Health Outcomes and Quality of Life Indices of Children Receiving Blenderized Feeds via Enteral Tube

Blenderized Tube Feeding: Health Outcomes and Review of Homemade and Commercially Prepared Products

“…16 Other BTF studies have reported improvements in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including reductions in nausea, vomiting, reflux, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation compared with CEF. 9,17…”

“…Using a paired t-test, they found that, with individual patients, the total number of total admissions decreased significantly after BTF was started. 17 Increased Social-Emotional Connections EN consumers use BTF for multiple social-emotional reasons, such as a desire to eat what other family members eat, a desire for more "normalcy," and the opportunity for patients to participate in food preparation. 9,21 Caregivers have also reported a sense of nurturing their loved one during the preparation and administration of homemade feeds.…”

“…In some studies, CBTF products are included with HBTF when comparing health outcomes and show positive and similar results. 14,15,17 Since the majority of studies done on BTF use homemade blends that include foods from multiple food groups, more research is warranted on CBTF options, where the amounts and variety of whole-food ingredients differs greatly. Future research comparing CEF, CBTF, and HBTF is also warranted.…”

“…27 Medical food was first defined under the Orphan Drug Act of 1988 as "a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutrition requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation." 27 Medical foods are exempt from labeling requirements for nutrient content and health claims under the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, giving manufacturers full Potential benefits Improved gastrointestinal tolerance 12,14,15,17 Yes Yes…”

“…Increased oral intake 12,14,15,17 Yes Yes Increased caregiver/patient satisfaction 10,14,15,17 Yes Yes Need for healthcare provider involvement 15,19 Increased Decreased Suitable for inpatient use 19,41 Yes, but with limitations and requires detailed policies and procedures responsibility for labeling claims. 27 Furthermore, efficacy studies are not required for products to be manufactured and used by EN consumers.…”