Is Nasogastric Considered Enteral? A Comprehensive Look at Nutrition Diet

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Overwhelming evidence indicates that enteral feeding is the preferred approach for nutritional support in critically ill patients, given its many physiological advantages. This method can include the use of a nasogastric tube, directly answering the query: is nasogastric considered enteral?

Quick Summary

Nasogastric tube feeding is a common type of enteral nutrition, which delivers liquid nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract when oral intake is insufficient or unsafe. It differs from other methods based on placement and duration.

Key Points

Nasogastric is Enteral: A nasogastric (NG) tube is a specific type of enteral feeding method, as it delivers nutrients into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
For Short-Term Use: NG tubes are generally used for temporary feeding, typically lasting less than 4-6 weeks.
Many Entry Points: Enteral nutrition can be delivered via various access points, including tubes through the nose (nasogastric) or surgically placed through the abdominal wall (gastrostomy).
Benefits Over IV Feeding: Enteral feeding is preferable to intravenous (parenteral) nutrition when possible, offering benefits such as lower cost, reduced infection risk, and maintenance of gut integrity.
Customized Formulas: The diet consists of specially prepared liquid formulas, and the type and amount are tailored by a dietitian to meet the patient's specific nutritional requirements.
Aspiration Prevention: To minimize the risk of aspiration pneumonia, the patient's head should be elevated during and for a period after feeding.
Proper Care is Key: Preventing complications like tube clogging requires proper flushing with water and careful administration of medications.

Understanding Enteral Nutrition

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a method of delivering nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is the preferred method of nutritional support over parenteral (intravenous) nutrition, because it is safer, more effective, and helps to preserve the integrity of the gut's immune function. EN is often used for patients who have a functioning GI tract but cannot consume enough nutrition orally due to issues such as difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), certain cancers, or critical illness.

Where the Nasogastric Tube Fits In

Yes, a nasogastric (NG) tube is absolutely considered a form of enteral nutrition. The term 'enteral' broadly covers any feeding route involving the GI tract, and this includes tube feeding that goes directly into the stomach or small intestine. An NG tube is a thin, flexible tube inserted through the nose, down the esophagus, and into the stomach. It is one of several types of enteral access methods available to healthcare professionals.

Comparing Nasogastric and Other Enteral Feeding Methods

Enteral access comes in various forms, each suited for different situations depending on the patient's condition and the anticipated duration of feeding. The choice between a nasogastric tube and other methods, such as a gastrostomy tube (G-tube), depends on several factors, including the projected length of use and the patient's comfort.


Feature	Nasogastric Tube (NG)	Long-Term Enteral Tube (PEG/G-tube)
Insertion	Bedside procedure, through the nose to the stomach	Surgically or endoscopically placed through the abdominal wall
Duration	Short-term, typically less than 4-6 weeks	Long-term, months to years
Patient Comfort	Can cause nasal irritation, discomfort, and is visible externally	More discreet, eliminates nasal discomfort, and is generally better tolerated long-term
Risk of Aspiration	Higher risk, especially if mispositioned or with poor gastric emptying	Lower risk compared to NG tubes
Risk of Dislodgement	Higher risk of accidental removal or displacement	Lower risk of dislodgement once the insertion site is healed

The Enteral Nutrition Diet: What to Know

The nutrition diet for a patient on enteral feeding is carefully managed by a medical team, including a dietitian. Formulas are specially prepared liquids containing a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to meet the individual's nutritional needs.

Commercial Formulas: These are sterile, ready-to-use liquid feeds that come in various formulations. A dietitian will select the most appropriate type and amount of formula based on the patient's medical condition.
Blenderized Formulas: Some individuals, especially those receiving long-term care at home, may use blenderized tube feeding (BTF), which consists of blended foods and liquids. This requires careful preparation to avoid bacterial contamination and tube clogging, making a dietitian's guidance essential.
Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake is crucial. In addition to the fluid in the formula, water is regularly administered through the tube, especially after feedings and medication administration, to prevent tube blockages and maintain hydration.

Potential Complications and Their Management

While enteral nutrition is generally safe, potential complications can arise. Awareness and proper management are key to mitigating risks.

Aspiration Pneumonia: A serious risk where formula enters the lungs. Keeping the patient's head elevated at 30-45 degrees during and after feeding is a key preventative measure.
Tube Clogging: Occurs when formula or improperly crushed medications block the tube. This can often be prevented by flushing the tube with water before and after each feeding and medication dose.
Diarrhea or Nausea: Common issues often related to the feeding rate or formula type. Adjusting the speed or type of feed, or using anti-nausea medication, may be necessary.
Refeeding Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance that can occur in severely malnourished patients when feeding is initiated too rapidly. Careful and gradual increases in caloric intake are essential for prevention.
Tube Dislodgement: Accidental removal of the tube is a risk, particularly with NG tubes. Proper securing of the tube is necessary, and its position must always be confirmed before each use.

Conclusion: Nasogastric Feeding as a Pathway to Healing

In the context of a nutrition diet, the answer to the question "Is nasogastric considered enteral?" is unequivocally yes. It is one of the most common methods for providing short-term enteral support, offering a crucial lifeline for patients who cannot consume adequate nutrition orally. From its use in critically ill patients to those recovering from surgery, NG tube feeding harnesses the body's natural digestive system to deliver vital nutrients. While it comes with specific risks and requires diligent care, its effectiveness and relative simplicity compared to other methods make it an indispensable tool in modern medicine. The decision to use NG feeding is a component of a larger, tailored nutrition plan designed by a healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

For more detailed information, the National Institutes of Health offers a comprehensive overview of enteral feeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enteral nutrition uses the gastrointestinal tract to deliver nutrients, while parenteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream intravenously, bypassing the digestive system entirely.

Enteral nutrition is generally preferred because it is associated with a lower risk of infection, is less expensive, and helps to preserve the health and function of the gut, which plays a role in immunity.

A nasogastric tube may be necessary for patients who are unable to safely chew or swallow food, but have a functional digestive system. This can include individuals with conditions like dysphagia, certain cancers, or those in critical care.

Yes, in some cases, blenderized tube feeding (BTF) using pureed and blended foods is used, especially in long-term care. However, this requires careful preparation to ensure proper consistency and nutritional balance and should be managed with guidance from a dietitian.

Common complications include nasal irritation, diarrhea, tube clogging, and a risk of aspiration pneumonia. More serious complications can include tube misplacement or refeeding syndrome in malnourished patients.

Proper placement of an NG tube can be confirmed through a chest X-ray, which is the most accurate method, or by testing the pH of gastric aspirate.

To prevent tube clogging, flush the tube with an appropriate amount of water (typically 30-60ml) before and after each feeding and medication administration. Medications should also be in liquid form if possible.