OPTIMIZING NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT: ENTERAL AND PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN CLINICAL CARE

Nutritional support is one of the pillars of treatment for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs by consuming food orally alone. Enteral and parenteral nutrition provide essential energy, macronutrients, micronutrients, and fluids that are required to promote recovery, prevent malnutrition, and improve clinical outcomes in a wide range of medical and surgical conditions. This review outlines the principles of nutritional support, with a focus on enteral and parenteral feeding modalities, formula composition, route of administration, and indicators of its use. The most important characteristics of enteral formulas, including energy density, nutrient composition, osmolality, and fiber element, are elaborated with disease-specific formulations. The methods of feeding tube placement, methods of administration, pharmacology, and the most common complications are also reviewed. Parenteral nutrition, such as peripheral and total, is discussed in greater detail regarding formulation components, access routes, and clinical monitoring. Expertise in choosing and administering optimal nutritional support solutions is essential for enhancing patient outcomes and minimizing adverse effects.