What is the BLENDS Project?
The number of people who are long-term, enterally tube-fed in their own homes has been steadily increasing since the mid-1980s, and blending everyday foods with liquid to be given through an enteral feeding tube has become increasingly popular.
BLended ENteral Diet Study (BLENDS) is a project in conjunction with The University of Nottingham, as well as a group of parents who use blended diets for their tube-fed children. The Blends Project addresses the need for practical and user-friendly resources to support families, parents, and caregivers using blended diets. This includes an interactive website and resource that will guide parents of tube-fed children through their journey into the blended diet.
The project has worked with medical experts and parents currently using blended diets, utilising a participatory co-creation approach to provide unique insight into the choices, challenges, and practicalities of using blended diets.
Benefits of Blended Diet
Inclusion in social occasions that involve food
Families have said their tube-fed child missed social experiences involving food (like birthdays with cake and Christmas dinner).
Including tube-fed children in family meal times
Some families give their tube-fed child the same meals as the rest of the family, just blended, allowing families to share the same foods and lifestyle choices, such as vegan diets.
To help improve overall health and wellbeing
Helping reduced reflux, retching, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea. Using blended diets has also resulted in stronger nails, glossier hair and brighter skin for the individual.
Products Supporting Blended Diet
EasyMoov6
A new enteral feeding pump.
EasyMoov6 Feeding Bags
A range of bags for enteral feeding.
MIC-KEY Feeding Tubes
Supporting with blended diets.
Support & Resources
Request BLENDS Study
Request a copy of the Food for Feeding Tubes: a BLended ENteral Diet Study (BLENDS).
Download BLENDS Resource
Download your copy of the Food for Feeding Tubes: a BLended ENteral Diet Study (BLENDS) parent resource.
Visit BLENDS Website
In partnership with The University of Nottingham, visit our website to learn more about the Blends Project.
Read more about BLENDS
This article explores the benefits and ways to incorporated blended diets into your routine.
For more information, please contact us:
Vygon UK is here to support you. Whether you are new to blended diets, or interested in learning more, Vygon UK is on hand with support every step of the journey. Get in touch today to find out more: