Guidance for supplemental enteral nutrition across patient populations

Enteral nutrition is preferred over parenteral nutrition as a result of the greater safety of enteral nutrition therapy and comparative convenience. A wide variety of enteral nutrition products have been developed, including disease-specific products to help manage the nutritional needs of patients with kidney failure, liver failure, lung disease, diabetes, and other conditions. An assessment of each patient's nutritional needs and digestive function should be conducted prior to initiation of enteral nutrition therapy. Other considerations in determining the appropriate route and method of enteral nutrition administration include the time and nursing involvement required for administration, potential complications of medication administration, and concerns related to pancreatic dysfunction in certain groups. Tailored guidelines and treatment considerations are reviewed in this manuscript the application of enteral nutrition in various patient populations.