Enteral nutrition is as good as parentral nutrition with added advantages of being less costly and easier to administer. A proper protocol and adequate monitoring are key points for ensuring successful enteral feeding. The authors are thankful to Mrs. Madhu Sharma, Assistant Dietician in our Dietetic Department for providing a list of enetral formulas being used at our center. MS conceptualised the manuscript, reviewed the literature and drafted the paper. Key Messages Nutrition is an essential component of critical care.
Enteral nutrition is as good as parenteral nutrition.
Successful enteral nutrition requires an intelligent selection of enteral formula and careful monitoring of patients on enteral feeding. Most of the complications associated with enteral feeding are potentially avoidable and manageable. Intestinal obstruction and intestinal fistulas are the only contraindications for enteral feeding. Early enteral nutrition support improves the outcome. A prospective study.