Blenderized tube diets (BTD) are used in some parts of
Brazil and few studies have analyzed their features in
comparison with industrialized preparations. Among 14
randomly collected BTD recipes 9 were poorly described
or failed to standardize foodstuffs and portions and,
consequently, nutrient and energy composition was difficult
to define. Only five BTD allowed theoretical estimation
of their nutritional properties. Macronutrient
content was highly variable, often conflicting with
accepted daily recommendations. According to the literature
there are further disadvantages with BTD use including
diet high risk of contamination, physical and
chemical instability, and high osmolarity and viscosity.
Nominal cost of BTD was comparatively low in relation to
industrialized formulas; however we did not compute
labor and indirect expenses, probably rendering final
value more expensive than with the industrialized alternative.
It is likely that within such circumstances, hospital
and home care malnutrition will not be adequately dealt
with and related complications may occur. It is concluded
that the continued use of blenderized tube feeding diets
requires careful assessment, prioritizing correction of
potencial nutritional deficits by means of safe, balanced,
chemically complete and effective nutritional prescriptions.