Nutritional Adequacy of Commercially Available Blenderized Tube Feeds in Pediatric Patients

Commercial blenderized formula for children dependent on feeding tubes is becoming increasingly popular. We aimed to determine if these formula provide complete nutrition for children. We compared the nutrient composition of popular commercial blenderized tube feeds to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for age. We analyzed 3 brands: <i>Compleat Pediatric</i>, <i>Real Food Blends</i>, and <i>Nourish</i>. For children consuming a standard volume, all blenderized tube feeds met macronutrient requirements. None met all the fiber and micronutrient requirements with important deficiencies in vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, and iron. Deficiencies were common in nonfortified feeds like <i>Real Food Blends</i>. There were micronutrients above the tolerable upper limits, especially in young children, in fortified feeds like <i>Compleat</i> and <i>Nourish</i>. No currently available commercial blenderized tube feeds provide complete nutrition for children compared to DRI for age. Physicians should be aware of possible deficiencies and/or toxicities associated with their long-term use.