Determination of micronutrients of available enteral formula in Iran, and suggesting supplements regarding patient's calorie intake

Patients who cannot consume food may need intestinal formulas as a supplement. Now the question is: to what extent do the current formulas contain various micronutrients? What are their deficiencies and what supplements are needed to be prescribed with them? The current study was done in 2011 and assessed the efficiency of the amount of nutrients in the formulas, along with presenting some protocols to complete various industrial formulas within different amounts of calorie intake using different types of multivitamins and minerals, regarding the DRI value and the least cost. The study was done using the descriptive method. The intestinal formulas assessed include: diabetic enteramil, HN enteramil, standard enteramil, Nutricomp’s Energy, Fiber D, Intensive, Standard and Ensure. First we calculated the amount of micronutrients in 100 calories of these formulas according to the brochure of the product. Then we calculated the least amount of required calorie to meet the DRI for all nutrients and considered some supplements to meet all nutrients for each calorie level while not exceeding UL. Eight formulas which were available in Iran were studied. The most deficiencies of micronutrients were found in sodium, potassium, Vitamin D, manganese, magnesium, Vitamin K, and Fluor. The least deficiencies were found in Vitamins B, A, and E. The supplements most used are Centrum multivitamins, Vitamin K injections, Calcium D pills, salt, sulfate vials, magnesium, potassium chloride, and tea. The intestinal formulas available in Iran lack micronutrients in various calorie Intake levels; because the calorie estimated for each patient is less than the amount of calorie needed to meet the nutrients needed. Therefore consuming these formulas without the required supplements might be a concernment. Studying the causes and necessary actions is recommended.