Enteral Nutrition: Whom, Why, When, What and Where to Feed?

Oral and enteral nutrition affects both the anatomical and physiological integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. It downregulates systemic immune response, reduces overall oxidative stress and limits systemic inflammatory responses. It reduces bacterial translocation, limits pathogenic bacteria in the intestines and enables the production of short-chain fatty acids in the colon. Therefore, it is the most physiologic way of providing nutritional support in all patients. The enteral formulas are available as polymeric, semi-elemental and elemental diets. The beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract and systemic organs of 'early' enteral nutrition depend on the timing, dose, location and different modalities of enteral delivery. Being familiar with the basic tenets of providing enteral nutrition - the 'Who, Why, When, Where and What' - will result in safe nutritional interventions and achieve a positive clinical outcome.