There is also a temptation to feed baby food or blenderized solid foods through the tube, along with the formula. However, this should be avoided. Solid food can clog the tube and also foster bacterial growth. When a child has had difficulty gaining weight, the weight gain following tube insertion can sometimes be large and rapid, taxing respiratory and cardiovascular systems. If calories are then restricted due to excess weight gain, a vitamin and mineral supplement may be needed, particularly calcium and iron.
Special attention needs to be paid to the child on anticonvulsant drugs.
These drugs decrease the absorption of calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid. If calories are restricted, then the intake of these nutrients may be doubly limited and require supplementation through a multi-vitamin and mineral preparation. Parents can check with the pediatric dietitian to see if a supplement is necessary and to customize the diet to the child s individual needs. Some young adults in their twenties have delayed puberty, due to past inability to take in enough calories orally. When they begin to receive enteral nutrition, they are finally able to gain enough weight to experience puberty and their bodies change accordingly.