Tube Feeding

Two types of pabulum for administration by nasogastric tube were studied in nine patients who were unable to swallow. Pabulum no. 1 was made from powdered skimmed cow's milk with the addition of cream, glucose, strained liver, and a vitamin concentrate. Pabulum no. 2 was made by a simple formula from one 15.5-(fluid) oz. (458 cc.) can of commercially available soy bean milk diluted with an equal volume of water and supplemented with the same vitamin concentrate. After a week or more on formula no. 1, all patients had diarrhea. After changing to formula no. 2, five became free of diarrhea within 36 hours. Two of the nine patients did not do well on either formula. Analyses of blood, made in all patients at the beginning and end of a two-week period on formula no. 2, showed no indications of biochemical upsets, and there was no clinical evidence of malnutrition. This simple preparation for tube feeding was tolerated by most patients for at least two weeks with a minimum of gastrointestinal and biochemical complications.