Content of Poorly Absorbed Short-Chain Carbohydrates (FODMAP) in Enteral Homemade Diets.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that commercial enteral formulas with low FODMAP (FO, fermentable oligosaccharides; D, disaccharides; M, monosaccharides; AP, and polyols) content decrease diarrhea of individuals receiving enteral nutrition therapy (ENT). There is no information, however, regarding the content of FODMAP in homemade enteral formula. The objective of this study was to assess energy and macronutrient content, and to quantify the amount of FODMAP content in homemade enteral formula, commonly prescribed for home use after hospital discharge.

METHODS

Recipes of homemade enteral formula were requested from all hospitals and healthcare centers in a Brazilian city, totaling 24 recipes. The diets were quantified in relation to their energy content, macronutrients, and FODMAP content.

RESULTS

Of the 19 hospitals, 68.4% prescribe only commercial enteral formulas at the time of hospital discharge, and 31.6% prescribe homemade enteral formula, both conventional and commercial. The homemade enteral formula showed a variation from 700 to 3000 kcal/d. The macronutrient levels of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats were 49.0% ± 6.8%, 17.4% ± 3.1%, and 33.5% ± 6.2%, respectively. On average, homemade enteral formula had 58.5% of high FODMAP content, 7.1% of moderate content, and 34.5% of low FODMAP content, considering that milk is the main food responsible for the high content of FODMAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Homemade enteral formula presented adequate nutrition characteristics and is rich in FODMAP. It is important to consider FODMAP in enteral diets prescribed for individuals intolerant to these carbohydrates by individualizing the diet prescription.