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.