(Nutrients delivered via the GI tract – either oral or tube feeding)
| Type | Description | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) | High-calorie/protein drinks taken by mouth | Mild malnutrition or appetite loss |
| ‣ | Nutrition delivered via a feeding tube when oral intake isn’t possible | Stroke, head injury, severe dysphagia |
| Formula Type | Content | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard/polymeric | Whole proteins, normal digestion needed | Most patients |
| Elemental/semi-elemental | Pre-digested nutrients | Malabsorption, GI disorders |
| Disease-specific | Tailored (e.g., renal, diabetic) | Organ-specific needs |
| Modular | Single nutrients (e.g. protein only) | Custom blending |
Standard formulas are usually polymeric.