Enteral

Enteral refers to the method of feeding that uses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to deliver part or all of a person's caloric requirements. It can include a normal oral diet, the use of liquid supplements or delivery of part or all of the daily requirements by use of a tube (tube feeding).

Types of Enteral Nutrition

There are two main types of enteral nutrition: oral nutrition supplements and tube feeding.

• Oral nutrition supplements are often used in the community and in malnourished patients to enhance their nutritional intake. These are often milk-based or fruit juice style drinks, high in protein and energy, and fortified with vitamins and minerals.

• Tube feeding is used when patients are unable to meet their nutritional needs with a normal diet or oral nutritional supplements. Tube feeding can be used in both the hospital and community settings.

Indications for Enteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition is indicated for patients who have a functioning GI tract but are unable to consume enough nutrients orally. This can be due to conditions such as anorexia, oral cancer, neurological disorders, or swallowing disorders.

Methods of Delivery

Enteral nutrition can be delivered through a number of different methods, including:

• Nasogastric tube (NG tube): This is a tube that is passed through the nose, down the esophagus and into the stomach.
• Nasoduodenal or nasojejunal tube: These tubes are passed through the nose and esophagus, but they end in either the duodenum or jejunum.
• Gastrostomy or jejunostomy tube: These tubes are surgically placed directly into the stomach or jejunum.

Complications

Complications of enteral nutrition can include gastrointestinal complications, metabolic complications, and mechanical complications.

See Also

• Parenteral nutrition
• Malnutrition
• Nutrition assessment

Enteral Resources
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