Nutrition and preparation of blenderized tube feeding in children and adolescents with neurological impairment: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: The use of homemade tube feeding formula has become increasingly popular for children requiring enteral nutrition. This project aimed to investigate nutrition and preparation of blenderized tube feeding in the field of children and adolescents with neurological impairment.Methods: A scoping review was performed using established methodologies. In January 2021, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and gray literature to identify relevant articles. Major findings: Twenty-two papers were included describing the composition of food items, preparation procedures, and food safety. No randomized controlled trials and only a few prospective studies were included. A broad variety of food items from all food groups and many examples of recipes were presented. Most recipes provided 1.0 kcal/ml but tended to contain less energy and nutrients than expected, which could be due to preparation issues, such as sieving and the high viscosity of the blend. Preparation requires a commercialgrade household blender and diligence to ensure thorough household hygiene for adequate food safety. Conclusions: This review revealed practical experience in the nutrition and preparation aspects of blenderized tube feeding but minimal empirical evidence. Multiple examples of the composition of food items and preparation procedures for blenderized tube feeding were found, but uncertainty regarding the ideal composition or preparation was also exposed. The future of blenderized tube feeding would benefit from clinically tested recipes that

Blenderised Tube Feeds vs. Commercial Formula: Which Is Better for Gastrostomy-Fed Children?

“…Thus, this study demonstrates that complete nutrition with adequate intake of micro- and macronutrients, vitamins, and trace elements is possible on BTF. Further studies on clinically tested BTF recipes including an evaluation of nutrients would be beneficial and may aid in the development of a recipe bank to assist caregivers wishing to use BTF [ 35 ].…”

Designing blenderized tube feeding diets for children and investigating their physicochemical and microbial properties and Dietary Inflammatory Index

“…10 In recent years, the use of blenderized tube feeding (BTF) with whole foods as an alternative for commercial enteral feeding products for children has increased. [11][12][13][14] BTFs contain natural foods, meat, fruits, vegetables, milk, cereals, legumes, and oils; they are prescribed to patients who use enteral nutrition at home or in the hospital because they can be prepared from home foods and be an alternative to commercial enteral formulas. 15 The most common reasons for using BTFs include the following: using organic foods; preventing food allergies; and the presence of polyphenols, glucosinolates, and carotenoids in BTFs that can play beneficial roles in human health such as antioxidant activity, stimulating the immune system, reducing platelet aggregation, modulating hormone metabolism, and lowering blood pressure.…”

“…Although commercial enteral feeding has been utilized most frequently for >30 years, and other preservatives in commercial formulations may be associated with inflammatory diseases 10 . In recent years, the use of blenderized tube feeding (BTF) with whole foods as an alternative for commercial enteral feeding products for children has increased 11–14 . BTFs contain natural foods, meat, fruits, vegetables, milk, cereals, legumes, and oils; they are prescribed to patients who use enteral nutrition at home or in the hospital because they can be prepared from home foods and be an alternative to commercial enteral formulas 15 .…”

Pediatric formulas: Categories, composition, and considerations

“…Several studies show that caregivers can provide children complete nutrition using home blenderized tube feeds 8,25,32,33 . Caregivers, working with RDs, may customize home BTF formula content based on cultural preferences as well as children's tolerances and allergies.…”

“…Several studies show that caregivers can provide children complete nutrition using home blenderized tube feeds. 8,25,32,33 Caregivers, working with RDs, may customize home BTF formula content based on cultural preferences as well as children's tolerances and allergies. Preparation of home BTF formulas requires using commercial-grade blenders, purchasing food, following recipes, and dedicating time.…”