Boost in a Feeding Tube: Is it Safe and Effective?
Boost is a liquid nutritional supplement that is commonly used to provide extra calories, protein, and other nutrients to people who need them.
Boost is available in a variety of formulations, including Boost Original, Boost Plus, and Boost High Protein. Each formulation has a different calorie and protein content, so it’s important to choose the right one based on the patient’s nutritional needs.
Boost is also available in both ready-to-drink and powder form, which can be mixed with water to create a liquid that can be used in a feeding tube.
However, it’s important to note that not all Boost products are suitable for use in a feeding tube. Boost contains sugar to make it more palatable for oral consumption, but this sugar can cause problems when used in a feeding tube.
Tube feeding formulas typically contain maltodextrin and/or corn syrup solids, which are more complex carbohydrate sources. The sugar content in Boost can also contribute to higher osmolality, which can cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues.
Therefore, it’s important to choose the right Boost product and to consult with a healthcare professional before using it in a feeding tube.
Feeding Tubes and Boost
Can You Put Boost in a Feeding Tube?
Boost is a liquid nutritional supplement that comes in many different flavors and varieties. It is often used as a meal replacement or to supplement a person’s diet. Boost can be ingested orally or through a feeding tube, but it is important to make sure that it is the right formula for your specific needs.
The fact that you can drink it by mouth means for some people it is a great option for tube feeding. When they can drink, they will, and times they are not tolerating drinking, they can still get their nutrition without having to have a separate formula for tube feeding.
When using Boost in a feeding tube, it is important to choose the right type of tube. There are several different types of feeding tubes, including nasogastric tubes, gastrostomy tubes, and jejunostomy tubes. The type of tube you have will determine how the Boost is administered like by bolus feeding or using a feeding tube pump.
It is also important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or dietitian when using Boost in a feeding tube. They can help you determine the right amount of Boost to use and how often to administer it.
Overall, Boost can be a great option for those who require nutritional support through a feeding tube. However, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the right formula and feeding schedule for your specific needs.
Benefits of Boost in a Feeding Tube
Improved Nutrition
Boost is a nutritional drink that can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals to help meet your daily nutritional needs. It contains high-quality protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass and promoting healing.
Boost also comes in different varieties, including high calorie and high protein options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, if you are struggling to gain weight, the high calorie option can help you increase your caloric intake without having to consume large volumes of food.
Convenience
One of the benefits of using Boost in a feeding tube is that it is easy to use and convenient. Unlike other types of enteral nutrition, such as blenderized diets, Boost does not require any preparation or cooking. Simply pour the drink into the feeding tube and you’re done.
This can be especially helpful for people who have limited mobility or who are unable to prepare their own meals.
Boost is also widely available and can be purchased at most grocery stores and pharmacies. This means that you can easily stock up on the drink and always have it on hand when you need it.
Cost-Effective
Another benefit of using Boost in a feeding tube is that it is cost-effective. Compared to other types of enteral nutrition, such as specialized formulas or blenderized diets, Boost is relatively inexpensive. This can be especially important for people who are on a tight budget or who do not have insurance coverage for enteral nutrition.
Additionally, because Boost is widely available, you can often find it on sale or use coupons to save money. This can help you stretch your budget even further and ensure that you always have access to the nutrition you need.
Risks and Considerations
Tube Compatibility
Before administering any formula through a feeding tube, it’s essential to ensure that the formula is compatible with the type of tube being used. Some formulas may cause clogging, damage, or displacement of the tube if they are not compatible.
For example, BOOST® contains sugar to make it palatable as an oral supplement, but it is unnecessary for a tube feeding formula. Tube feeding formulas typically contain maltodextrin and/or corn syrup solids, which are more complex carbohydrate sources.
The sugar content also contributes to the higher osmolality, which may cause complications if the formula is not compatible with the tube.
Administration
Proper administration of tube feeding formulas is crucial to avoid complications. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider or dietitian when administering the formula.
Administering the formula too quickly or too slowly can cause gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, nausea, and diarrhea. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the tube is properly placed to avoid leakage of stomach contents at the tube site or pain at the tube site.
Allergies and Intolerances
Individuals may have allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients in tube feeding formulas. It’s important to review the ingredients list and consult with a healthcare provider or dietitian if there are concerns about allergies or intolerances.
Some common allergens in tube feeding formulas include milk, soy, and wheat. Additionally, some formulas may contain ingredients that individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid, such as those with renal or hepatic impairment.
Overall, while BOOST® is a popular oral supplement, it’s important to consider the risks and considerations when using it as a tube feeding formula. Ensuring tube compatibility, proper administration, and reviewing for allergies and intolerances are essential steps to avoid complications and ensure optimal nutrition.
Final Thoughts
After conducting research and reviewing the information provided by various sources, I have come to the conclusion that Boost can be used in a feeding tube. However, it is important to note that Boost contains sugar, which can contribute to higher osmolality and may not be suitable for all patients.
Just like other feeding tube formulas, it is important to flush the feeding tube line after feedings and giving medications. This not only ensures all the food goes into the stomach or intestines, but it keeps the line from clogging.
Formula can dry inside the lines and sugar can make these clog very easily. So, flush your lines with warm or room temperature water after every feeding.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using Boost or any other nutritional supplement in a feeding tube. They can provide guidance on the appropriate type and amount of formula to use based on the individual’s medical needs and condition.
For more information about feeding tubes, check out “Frequently Asked Questions about GJ Tubes” and “What are Gtube Belts used for?”
