From the Guidelines
Peptamen is a peptide-based enteral nutrition formula that provides complete nutrition with minimal digestive effort, making it suitable for patients with compromised digestive function, such as those with pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, or those recovering from gastrointestinal surgery.
Key Characteristics of Peptamen
- Contains proteins broken down into peptides for easier absorption
- Provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals
- Available in various formulations with different caloric densities (typically 1.0-1.5 kcal/ml)
- Can be administered orally or through feeding tubes
- Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are more easily absorbed than long-chain fats, making it suitable for patients with fat malabsorption issues
Clinical Use of Peptamen
- Useful for patients with conditions that require minimal digestive effort, such as short bowel syndrome or those recovering from gastrointestinal surgery 1
- May be used in combination with parenteral nutrition (PN) to help achieve nutritional intake goals in patients with intestinal failure or severe malabsorption 1
- Healthcare providers determine the appropriate administration rate and volume based on individual nutritional needs, usually starting with a slow rate and gradually increasing to the target volume to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The use of peptide-based formulas, such as Peptamen, is not recommended as a first-line treatment for critically ill patients, as no clear-cut advantage has been demonstrated in these studies, and whole protein formulae are appropriate in most patients 1
- However, peptide-based formulas may be beneficial for patients with accelerated transit and apparent malabsorption, such as those with short bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease 1
- The decision to use Peptamen or other enteral nutrition formulas should be based on individual patient needs and medical conditions, and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider 1
From the Research
Definition and Composition of Peptamen
- Peptamen is a peptide-based enteral nutrition formula, containing proteins that have been enzymatically hydrolyzed to dipeptides and tripeptides, often combined with higher medium-chain triglyceride content 2.
- This composition makes it easier to absorb and utilize, particularly for patients with gastrointestinal intolerance or those at risk of malnutrition 3, 2.
Clinical Applications and Benefits
- Peptamen is used to improve enteral nutrition tolerance in patients, reducing gastrointestinal intolerance events and associated healthcare utilization and costs 3, 2.
- The use of Peptamen has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, including a reduction in hospital inpatient visits and a decrease in the mean number of inpatient visits per patient 3.
- Peptamen may be beneficial for patients with diarrhea, as it has been shown to reduce stool frequency and weight in tube-fed patients 4.
Studies and Evidence
- A study published in 2021 found that the use of Peptamen in adults in a postacute care setting increased the proportion of patients experiencing no gastrointestinal intolerance events and reduced hospital inpatient visits 3.
- Another study published in 2023 discussed the emerging data on the use of peptide-based formulas, including Peptamen, in improving clinical outcomes and reducing healthcare utilization and costs 2.
- A prospective multicenter study published in 2022 found that a high-protein peptide-based formula, such as Peptamen, improved diarrhea in tube-fed patients 4.
- An earlier study published in 2003 assessed the efficacy of early enteral nutrition with Peptamen in patients who underwent gastrectomy due to stomach cancer, finding improvements in nutrient absorption and immunomodulation 5.