Designing blenderized tube feeding diets for children and investigating their physicochemical and microbial properties and Dietary Inflammatory Index

Abstract

Background Due to the benefits of blenderized tube feeding (BTF) diets, the interest in using them is increasing. This study aimed to design BTFs for children and investigate their physicochemical and microbial properties, as well as Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Methods Five BTF diets were formulated mainly with fresh foods; their DII, physical (viscosity), and chemical (moisture, ash, protein, fat, energy, and micronutrients) characteristics were assessed. Also, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system was implemented for quality assurance of preparation, storage, and delivery of BTFs to patients in hospital. The microbial contamination (total count, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive, mold, and yeast) was analyzed. Results Energy and percentages of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in BTFs were in the range of 103–112 kcal/100 ml, 16%–22%, 28%–34%, and 48%–52%, respectively. The viscosity of the five developed BTFs was between 29 and 64 centipoises, which allows the formulas to flow without syringe pressure. The DII of all BTFs was between −0.73 and −2.24. Due to the implementation of HACCP, monitoring the production line of BTFs, and performance of corrective measures, no microbial contamination was observed by indicator pathogenic microorganisms. Conclusion A planned BTF diet can be an excellent selection for children using enteral nutrition with tube feeding especially when they are made from fresh and anti‐inflammatory foods such as recipes prepared in this study.

Blenderised Tube Feeds vs. Commercial Formula: Which Is Better for Gastrostomy-Fed Children?

“…Contrary to concerns in the literature that the micronutrient content of BTF is inadequate and highly variable [ 26 , 29 ], micronutrient levels were found to be higher in the BTF group in our study. This is consistent with other recent studies which suggest that BTF diets are an excellent source of nutrition for enterally fed children [ 32 ]. Notably, BTF was far superior in fibre content, containing almost 5-fold the amount of fibre in formula.…”