Researchers looked at three popular commercial blenderized tube feeds (special liquid nutrition given through feeding tubes) to see if they provide complete nutrition for children. They compared each formula’s nutrients to recommended daily amounts for different ages. While the formulas had enough protein and carbohydrates, they were missing important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, calcium, and iron. Some formulas also had too much of certain nutrients, which could be harmful over time. Doctors need to know about these gaps so they can help children get the nutrition they need.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether three popular commercial blenderized tube feeds (Compleat Pediatric, Real Food Blends, and Nourish) contain all the nutrients children need when fed through a tube
  • Who participated: This wasn’t a study with human participants. Instead, researchers analyzed the nutrient content of three commercial tube feed products and compared them to official nutrition guidelines for children of different ages
  • Key finding: All three formulas had enough big nutrients (protein and carbs), but none provided all the vitamins and minerals kids need. Vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, and iron were commonly missing. Some formulas had too much of certain nutrients, which could cause problems
  • What it means for you: If your child uses a tube feed, talk to their doctor about whether they need extra vitamins or minerals. Don’t assume the formula alone provides everything they need. Your child’s doctor may recommend supplements or periodic blood tests to check nutrient levels

The Research Details

Researchers took three popular commercial blenderized tube feeds and looked at exactly what nutrients were in them. They then compared these nutrients to official guidelines called the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI), which tells us how much of each nutrient children of different ages should get. The researchers checked whether a standard serving size of each formula would meet these guidelines.

This type of study is called a nutritional analysis. Instead of testing the formulas on real children, the researchers used lab information and nutrition labels to see what was in each product. They looked at both the big nutrients (like protein and fat) and the small nutrients (like vitamins and minerals).

The three formulas they studied were chosen because they’re popular options that parents and doctors use. By comparing them all to the same official guidelines, the researchers could see which nutrients were missing and which might be too high.

This research is important because more and more children are using blenderized tube feeds instead of traditional formulas. Parents and doctors often choose these because they seem more natural and closer to real food. However, nobody had carefully checked whether these products actually provide complete nutrition. This study fills that gap by showing exactly what’s missing, so doctors can make better decisions about whether kids need extra supplements

This study is reliable because it used official nutrition guidelines (DRI) as the standard for comparison, which are based on years of nutrition science. The researchers analyzed real products that are actually sold and used. However, the study only looked at three brands, so there may be other products not included. Also, this is a laboratory analysis, not a study of real children, so we don’t know how individual children might respond to these formulas

What the Results Show

When researchers looked at the three formulas, they found that all of them provided enough of the big nutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fat—that children need. This is the good news: if your child is getting enough volume of these feeds, they’re getting adequate calories and basic nutrition.

However, the bad news is that none of the three formulas provided all the vitamins and minerals children need. The most common missing nutrients were vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins (like B12 and folate), and iron. These are important for strong bones, healthy blood, and proper brain development.

Interestingly, the formulas that had added vitamins and minerals (fortified feeds like Compleat and Nourish) sometimes had too much of certain nutrients, especially for younger children. This means that while they tried to add missing nutrients, they may have added too much, which could cause problems over time. The formulas without added nutrients (like Real Food Blends) had more missing nutrients but fewer problems with excess.

The study found that the type of formula matters. Fortified formulas (ones with added vitamins and minerals) had different problems than non-fortified ones. Non-fortified formulas had more nutrient gaps, while fortified formulas sometimes had nutrients at levels that could be too high for young children. This suggests that one-size-fits-all formulas may not work well for all children, and individual needs vary based on age and health status

This is one of the first studies to carefully check whether commercial blenderized tube feeds meet nutrition guidelines for children. Previous research has mostly looked at traditional tube feeds, which are more carefully regulated. This study shows that even though blenderized feeds seem more natural, they may need more careful monitoring than people realize

This study only looked at three brands, so other products on the market might be different. The researchers didn’t test the formulas on actual children, so we don’t know if the missing nutrients cause real problems in practice or if children absorb nutrients differently. The study also didn’t look at how formulas might be combined with other foods or supplements that children might receive. Finally, nutrition needs can vary a lot between individual children based on their health conditions, so what’s missing for one child might not matter as much for another

The Bottom Line

If your child uses a commercial blenderized tube feed, ask their doctor about: (1) whether your child needs vitamin and mineral supplements, especially vitamin D, calcium, iron, and B vitamins; (2) periodic blood tests to check nutrient levels; (3) whether the formula brand matters for your child’s specific situation. These recommendations are based on solid evidence from this study, though individual needs vary

Parents and caregivers of children who use tube feeds should definitely pay attention to this research. Pediatricians, dietitians, and other doctors who care for children with feeding tubes should also be aware. Children with certain health conditions that require tube feeding may need extra monitoring. However, this doesn’t mean blenderized feeds are bad—it just means they need to be part of a complete nutrition plan with possible supplements

Nutrient deficiencies don’t usually cause problems overnight. However, over months and years, missing important nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and iron can affect bone health, growth, and development. It’s important to address these gaps sooner rather than later. Some nutrients like B vitamins affect energy and brain function, so supplementing might help your child feel better within weeks

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your child’s tube feed intake daily (amount and brand), and note any supplements given. Also track symptoms like fatigue, poor growth, or bone health concerns. This helps identify patterns and shows your doctor whether the current plan is working
  • Work with your child’s doctor to create a supplement plan if needed. Set reminders to give supplements at the same time as tube feeds. Keep a list of which nutrients your child’s formula is missing and discuss with your doctor which ones need supplementing based on your child’s age and health
  • Schedule regular check-ins with your child’s doctor (every 3-6 months) to review growth, energy levels, and any symptoms. Get blood tests as recommended to check nutrient levels. Keep records of your child’s formula brand and any supplements given so you can track what’s working

This research is informational only and should not replace advice from your child’s doctor or dietitian. Every child’s nutritional needs are different based on their age, health condition, and medical history. If your child uses a tube feed, work closely with their healthcare team to determine if supplements are needed and which ones are appropriate. Do not start or stop any supplements without consulting your child’s doctor, as some nutrients can be harmful in excess. This study analyzed product composition but did not test effects in real children, so individual results may vary.