Evaluation of a semi-elemental enteral feed in patients with malabsorption and/or disease-related malnutrition

A semi-elemental energy-dense enteral feed was evaluated to determine its effect on nutritional repletion and tolerance in a diverse group of patients with malabsorption and/or disease-related malnutrition. Forty-nine patients (26 male, 23 female) entered and completed this multicentre study. Mean daily energy requirements were 2107 kcals of which 1704 kcals were prescribed from the enteral feed. Mean daily energy intake from the feed was 1472 kcals and patients consumed the feed for a mean of 13.2 days either as sole source of nutrition or as a supplement. Body weight changes were related to duration of feeding: patients who were fed for more than 14 days experienced a mean increase in body weight of 0.56 kg. Biochemical parameters of nutritional status, i.e. mean total protein and serum albumin, improved during the feeding period. Tolerance of the feed and clinical response to feeding were satisfactory. In patients with malabsorption and/or malnutrition a semi-elemental enteral feed represents a viable and palatable alternative to elemental diets when everyday food and whole protein feeds are not tolerated.