What does a tube feed consist of?

Tube feeds (or tube food) are liquid nutritional products that are produced for administration via a feeding tube. These liquids are balanced in terms of nutritional composition (between carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and calorie content, so that complete nutrition is achieved when the tube feed is ingested. The tube feed also contains the necessary vitamins and trace elements so that there is no nutritional deficiency even after prolonged (possibly years) administration. In addition to the nutritional components (carbohydrates, fat and protein), the proportion of dietary fiber varies.

Further differences result from the calorie content. High-calorie tube feeds are available that enable a very high energy intake with the administration of small volumes (e.g. nutritional solutions with 2 kcal/ml). The tube feeds are produced by medical device manufacturers and can be prescribed by a doctor. The selection takes into account the different medical requirements and individual preferences (calorie concentration, fiber content).