Open AccessSignificant Loss of Macronutrients During Passage Through Feeding Tube
Author(s) -
MoranLev Hadar,
Azaiza Muhammad,
Mangel Laurence,
Mimouni Francis B.,
Mandel Dror,
Lubetzky Ronit
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
jpgn reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2691-171X
DOI - 10.1097/pg9.0000000000000006
Subject(s) - tube (container) , medicine , zoology , observational study , feeding tube , gestation , formula feeding , parenteral nutrition , mathematics , pediatrics , surgery , biology , breast feeding , pregnancy , materials science , genetics , composite material
Objective: Feeding infants born before week 34 of gestation is based mainly on providing nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal tract through a nasogastric tube. Little is known about the impact of formulas passage through nasogastric tube on their macronutrient content. The aim of our study was to evaluate changes in macronutrient content of various formulas after transfer through a feeding tube. Methods: Eleven frequently used formulas were chosen. Ten consecutive measurements were performed for each formula. Simulated real‐life practice tube feeding was performed by using an infusion pump connected to a feeding tube. A Human Milk Analyzer, using an infrared spectroscopy method, was used to compare the preinfusion and postinfusion macronutrient contents of the different formulas. Results: A total of 220 measurements were performed. Variations in at least one macronutrient were observed in 5 out of 10 formulas. Fat and energy content were modified in 1 preterm formula. Conclusions: Changes in the macronutrient content after tube feeding transfer were observed for some infant formulas, including those designed for very low birth weight infants. These alterations might relate to specific formulation of each formula. The biological significance of our results to the very low birth weight infants should be studied further.