Researchers tested a new plant-based liquid food designed for people who need tube feeding at home. Forty-one patients used this special formula for up to 13 months. The results were encouraging: patients felt better with fewer stomach problems, got more protein from the food, and maintained their muscle strength. This is important because many tube-fed patients want plant-based options but doctors didn’t have much long-term safety information. This study shows the plant-based formula is safe and effective, even for vegans who need tube feeding.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new plant-based tube feeding formula works safely and effectively for people who need to be fed through a tube at home
  • Who participated: 41 adults ranging from 19 to 84 years old (average age 51), about half men and half women, all receiving nutrition through feeding tubes at home
  • Key finding: Patients using the plant-based formula experienced 7-12% fewer stomach problems compared to their previous feeding, got more protein, and kept their muscle strength stable over 13 months
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one needs tube feeding and prefers plant-based options, this formula appears to be a safe choice that may actually reduce uncomfortable digestive symptoms. However, this is still a relatively small study, so talk with your doctor about whether it’s right for your situation.

The Research Details

This was a real-world study where researchers followed 41 tube-fed patients for up to 13 months as they used a new plant-based formula. The formula was specially designed to be high in calories and protein, with an option to add fiber. Patients were tracked at the start, after 28 days, at 6 months, and at 13 months. The researchers measured stomach comfort, body weight, muscle strength, and how much protein patients were getting. Because this was an ‘open label’ study, both patients and doctors knew everyone was using the same new formula—there was no comparison group using a different formula. This type of study is useful for checking if something is safe and works in real life, but it’s not as strong as studies that compare two different treatments.

This research matters because tube-fed patients often want plant-based options for personal or ethical reasons, but doctors had limited information about whether plant-based formulas work as well as traditional ones over the long term. By following patients for over a year, researchers could see if the formula was truly safe and effective, not just in the short term but for months of regular use.

Strengths: This study followed patients for a full year, which is longer than many nutrition studies. It was conducted at multiple hospitals, making results more reliable. Researchers measured many important outcomes like digestion, nutrition, and muscle function. Limitations: Only 41 patients participated, and only 17 stayed for the full 13 months, which is a small group. There was no comparison group using a different formula, so we can’t say the plant-based formula is definitely better than others. The study was ‘open label,’ meaning everyone knew what they were using, which could affect how they reported their symptoms.

What the Results Show

Patients reported significantly fewer stomach problems when using the plant-based formula. Specifically, 7-12% more patients reported no digestive symptoms at all time points compared to their previous feeding. Common problems like bloating and burping decreased noticeably at 28 days. These improvements continued through 6 and 13 months of use. Patients’ body weight stayed stable, and they didn’t lose muscle—their calf measurements and hand grip strength remained the same or improved. This is important because people on tube feeding sometimes lose muscle mass, so maintaining it is a positive sign. The formula successfully delivered more protein to patients, with protein intake increasing by 0.2-0.3 grams per kilogram of body weight each day at all time points.

Additional benefits included reduced feeding time and volume needed. Patients required less total daily formula volume while getting the same or better nutrition. Constipation, diarrhea, and nausea all decreased or stayed low throughout the study. Patients’ ability to perform physical tasks, measured by a chair stand test, was maintained or improved. No serious safety problems were reported during the entire 13-month period, suggesting the plant-based formula is well-tolerated even for long-term use.

Previous research on plant-based tube feeding was very limited, especially for long-term use. Most tube feeding formulas are animal-based (containing milk proteins and fish oils). This study is one of the first to show that a plant-based alternative can work as well or better than traditional formulas. The finding that plant-based formulas may reduce digestive symptoms is particularly interesting because some people assumed plant-based options might cause more stomach problems. This challenges that assumption.

The study had several important limitations. Only 41 patients started the study, and only 17 completed all 13 months, which is a small final group. Without a comparison group using a different formula, we can’t say this plant-based option is better than other choices—only that it works well. The study was ‘open label,’ meaning patients and doctors knew what formula was being used, which might have influenced how patients reported their symptoms. The study didn’t include information about cost or how easy the formula is to get. Results may not apply to all tube-fed patients, especially those with certain medical conditions.

The Bottom Line

For tube-fed patients who prefer plant-based options or follow a vegan diet, this formula appears to be a safe and effective choice (moderate confidence based on this single study). It may actually reduce digestive discomfort compared to what patients were using before. For patients currently doing well on their current formula, switching may not be necessary, but this provides a good plant-based alternative if needed. Always discuss any formula change with your doctor or dietitian first.

This research is most relevant for: people receiving tube feeding at home who want plant-based options, vegans or vegetarians who need tube feeding, patients experiencing digestive problems with their current formula, and healthcare providers caring for tube-fed patients. It’s less relevant for patients with severe kidney disease or certain other medical conditions that require specialized formulas.

Digestive improvements appeared quickly—within 28 days, patients noticed less bloating and burping. Protein benefits and muscle maintenance were consistent from 28 days through 13 months. Most benefits appear to be maintained long-term with continued use. Individual results may vary, so give the formula at least 2-4 weeks to see if it works for you.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily digestive symptoms (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea) on a 0-10 scale and note any changes after switching formulas. Record weekly body weight and monthly muscle strength measurements like grip strength if possible.
  • If switching to this plant-based formula, log the change date and set reminders to monitor how you feel. Note any improvements in digestion or energy levels. Share tracked symptoms with your healthcare provider at regular check-ins.
  • Create a monthly summary of digestive comfort, body weight trends, and any physical changes. Compare month-to-month to identify patterns. Set quarterly check-in reminders to review progress with your doctor and adjust if needed.

This research describes results from a specific plant-based tube feeding formula in a study of 41 patients. Individual results may vary significantly. Before switching tube feeding formulas, consult with your doctor, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Some patients may have medical conditions that require specific formula types. Always discuss any nutritional changes with your healthcare team, especially if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.