The use of industrially manufactured diets
Förster, H.
Infusionstherapie und Klinische Ernahrung 6(2): 124-136
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0378-0791 PMID: 570961 Document Number: 152155
Types of diet available, normally for use as fluid by mouth or tube, are discussed and differentiated. The nutrient-defined or synthetic formula diet can be a modification of normal diet, but with only a limited lactose content, or it can be devoid of lactose and contain possibly mixed proteins and medium-chain triglycerides as replacement for most of the fat. The chemically defined or synthetic elemental diet is composed mainly of crystalline amino acids and low-molecular glucose oligosaccharides with little fat; because of its composition only a functioning intestinal mucosa is needed to absorb it. Indications for use of the different diets and possible side-effects, also drawbacks of dividing the whole diet into portions, obviated by separate packaging of protein and energy components and additives, the presence of little or no cholesterol or purine in the diets and their varying costs are among the topics covered. None of the existing commercial diets was considered suitable for diabetics without special medical treatment and safeguards.