What is enteral nutrition?

Enteral nutrition refers specifically to the direct delivery of nutrients into the gastrointestinal tract. This method allows for the provision of essential nutrients directly to the stomach or intestines, facilitating digestion and absorption in individuals who may have difficulty consuming food orally due to various medical conditions. Enteral nutrition is often implemented through different forms of feeding tubes, such as nasogastric, gastrostomy, or jejunostomy tubes, depending on the patient’s needs and the duration of feeding required.

This method ensures that the patient receives adequate nutrition in a way that closely resembles normal eating, making it beneficial for maintaining gut integrity and function. By delivering nutrients directly into the digestive system, enteral nutrition supports those who cannot eat food orally while still providing essential calories, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

In contrast, intravenous methods deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream and do not involve the gastrointestinal tract, making this option distinct from enteral nutrition. Solid food consumption also does not fit the definition, nor does supplemental feeding specifically through a feeding tube encompass the broader definition of enteral nutrition if it were to isolate other types or methods not directly involving the gastrointestinal tract.