Food-based enteral formulas in pediatric clinical practice: an expert opinion
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Standard enteral formulas are widely used in pediatric practice but may be associated with gastrointestinal intolerance, limited food diversity, and caregiver dissatisfaction. Growing interest in whole-food feeding has led to increased use of blenderized tube feeds and food-based enteral formulas (FBEFs), although definitions and implementation strategies remain heterogeneous. AREAS COVERED: This expert opinion review summarizes evidence and practice-based insights from an international, multidisciplinary panel of physicians and dieticians on the use of FBEF in pediatric clinical practice. The article was informed by a narrative literature review and a structured expert discussion. Key domains addressed: definition of FBEF, physiological and psychosocial benefits, clinical indications, administration route, transition to adult care; in comparison with homemade blenderized tube feeding. EXPERT OPINION: The current evidence, together with real-life experience in clinical practice, suggests that FBEFs are well tolerated and may improve reflux, vomiting, bowel habits, and, caregiver-reported satisfaction. FBEFs offer standardized nutritional composition, food safety, shelf stability, and a lower preparation burden, while still aligning with families' preferences for food-derived ingredients. In our opinion, FBEFs represent a viable option for children requiring long-term enteral feeding, particularly those with intolerance to standard formulas, provided that product selection, monitoring, and caregiver education are individualized.
Institutions: Great Ormond Street Hospital, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, University of Messina, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Mayo Clinic, Aalborg University Hospital, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Lille
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7212164934