Clinical study for UNECE U-168, an enteral nutritional formula for patients receiving long-term nasogastric tube feeding

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of UNECE U-168, an enteral nutrient formula on the nutritional status and renal or hepatic function. During November, 2009 to May, 2011, 30 participants (13 males and 17 females; average age 73.7±15.1 years) were recruited from five nursing homes in New Taipei City, Taiwan. All participants had been on nasogastric tube feeding for three months or more. For four weeks, UNECE U-168 (1500 Kcal) enteral nutritional formula was given to participants as part of their diet. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were performed. Differences of the measurements before and the nutritional intervention were compared. After 4 weeks of UNECE U-168 enteral nutritional formula as diet, body weight and BMI were stable. Nutritional indicators including serum albumin and total protein levels were maintained at similar levels. Total triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels had a significant decrease (p<0.05). Aspartate transferase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase showed normal values. In addition, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were all within the normal range. UNECE U-168 enteral nutritional formula can maintain the nutritional status in diabetic patients and have no adverse effects on the hepatic and renal function.