Nutritional composition of the enteral formulas used in home enteral nutrition

Introduction: In Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN), chemically defined formulas or handmade preparations composed of natural and/or processed foods may be used, two different categories of formulas. Both of them can beadministered to individuals with stroke in HEN. Objectives: To determine the energy and protein adequacy of enteral formulas to the nutritional needs of individuals with stroke and to compare the energy and nutritional value of different categories of formulas. Methods: Cross-sectional study with patients with stroke that are in HEN in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The food intake by commercial formulas (CF), homemade diet (HD) and mixed formula (MF) was assessed by 24-hour recall and the nutritional compositions of the formulas were estimated. Patient’s energy and protein requirements were calculated by Harris and Benedict equation, multiplying the disease injury factor and activity factor, and according to ASPEN, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson correlation, at 95% confidence interval (p<0.05). Results: There were included 45 patients, 65% (n = 26) were female, age average of 74.25 ± 11.3 years, and 87.5% (n = 35) were elderly. The energy requirement was achieved by 88.9% (n = 40). The HD had higher protein content compared to CF and MF (p<0.05). The MF was used by 40% (n = 18), with the highest total fiber and B12 vitamin when compared to HD and CF (p<0.05). Conclusions: The protein and energy patient’s requirements were achieved mostly by the different categories of formulas infused via tube in HEN.