Differences in Vitamin A Content of Enteral Feeding Solutions Following Exposure to a Polyvinyl Chloride Enteral Feeding System

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine if there were significant differences in the vitamin A content of two enteral feeding solutions following timed exposure to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) enteral tube feeding system. This study took place in the laboratory setting with procedures designed to simulate clinical conditions with respect to rate of flow and time of exposure. Feeding solutions (Ensure Osmolite and Vivonex High Nitrogen) were sampled, placed in PVC feeding system pouches (Vivonex Delivery System, Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals, Norwich, NY) and permitted to drip from the pouches at a constant rate. Solution remaining in the pouches was sampled at intervals for a period of six hours, and all samples were analyzed for Vitamin A content using spectrophotometric methods. Statistical analysis of the data indicated no significant difference in Vitamin A content of either feeding solution following six hours of exposure to a PVC enteral tube feeding system.