There are over 100 commonly used brand names of commercially prepared formula available, so there is no shortage of options to choose from when you and your doctor, or nutritionist, decide which formula is right for you. An easy way to distinguish all the different types of commercial liquid nutrition is by their fat, carbohydrate, and protein (or macronutrient) sources. Using this method, there are three different categories of formulas: standard, elemental, and specialized.
Standard formulas are the most commonly used by G-tube patients. They contain proteins that haven’t been broken down (intact proteins) and polysaccharides. The proteins are normally extracted from cow’s milk, soybeans, or protein isolates derived from other food sources. The carbohydrate component is typically glucose polymers, su