Comparative Analysis of the Expected and Actual Energy and Nutrient Contents of Blenderised-formulated Tube Feeds Administered at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Disparities in the nutrient content of blenderised-formulated tube feeds (BFTFs) administered to hospitalised patients may partly determine health outcomes in clinical settings. Aim: This study aimed to determine the actual energy and nutrient contents of BFTFs administered to two paediatric patients in relation to the prescribed amounts. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study examined enteral feeds administered to patients in the hospital. Two paediatric patients were randomly selected from seven patients scheduled to receive BFTFs on the following day. Nutritional prescription data, including energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and prescribed volume, were obtained from the hospital’s Dietetics Department. Two aliquot samples of each BFTF prepared in the Dietetics Department kitchen were collected on two separate occasions from additional quantities prepared for sampling. The samples were analysed using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Results: For Diet 1, the mean ± standard deviation values for the actual amounts served were 61.50 ± 1.05 g protein, 75.17 ± 4.67 g fat, and 112.17 ± 6.59 g carbohydrate, compared with expected values of 89.67 ± 4.18 g protein, 109.83 ± 1.17 g fat, and 163.50 ± 1.87 g carbohydrate. The corresponding mean deficits were 28.50 ± 4.64 g, 34.67 ± 3.72 g, and 51.33 ± 5.57 g, respectively. Significant differences were observed for most nutrients across the two collection days (p < 0.05). Across both diets, the volume-weighted actual composition was approximately 86.24 kcal, 4.01 g protein, 4.30 g fat, and 7.64 g carbohydrate per 100 mL. The analysed samples showed discrepancies between the actual and expected macronutrient and micronutrient contents of the BFTFs administered. Conclusion: This study demonstrates variability between the expected and actual energy and nutrient contents of BFTFs administered to paediatric patients. Because nutrient discrepancies may affect patient outcomes, standardised recipes, precise ingredient measurement, controlled dilution, and periodic laboratory verification are recommended to improve consistency and nutritional adequacy.