In the paediatric population interest is growing in the use of a blended diet for the management of feeding intolerances. It is perceived to be better tolerated compared to commercially available whole protein enteral formulas. The medical nutrition industry have responded to this cultural shift in adopting blended diets and developed an enteral tube feed Compleat ® Paediatric that contain 14% food ingredients, 1g Fibre/ 100ml.
Another perceived factor believed to have an impact on feed tolerance relates to the mode in which nutrition is delivered in relation to intermittent bolus or continuous enteral feeding. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of different feeding modes (intermittent bolus/ continuous/ combination) in children who are fed with an 'enteral formula with food derived ingredients'.
Data was collected by paediatric dietitians from dietetic records over a month period on children who had switched to an enteral formula with food derived ingredients. Data was inputted to a Microsoft form to capture the impact of varying modes of feeding (intermittent bolus/continuous/ combination) on gastrointestinal and anthropometric outcomes.
Forty-three children were recruited between March 2021 to July 2021 across four National Health Service Trusts. Children who were continuously fed saw the greatest reported improvement in retching, abdominal pain and loose stools. Children who were fed intermittent bolus reported the greatest increase in weight (p-value 0.003). Over 90% of dietitians reported nutritional goals were achieved after switching from a standard formula to an enteral formula with food-derived ingredients for both continuous and intermittent bolus feeding; children who were fed continuously reported the highest achievement to meet dietitian’s nutritional goals.
'Enteral formulas with food derived ingredients' are well tolerated and effective in achieving weight gain and meeting dietetic goals whether delivered continuously or as intermittent bolus feed. The clinical situation will determine the most appropriate and effective feeding mode.