Summary Blog of YourTube Study of blended diet for tube feeding
Assessing the Safety and Efficacy of Home-Blended Diets for Children with Gastrostomy Tubes
Introduction: The prevalence of children relying on gastrostomy tube feeding is on the rise, with over 10,000 children in England alone. Various underlying conditions necessitate this form of feeding, with neurological conditions being among the most common. Traditionally, commercially produced formula has been recommended for these children, but there's a growing trend of parents opting for home-blended diets, raising concerns among professional bodies regarding safety and nutritional adequacy.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study which means it followed the group over a period of time, from August 2019 to November 2021 and involved 180 children aged 6 months to <19 years across 31 NHS sites. Data were collected at baseline and at 12- and 18-month intervals. Nutritional intake, anthropometric data, safety outcomes, and health economic analyses were assessed.
Results: Despite concerns, children on home-blended diets showed similar safety profiles, adequate nutritional intake, and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms compared to those on formula feeds. Additionally, there were cost savings for the NHS and PSS, although families incurred additional expenses for equipment and childcare time.
Discussion: The study's findings support the viability of home-blended diets for children with gastrostomy tubes, provided there's careful monitoring and nutritional planning. However, the financial burden on families warrants attention, particularly for those already facing socioeconomic challenges.
onclusions: Home-blended diets represent a safe alternative to commercial formula for children with gastrostomy tubes, offering comparable nutritional benefits. Policymakers should address disparities in access to these diets and prioritize further research to ensure long-term outcomes are understood fully.
This study underscores the importance of balancing safety, efficacy, and accessibility when considering dietary options for children with gastrostomy tubes.
Full article can be read here
Fraser LK, Bedendo A, O’Neill M, et al
Safety, resource use and nutritional content of home-blended diets in children who are gastrostomy fed: findings from ‘YourTube’ – a prospective cohort study
Archives of Disease in Childhood Published Online First: 21 December 2023. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-326393
