The modules of this topic address the relevant clinical issue of oral and enteral nutrition to prevent/treat malnutrition. Students will learn innovative approaches to increase volitional food intake during hospitalization and in the community. Also, attention will be given on the strategies to monitor nutritional intake, and when oral nutritional supplements are indicated. Students will discuss the flow chart to be followed when oral intake is not sufficient in order to properly prescribe enteral nutrition via tube feeding. Consequently, indications and contraindications to enteral nutrition will be presented, together with the different types of nutritional formulae available and the metabolic effects of specific nutrients. Finally, the parameters informing an appropriate feeding protocol will be discussed, to avoid complications of enteral nutrition.
