Can you eat with a feeding tube?
Author bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this article, we will answer the question “Can you eat with a feeding tube?” and discuss the types of feeding tubes?
Can you eat with a feeding tube?
Yes, you can eat with a feeding tube. People who have a feeding tube may still eat and drink, from entire meals to only a few dots on your tongue to experience the flavor of food and drink.
A tube is only necessary if you are unable to swallow securely, which is the most common reason for a tube (ie avoid accidentally breathing in their dinner). It’s OK if you have a feeding tube because you can’t eat or drink enough, or because you want to ensure that you have a feeding channel in case of emergencies.
If you have difficulty swallowing, your speech therapist is likely to be the best person to provide you with advice on how safe it is to eat orally.
According to studies, enteral nutrition formulas prepared in a kitchen or in a patient care unit are at much higher risk for contamination than those prepared under aseptic conditions or that undergo sterilization prior to patient administration. As many as 30%-57% of enteral formulas prepared in the hospital and over 80% of those prepared in the home have been found to be contaminated with bacteria (1).
Different Types of Feeding Tubes and their Purpose
It is a medical gadget used to feed someone who is unable to properly consume food by mouth. Because of difficulties swallowing, altered awareness, an eating problem, or any other condition that makes eating difficult, this may be the case.
Enteral nutrition is needed if the general dietary intake alone cannot meet the energy and nutritional needs of children with growth retardation, weight faltering, or weight deficit. It can also be considered useful for the treatment of diseases such as Crohn’s disease, food allergy, and intolerance. Indications for this practice include the existence of disorders of oral feeding, disorders of digestion and/or absorption, increased nutrient and/or metabolic requirement and disorders where enteral nutrition is a key component of disease treatment (2).
Feeding tubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are several reasons why they may be necessary. One’s circumstances are unique, and a permanent feeding tube placement is an entirely different option than one that allows for the use of a temporary tube.
With this knowledge, it is possible to make an educated choice regarding whether or not you need a feeding tube and how these tubes are inserted into your digestive system. More than just food, feeding tubes may help alleviate gas and bloating, as well as alleviate nausea or vomiting.
A feeding tube is often used for the following purposes:
A feeding tube may be used to supply liquid nourishment to those who are unable to eat solid food. Enteral nutrition, or tube feeding, may be administered via the tube to supply the body with carbs, protein, and lipids without the patient having to swallow or chew.
Water may be fed to the patient via a feeding tube to keep them hydrated without the need for intravenous fluids
Medications, including several pills and tablets, may be administered via a tube in the stomach. It is possible to deliver most drugs via a feeding tube if the particles are tiny enough to be mixed with water and dissolved in the liquid.
Some kinds of feeding tubes may be used to decompress the stomach, removing air from the intestines. Temporary feeding tubes may be attached to suction in order to gently remove gas from the stomach to decrease bloating and distention (3).
In the event that you aren’t digesting your food or fluids, you may be experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach bloating as a result of food remaining in your stomach. Small bits of food and liquids may be removed from your stomach using gentle suction. Diarrhea may also occur due to dietary intake that is incompatible with gastrointestinal function, intolerance of bolus fees, excessive infusion rate, high feed osmolarity, and microbial contamination (2).
Types
For a number of reasons, feeding tubes are available in a variety of forms. Distinguishing between the various types of feeding tubes is dependent on the nature of the difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). A few are supposed to be short-term, while others are meant to be long-term (1).
14 days is the maximum time a G-tube (PEG) or J-tube (PEG-(J)) may be safely placed in an individual’s nose or mouth, down their throats, and into the stomach or intestine (G-tube or J-tube). Long-term ingestion through the throat may cause erosion of the soft tissues of the throat and esophagus. This might cause lasting harm to the throat and voice box. Although perforation of the nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, and transbronchial insertion into the pleural space have been described during fine bore tube insertion, it must be emphasized that these complications are rare (4).
Feeding Tubes for a Short Term
As the name suggests, this tube is placed into the nose, passing via the windpipe and esophagus, and finally into the stomach. After four to six weeks, it must be withdrawn or replaced by a long-term feeding tube.
If a short period of enteral nutrition of ＜4 weeks is required, nutrition should be directly supplied to the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum via a tube. Gastric tube feeding, or inserting a feeding tube directly through the mouth or nose, is a relatively less invasive procedure and less difficult to locate (2).
For those who are unable to swallow, an orogastric tube (OG tube) may be used to provide medication. It is put into the mouth and travels down the esophagus before resting in the stomach. Alternatively, this tube may be left in place for up to two weeks before being replaced with a permanent tube.
Even if enteral nutrition is required for ＞4 weeks, it is positioned according to the risk of aspiration. Nutrition is supplied endoscopically or through a surgical access established using gastrostomy or jejunostomy. Chronic diseases associated with nutritional imbalance or neurological abnormalities such as cerebral palsy, neuromuscular disorder, and coma are indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or jejunostomy (PEJ). PEG(J) is also considered for feeding and decompression if malignant tumors of the head, neck, or esophagus or chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is present. PEG(J) feeding has fewer complications and discomforts, such as irritation, ulceration, bleeding, displacement, and clogging, than nasogastric tube feeding (2).
A temporary tube for feeding
Feeding tubes may enter the mouth or nose and go into the throat, esophagus, stomach, or middle of the small intestine to provide nutrients to a patient are percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) (J-tube).
Tubes with radio-opaque tips have a little quantity of material attached to the end of the tube that may be seen on X-rays. It is possible to validate that the tube is in the appropriate location before usage by taking an X-ray once the placement has been finished.
Feeding Tubes that last a long time
An incision on the left upper side of the abdomen is used to insert a gastric tube, also known as a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube, or G tube (PEG). Using this tube, patients may get food, water, and medications without having to swallow them.
To learn more about eating with a feeding tube click here
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can you eat with a feeding tube?” and we discussed the types of feeding tubes?
Reference
- Bankhead, Robin, et al. ASPEN enteral nutrition practice recommendations. J Parenter Enter Nutr, 2009, 33, 122-167.
- Yi, Dae Yong. Enteral nutrition in pediatric patients. Pediat gastroenterol hepatol nutr, 2018, 21, 12-19.
- Faryniuk, Andrea, Allan MacDonald, and Paul van Boxel. Amnesia in modern surgery: revisiting Wangensteen’s landmark studies of small bowel obstruction. Canad J Surg, 2015, 58, 83.
- Bastow, M. D. Complications of enteral nutrition. Gut, 1986, 27, 51-55.
