and Glucerna 1.5, Nutren 2.0 are a few examples of popular enteral formulas. To help you find the product you need, we’ve curated the following thorough list of the kcal/mL options from popular brands.

At AvaCare Medical, there are enteral feeding kits, feeding tube backpacks, feeding syringes, and numerous formulas that can provide patients with proper enteral nutrition.