Enteral nutrition refers to nutritional therapies administered through methods other than chewing food. When the body does not receive adequate daily nutrients, due to faulty absorption or chronic poor nutrition, a patient can become malnourished. Malnutrition interferes with the body's ability to heal wounds and fight infection, which increases the recuperation time needed following surgery or illness. The solution may be enteral nutrition or tube feeding. Medical Service Company provides enteral nutrition products for patients who cannot meet their nutrient requirements by oral feeding, yet have a functional gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and who are able to receive therapy at home.

Enteral nutrition support can be accepted by a wide variety of patients with many disease processes, from dysphagia to short bowel syndrome. Fortunately, many new formulas have been developed to meet the nutrition needs of most patients. For instance, to help patients who are lactose intolerant, many enteral supplements and formulas are lactose-free or contain only a trace amount of lactose. Most formulas contain whole protein and are used for patients with a GI tract that is able to digest and absorb intact proteins. Medical Service Company's enteral nutrition service is an effective, safe and common method of providing life sustaining nutrients to someone who cannot adequately consume nutrients orally. It is important to keep in mind that proper planning, patient education and monitoring is needed to assure success. This can be accomplished by the physician and hospital or ambulatory setting care team working in tandem with Medical Service Company.

A comprehensive program of nutritional support includes:

• Enteral pumps and feeding supplies
• A wide variety of formulas and flavors
• Our clinical care plan for physician follow-up