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What does Jevity have in it? A deep dive into its ingredients and nutritional value

4 min read

Jevity is a fiber-fortified liquid formula used for tube feeding or oral supplementation, providing complete, balanced nutrition. So, what does Jevity have in it? Its core composition includes water, macronutrients from corn, milk and soy, a proprietary fiber blend, and a wide spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals.

Quick Summary

Jevity is an all-in-one nutritional formula containing water, corn-based carbohydrates, high-quality proteins from milk and soy, and healthy fats, along with a fiber blend and essential micronutrients. The specific ratios vary between its different caloric density versions.

Key Points

  • Macronutrients: Jevity contains a blend of carbohydrates from corn maltodextrin, proteins from milk and soy, and fats from canola, corn, and MCT oils.

  • Fortified with Fiber: A key feature is the inclusion of a proprietary fiber blend, including soy and oat fiber, and prebiotics like scFOS, to support gastrointestinal health.

  • Rich in Micronutrients: The formula is packed with over 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, a full B-complex, and various trace elements.

  • Varied Caloric Density: Jevity comes in different versions (1.0, 1.2, and 1.5 Cal) with varying protein-to-calorie ratios to meet diverse patient needs.

  • Intended for Medical Use: It is designed for supplemental or sole-source nutrition via tube feeding, and sometimes orally for those with altered taste perception, under a doctor's supervision.

  • Allergen Information: Jevity contains ingredients from milk and soy, which are common allergens.

  • Not for IV Use: The formula should not be administered intravenously.

In This Article

Core Macronutrients in Jevity

Jevity formulas are built on a foundation of carefully balanced macronutrients to provide complete and balanced nutrition. The primary components are water, carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

Carbohydrates

The main energy source in Jevity comes from carbohydrates, primarily corn maltodextrin and corn syrup solids. These ingredients provide easily digestible energy, making the formula suitable for individuals who may have difficulty processing solid food or complex carbohydrates.

Protein

Jevity features a high-quality, high-nitrogen protein blend derived from sodium and calcium caseinates (milk proteins) and soy protein isolate. This combination provides a complete amino acid profile, which is vital for maintaining lean body mass and aiding tissue repair. The specific protein content varies depending on the caloric density of the formula (1.0 Cal, 1.2 Cal, or 1.5 Cal).

Fats

The formula's fat content comes from a blend of different sources, including canola oil, corn oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This mix provides essential fatty acids while the inclusion of MCT oil offers a readily absorbed source of energy that is easy on the digestive system.

The Role of Fiber

One of the defining features of Jevity is its fortified fiber blend, which distinguishes it from many other liquid nutritional supplements. This blend includes both soluble and insoluble fibers, sourced from ingredients like oat fiber and soy fiber, in addition to prebiotics like short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS).

The fiber blend serves several key functions:

  • Supports Bowel Function: The combination of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to moderate bowel function, which can be beneficial for managing both diarrhea and constipation in tube-fed patients.
  • Promotes Healthy Gut Microbiota: The presence of scFOS, a prebiotic, helps to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon, supporting overall gut health.
  • Nutritional Support: The fiber provides additional nutritional bulk and aids in the digestive process.

Comprehensive Vitamin and Mineral Fortification

Beyond its macronutrient and fiber composition, Jevity is rich with a comprehensive profile of vitamins and minerals. A single liter of Jevity can provide 100% of the recommended daily intake for a wide array of micronutrients, depending on the specific formula.

Key vitamins include:

  • Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K1.
  • A full spectrum of B-vitamins, including Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Folic Acid (B9), and Cyanocobalamin (B12).
  • Other compounds like Choline, Beta-Carotene, and Biotin.

Essential minerals include:

  • Macrominerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium.
  • Trace minerals such as Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Copper, Iodine, Selenium, Chromium, and Molybdenum.

Jevity Formula Comparison Table

While all Jevity formulas are designed to provide complete nutrition, their caloric density and protein-to-calorie ratio differ. Here is a comparison of key features based on information from the product manufacturer.

Feature Jevity 1.0 Cal Jevity 1.2 Cal Jevity 1.5 Cal
Caloric Density 1.0 kcal/mL 1.2 kcal/mL 1.5 kcal/mL
Protein (% of total energy) 16.7% 18.5% 17%
Total Dietary Fiber (g/L) 14.4 g 22 g 21 g
Energy Source Corn Maltodextrin, Corn Syrup Solids Corn Maltodextrin, Corn Syrup Solids Corn Maltodextrin, Corn Syrup Solids
Protein Source Sodium & Calcium Caseinates, Soy Protein Sodium & Calcium Caseinates, Soy Protein Sodium & Calcium Caseinates, Soy Protein
Purpose Standard fiber-fortified tube feeding High protein, concentrated calories High calorie, high protein, fiber-fortified

How the Ingredients Work Together

The synergy of ingredients in Jevity creates a balanced formula for specific medical needs. The carbohydrates provide immediate energy, while the protein supports tissue maintenance and repair. The fiber aids digestive regularity and gut health, a common issue for individuals on tube feedings. Essential fatty acids support overall physiological function, and the broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals fills potential dietary gaps. The different caloric densities of the formulas, 1.0 Cal, 1.2 Cal, and 1.5 Cal, allow healthcare professionals to tailor the nutritional plan to the specific energy requirements of the patient, from standard needs to situations requiring concentrated calories for weight gain.

Conclusion

In summary, Jevity is a complex nutritional product designed to provide complete and balanced nourishment for tube-fed patients or those with altered taste perceptions. The core of what does Jevity have in it consists of a mix of water, corn-based carbohydrates, high-quality milk and soy proteins, and essential fats, fortified with a unique fiber blend and a full range of vitamins and minerals. This carefully selected combination of ingredients is intended to support overall health, promote healthy bowel function, and help patients maintain a healthy weight under medical supervision. The availability of multiple formulations allows for customization based on individual patient needs.

For more detailed nutritional information and product specifications, you can refer to the manufacturer's documentation Abbott Nutrition Jevity Product Information.

Disclaimers

  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting or changing any nutritional plan.
  • Jevity is intended for use under medical supervision. It is not for intravenous (IV) use and is not suitable for individuals with galactosemia.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein sources in Jevity are high-quality milk proteins (sodium and calcium caseinates) and soy protein isolate.

Yes, Jevity is fortified with a fiber blend that includes soy fiber, oat fiber, and the prebiotic short-chain fructooligosaccharides (scFOS).

Yes, there are several versions, such as Jevity 1.0 Cal, 1.2 Cal, and 1.5 Cal. While the core ingredient profile is similar, they differ in caloric density and the exact ratio of macronutrients.

Yes, under medical supervision, Jevity may be used for oral feeding, particularly for patients with altered taste perception.

The main carbohydrate sources are corn maltodextrin and corn syrup solids, which provide easily digestible energy.

Jevity contains a blend of fats from canola oil, corn oil, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide essential fatty acids and easily absorbed energy.

Jevity is gluten-free and suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. However, it does contain milk and soy ingredients.

As with any medical supplement, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or gas. Consult a doctor if you experience adverse symptoms.

Jevity's more calorically dense formulas (e.g., 1.2 Cal and 1.5 Cal) are often used to help patients, particularly those on tube feeding, gain and maintain a healthy weight.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.