NB

Enteral formulas are medical foods not drugs. Enteral nutrition formulas are used as nutritional replacements for patients who are unable to get enough nutrients in their diet. These formulas are taken by mouth or through a feeding tube and are used by the body for energy and to form substances needed for normal body functions. Gastroenteric tube feeding plays a major role in the management of patients with poor voluntary intake, chronic neurological or mechanical dysphagia or gut dysfunction and in patients who are critically ill. The use of home enteral feeding is increasing worldwide. Multidisciplinary primary care teams focused on home enteral nutrition can provide cost‐effective care. Enteral feeding should be considered for malnourished patients or in those at risk of malnutrition who have a functional gastrointestinal tract but are unable to maintain an adequate or safe oral intake.