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Enteral Nutrition

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London Study Day – A Dietitian’s Forum -  Enteral Support Network (LIVE)

London Study Day – A Dietitian’s Forum - Enteral Support Network (LIVE)

Nestlé Health Science’s Enteral Support Network held its latest Elevate Your Clinical Practice study day in London on Tuesday 17th June, 2025. Bringing together 17 dietitians from across England, the meeting was an opportunity to share practical and scientific perspectives on the role of fibre in enteral nutrition.

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Tolerance and compliance clinical trial of a standard adult enteral tube feed with food-derived ingredients
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

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Tolerance and compliance clinical trial of a standard adult enteral tube feed with food-derived ingredients

A multi-centre, single arm study designed to evaluate the gastro-intestinal tolerance and compliance of a standard adult enteral tube feed with food derived ingredients in the United Kingdom. Objective The primary objective of the study was to assess the tolerability, acceptability of a whole-protein 1.1 kcal/mL enteral tube feed containing 16% of food derived ingredients and assessing compliance with the new tube feed. Secondary objectives included assessing reported changes to feed tolerance, compliance and a patient satisfaction. Results The tolerance study took place between January 2023 to January 2024 where 16/17 participants completed 7 days. No serious adverse events reported. Majority of the participant in the study have neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, stroke and brain injury. Male to female ratio was 11:6. Average age 28 years, the youngest being 8 years and 2 months and the eldest 71 years of age. Average weight 41 kg, height 1.39 meters and average BMI 21 kg.m2. Average volume consumed was 877mLs versus 929mLs prescribed by the dietitians with a compliance rate of 94%. Conclusion Compleat® 1.1 kcal/mL was well tolerated by majority of patients, with some experiencing improvements in stool type and consistency. Two participants did experience flatulence and one with additional abdominal pain due to the fibre content in the new trial feed. Suggest a slower infusion for those patients sensitive to fibre. For more information on the product please visit Compleat® 1.1 | Nestlé Health Science

Watch: Roundtable discussing How to navigate Home Enteral Feeding
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

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Watch: Roundtable discussing How to navigate Home Enteral Feeding

Information for Healthcare Professional Use OnlyThe roundtable discussion is chaired by Stephanie Wakefield, specialist dietitian and she is joined by a panel of expert dietitians in the field of enteral nutrition.The roundtable discusses trends and challenges in home enteral feeding, particularly focusing on formula with food-derived ingredients and patient care impacts.Highlights of the panel discussion include:Changing Practices: The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of home enteral feeding, emphasising the increased use of formula with food-derived ingredients in medical nutrition.Discharge Challenges: Participants note difficulties in patient discharges due to limited nursing home options for Nasogastric (NG) tube patients, leading to prolonged hospital stays.Parental Role: Parents play a crucial role in managing children’s feeding solutions, often blending food to meet dietary needs and improve symptoms.Cost Considerations: Budget constraints and the costs of blended diets and formulas with food-derived ingredients present significant challenges for families and healthcare providers.Future Preparations: The roundtable anticipates increasing adult patients transitioning from paediatric services, necessitating preparation for blended diets and food-derived feeds.This roundtable discussion is part of a 3-part video series.  Watch episode 2 of the series on the clinical evidence for formula with food-derived ingredients in medical nutrition.Episode 3 of the series discusses the future of home enteral tube feeding. Chairperson: Stephanie Wakefield, Specialist Upper GI Dietitian and Lecturer in Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle UniversitySpeakers: Adrian Gilson, Band 7 Community Nutrition Support DietitianJamie Leung, Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust, Department of PaediatricsKaren Voas-Wootton, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Adult Team LeadKirsty Capper, Chester Adult Community, Adult Team LeadHannah Meanwell, Nottingham Hospital, Adult HEF Dietitian

Watch: What is the cost of Enteral Feeding? With Stephanie Wakefield
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

VIDEOS

Watch: What is the cost of Enteral Feeding? With Stephanie Wakefield

Information for Healthcare Professional Use OnlyWatch the roundtable discussion chaired by specialist dietitian, Stephanie Wakefield and a panel of expert home enteral feeding dietitians. The discussion explores practical considerations for home enteral feeding, focusing on the economic challenges, the impact of blended diets, and the need for improved patient information.Highlights of the roundtable discussion include:Economic difficulties limit access to blended diets, especially for families affected by the cost-of-living crisis.Nutritional recommendations may include expensive ingredients, creating additional financial burdens for patients.Transitioning from standard feeds to blended diets can be challenging due to costs and the need for specialised equipment.Patients often benefit psychologically from having options, underscoring the importance of choice in feeding methods.A lack of robust patient information resources necessitates better support and collaboration among healthcare professionals.This roundtable discussion is part of a series, watch episode 1 and episode 2 to learn more about blended diets and enteral nutrition. Chairperson:Stephanie Wakefield, Specialist Upper GI Dietitian and Lecturer in Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle UniversitySpeakers:Adrian Gilson, Band 7 Community Nutrition Support DietitianJamie Leung, Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust, Department of PaediatricsKaren Voas-Wootton, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Adult Team LeadKirsty Capper, Chester Adult Community, Adult Team LeadHannah Meanwell, Nottingham Hospital, Adult HEF Dietitian

Second Session
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

VIDEOS

Watch: Impact of a partially hydrolysed formula in children with neuro-disabilities with Dr Graeme O'Connor

Information for healthcare professional use onlyThis presentation by Dr Graeme O’Connor, research dietitian, discusses the effects of a low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula on children with severe neurological impairments, aimed at managing weight gain and gastrointestinal symptoms.Graeme shared an overview of a multicentre retrospective study conducted in the UK regarding nutritional needs for children with neurological impairments.The use of a low-energy, partially hydrolysed formula aimed to manage weight gain while maintaining micronutrient levels. Thus, helping to overcome challenges with using standard concentration enteral formulas and weight gain in this vulnerable patient group.Graeme also discusses children in this cohort who experience greater gastrointestinal symptoms, complicating nutritional intake and weight management.Results of this study indicated improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and controlled weight gain following the formula switch.Graeme shares the importance of recognising the impact on the health economics of simplifying feeding processes for families managing complex dietary needs.Watch the full presentation to learn more about the use of low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula for children with severe neurological impairments.To learn more about nutritional considerations for children with neurological impairment, watch this webinar.

Real-World Evidence  - The Impact of a Low Energy Partially Hydrolysed Enteral Formula on Feeding Experiences in Children Tube Fed with Neuro-Disabilities
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

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Real-World Evidence - The Impact of a Low Energy Partially Hydrolysed Enteral Formula on Feeding Experiences in Children Tube Fed with Neuro-Disabilities

The prevalence of children with complex neuro-disability has increased due to advances in the medical management of preterm infants and improved care for children with severe neurological impairment . Neuro-disability covers a wide range of clinical conditions, including acquired brain injury, epilepsy and learning disability. Neuro-disabilities present a significant disease burden for the child and family, with the focus for families to promote the best possible participation in life for all affected. Children with neuro-disabilities can be significantly disadvantaged in their ability to nourish themselves due to poor hand to mouth motor coordination, along with disordered swallowing, resulting in aspiration of food in the lungs. The length of feeding time may be considerably increased and instead of mealtimes being an enjoyable experience, they are distressing for both child and carer. These impairments in feeding eventually lead to undernutrition and invariably children require a feeding tube to ensure nutritional requirements are met. Although tube feeding improves overall nutritional status, it has also been associated with an excess deposition of body fat compared with typically developing children. Children with neuro-disability are at risk of becoming overweight because of their low activity and psychosocial constraints. Additionally, children with a neuro-disability tend to grow slowly for non-nutritional reasons and have altered body composition due to underdeveloped skeletal muscle. Children are more likely to be overweight and tend to have low lean muscle mass - therefore a low BMI in this group does not necessarily imply low fat stores. Efforts are needed to protect severely disabled children from overfeeding and to help families of children with neuro-disabilities to manage their child’s weight. Children with neuro-disabilities who are fed to 80% of their estimated average energy requirements have reported a positive energy balance resulting in high body fat mass. Of note, any attempt to dilute the existing proprietary feeds to reduce the calorie intake to a level commensurate with the energy expenditure of a child with a disability is likely to have an adverse impact on micronutrient and protein intake. The clinical nutrition industry has responded to this need and developed commercially available enteral formulas that are low in energy but nutritionally adequate for protein and micronutrients, essential for developing children who are reliant on enteral formula to supply a major proportion of their intake [8]. Additionally, feed tolerance is generally worse in children with neuro-disabilities, associated with comorbidities including epilepsy, posture and tone disorders, and medications used for the treatment of these conditions can further exacerbate gastrointestinal function. Common feed related symptoms associated with neuro-disabilities include vomiting, retching, pain associated with feeding - feedinduced dystonia, constipation, and gastrointestinal dysmotility. The aim of this national multicentre retrospective study was to monitor the effectiveness of a low energy hydrolysed enteral formula on weight management, feed tolerance and health economics in children with a neuro-disability.

Talking Tube Feeding Image Banner
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

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Talking Tube Feeding Support Website

A hub of tube feeding support and guidance for parents & carers of tube fed children. Talking Tube Feeding features informative articles written by healthcare professionals, inspiring stories shared by tube feeding families, and even blended diet recipes created by a dietitian. Share with your families today! All Talking Tube Feeding articles and videos have been created in partnership with healthcare professionals and tube feeding families, aiming to offer credible tube feeding information. Visit Now Highlights include   Andie & Ava's Story - 3 part video series 10+ Blended Diet recipes written by a paediatric dietitian Tube feeding glossary & equipment guide Transitioning to adult care Share with your patients' families today! www.talkingtubefeeding.com Contribute to Talking Tube Feeding We’re always looking for healthcare professionals to contribute their expertise to the Talking Tube Feeding website. So, if you have an interesting topic suggestion, get in touch at: talkingtubefeeding@uk.nestle.com Connecting with Families If you think your families would like to share their tube feeding experiences on Talking Tube Feeding, please contact us on: talkingtubefeeding@uk.nestle.com. We can work flexibly with families, whether they want to contribute quotes/recommendations or a full diary-style feature. To order Talking Tube Feeding pens and leaflets for your families, please contact your Nestlé Health Science representative.

Child Holding Pepper Circles To Her Eyes
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral Nutrition

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Blended diet webinars

Watch our webinars here: Emerging Trends in Blended Diets 1 Year on – Evidence & Clinical Practice The third webinar in the series has four experienced clinicians talk about their experiences of transitioning paediatric patients to a blended diet, as well as, a tube feeding formula with food-derived ingredients. Our speakers dive into the anatomy of why providing a blended diet may be better tolerated than a standard tube feed, as well as the process and multi-disciplinary team approach in creating and implementing a blended diet policy. Followed by an engaging Q&A with the audience. Speakers; Kate Samela, Dr Mohamed Mutalib, Marie Watson and Naheeda Habib   A Practical Implementation of Blended Diets for Healthcare Professionals The second webinar in the series, focuses specifically on the practical challenges that Healthcare Professionals face in supporting parents, carers and families through their journey in using blended diets as a source of nutrition for their child. Our speakers discuss feeding tubes, risk assessments and how they have successfully introduced blended diets to their patients. Speakers; Dr Su Bunn, Denise Kennedy, Vicki Steele and Clare Armstrong   The Emerging Trend of Blended Diets; Sharing Best Practice Amongst Healthcare Professionals Our first webinar dives into the emerging trend of blended diets for enteral feeding. Our speakers discuss how blended diets may change the way we think about tube feeding and compare with the USA, who are leading the way when it comes to blended diets and food-based formulas. We hear about the positive move made by the British Dietetic Association in their updated guidance on blended diets and hear about the growing evidence for a newly available prescribed feed that contains food-derived ingredients. Speakers; Gerard Minor, Dr Clare Thornton-Wood, Jayne Lewis