Liquid Nutrition for Cancer Patients

Some cancer patients have difficulty in receiving the appropriate nutrition they need due to various causes. One of these is cachexia, or weight loss due to the abnormal shifting of nourishment to a tumor. Another reason for the depletion of sustenance is that the patient may be unable to ingest and digest the food. To supplement this loss, liquid nutrition may be prescribed.

Facts

• Liquid nutrition, which is also known as enteral nutrition, is the process in which food in liquid form is given to the patient. This is done through the use of a tube that is placed into the stomach or the small intestine. Tubes that are placed on the stomach can handle the continuous flow of food or in several batches dispensed throughout the day. On the other hand, small intestine tubes are used to continually pump food into the body.

Tube Types

• Various kinds of feeding tubes are used for liquid nutrition. The first is meant for short-term use and involves the tube being placed through the nose and throat. The tube then connects to the stomach or small intestine to deliver the food directly. For those cancer patients who may require long-term liquid nutrition, the tube is placed into the stomach or small intestine through an opening called the stoma. A stoma is usually made on the outside of the abdomen.

Formulas

• Different types of formulas are used in liquid nutrition for cancer patients. They range from the total provision of all the nutrients required by the patient to the imparting of specific substances. The formula used in liquid nutrition depends on the needs of the cancer patient, as determined by the physician. Other health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease help determine the nutrients contained in the liquid nutrition formula.

Need

• Liquid nutrition is helpful in the cases of those with cancer in the head or neck. Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy may make it difficult for these patients to take in food and drink normally. However, liquid nutrition is not just for patients who are totally unable to eat food through the mouth. This process is also recommended for those who can eat or drink, but can only do so in small quantities. In these cases, a feeding tube is used to supply the rest of the calories and nutrients needed.

Limitations

• In some cases, liquid nutrition will not be effective for a cancer patient. An example of this is when the stomach or intestines are no longer functional or have been removed. The reason for this is that the feeding tube cannot be properly attached. Other situations when liquid nutrition may be inappropriate are when the patient has a blockage in the bowel, low platelet counts or nausea and vomiting.