When will tube feeding be recommended?

As a rule, tube feeding, or enteral feeding, is recommended only in cases in which feeding through the mouth is not possible.

Tube feeding allows for the continuous supply of a complete and balanced nutrition through the digestive system. Tube feeding is recommended in a number of medical conditions:

The first is when a severe swallowing problem develops, which makes it hazardous to consume food in a conventional manner. Also, in the event of a possible obstruction of the esophagus, or in cases where patients have not been able to consume more than 50% of their recommended daily food consumption for three days, the use of tube feeding will be considered.

Types of Enteral Feeding

Nasogastric tube: the feeding tube is inserted through the nose to the esophagus until the stomach.

Gastrostomy: the feeding tube is inserted directly into the stomach through an opening in the abdominal wall. This method is preferable, as it is barely felt by the patient and because it is more esthetic than nasogastric feeding.

In rare cases, a feeding tube is inserted to the small intestine.

What food is provided through the feeding tube?

The food provided through the feeding tube is called designated nutritionally complete food. It comes in a liquid and ready-to-use form. The type and amount of food in the tube will be determined by a clinical dietician and according to the patient’s medical and physical condition, age, background illnesses and nutritional needs.

Easy Line produces a number of products intended for tube feeding that are approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health.

Easy Fiber: a basic fiber-fortified nutritionally-complete liquid formula.

Easy Meal-k2: A calorie-dense formula, with reduced volume.

Easy Daily: A fiber-free high protein formula.