The risks and benefits of administering 'real' food vs prescribed sterile feed via feeding tubes

What is it about?

Standard practice in the UK has been for patients with feeding tubes to use prescribed sterile enteral feed to supplement their nutritional intake, however in recent years administering blended food instead has been growing in popularity. The risks need to be weighed against the benefits and this article looks at current guidance around this practice, and what steps healthcare professionals need to consider in supporting with this practice.

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Photo by Andrea Niosi on Unsplash

Photo by Andrea Niosi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Healthcare professionals need to understand the potential risks vs benefits of preparing, storing and administering blended food via feeding tubes in order to advise the patient on whether or not it may be a safe and/or appropriate substitute to commercially prepared sterile feed.