However, caution is necessary when giving such juices to an overweight child, since juices may be an extra source of concentrated calories. Sometimes parents think that because enteral formula is not solid food, the formula alone is not enough. There may be a temptation to feed more juice, which is not nutrient-rich except for some fiber vitamin C, water and fructose. 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.