A new state-of-the-art review claims: A new era for tube feeding

For decades, tube feeding has meant standardized commercial formulas — carefully balanced blends of maltodextrin, protein powders, oils, and vitamins. While these products meet basic nutritional needs, many families and professionals have asked: what about real food?

A new state-of-the-art review by Weston and colleagues (2025) shines light on this important question. Their research highlights how blenderized tube feeds (BTFs) — whether prepared at home or made commercially from whole ingredients — are transforming the way we think about enteral nutrition.

Why Blenderized Diets?

The review identifies several important benefits of BTF compared with conventional medical formulas (CMFs):

* Better gastrointestinal tolerance – many patients experience fewer issues with reflux, constipation, or nausea.

* Emotional and social benefits – families report stronger connections when loved ones receive real food.

* A healthier microbiome – whole-food blends provide greater diversity for gut bacteria.

* Lower costs – BTF can be more affordable, especially when made at home.

* Equal growth outcomes – when monitored by a dietitian, BTF supports growth just as well as CMF.

* Reduced hospitalization for respiratory disease compared to CMF. 

 

What Still Needs Work?

Despite these promising outcomes, the review stresses an important limitation: there are still too few standardized, evidence-based studies that clearly separate perceived benefits from measurable results.This means there’s a big opportunity ahead:

• More clinical research using consistent methods.
• Stronger educational resources for dietitians, physicians, and caregivers.
• Practical guidance for safely preparing and delivering BTF at home or in care facilities.

Homemade and Commercial: Better Together

For some families, making blenderized tube feeds at home is a rewarding way to stay connected through food and a great way to reduce complications connected to CMF. For others, it’s too time-consuming or logistically difficult. That’s where commercially manufactured blenderized formulas (CBTFs) step in.

Companies like Hiquid Food are helping bridge the gap by offering safe, shelf-stable, and nutritionally balanced blends made from organic, minimally processed whole foods. These products make it possible for patients to benefit from the principles of blenderized feeding — without the daily stress of meal prep and food safety concerns.

The Future of Tube Feeding

BTFs are not just a passing trend — they represent a shift back toward food as medicine. Whether homemade or commercial, blenderized tube feeding reflects what nutrition guidelines recommend for the general population: diets based on whole, minimally processed foods.

At Real Food in the Tube, we believe this movement is about dignity, health, and connection. Tube feeding should nourish the body and at the same time support your health!

 

References & Further Reading

* Weston S, Algotar A, Karjoo S, et al. State‐of‐the‐art review of blenderized diets—Status and future directions. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025;81:376‐386. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70048

* ASPEN (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition).  Blenderized tube feedings - ASPEN Practice Recommendations. https://nutritioncare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Blenderized-Tube-Feedings-Practice-Tool-Section-1_4.pdf