The Amelioration of Nutritional Status and Phase Angle, Safety, and Satisfaction in Tube-Fed Patients With Ready-to-Use Blenderized Diet With Chicken and Pumpkin

Abstract

Background: The requirement of a hospital-made, blenderized diet, as a generally used and complete polymeric formula, is increasing beyond supply availability and accessibility. A ready-to-use blenderized diet with chicken and pumpkin in a retort pouch was developed from regular use formula by nutritionists and dietitians to solve these problems. However, its clinical outcomes should be evaluated.
 Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of a ready-to-use blenderized diet, and to examine the satisfaction of patients and caregivers.
 Methods: Thirty adult patients in Ramathibodi Hospital with absolute tube feeding were included in a pre-post treatment comparative study and fed with the study formula for 14 days. Body composition measurements, nutritional status, clinical parameters, and biochemical tests were collected at baseline and day 14 after feeding. Complications were monitored daily. Satisfaction was evaluated at day 14.
 Results: This study reported statistically significant improvements in nutritional status (P < .001), albumin (P = .003), prealbumin (P = .007), total lymphocytic count (P = .004), and phase angle (P = .02) after 14-day feeding. No major complications were reported. Satisfaction of product use was evaluated in the level of satisfied (27%) and very satisfied (73%).
 Conclusions: The present study revealed that a ready-to-use blenderized diet with chicken and pumpkin was efficacious in ameliorating nutritional status, nutrition-related blood tests, and phase angle without any major complications.