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Who Uses Jevity? An In-Depth Look at its Applications

3 min read

Over 50% of patients on enteral nutrition experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation, which fiber-fortified formulas like Jevity are designed to help manage. Jevity, manufactured by Abbott Nutrition, is a complete and balanced liquid formula used by a wide range of patients who cannot meet their nutritional needs through oral intake alone.

Quick Summary

Jevity is a complete and balanced nutritional supplement used for both oral and tube feeding under medical supervision. It is primarily for adults with or at risk of disease-related malnutrition due to various conditions. The formula is available in different caloric densities to meet diverse patient needs.

Key Points

  • Tube Feeding: Jevity is commonly used for both short-term and long-term tube feeding due to its complete and balanced nutrition profile, including fiber to manage gastrointestinal function.

  • Malnutrition and Chronic Illness: Patients suffering from or at risk of malnutrition due to chronic conditions like cancer or malabsorption disorders use Jevity to gain and maintain a healthy weight.

  • High Protein Needs: With high-protein formulations like Jevity 1.2 Cal and 1.5 Cal, the supplement supports lean body mass, tissue repair, and wound healing.

  • Elderly Individuals: The formula is beneficial for seniors who struggle with appetite, swallowing difficulties, or altered taste perception, and can be used orally or via feeding tube.

  • Gastrointestinal Health: The added fiber and prebiotics in Jevity help regulate bowel function, addressing issues like diarrhea and constipation common in tube-fed patients.

  • Varied Caloric Density: Different Jevity products offer varying caloric concentrations (e.g., 1.0, 1.2, 1.5 Cal/mL) to meet diverse energy requirements, including those with fluid restrictions.

  • Oral Consumption: Certain Jevity formulas are suitable for oral consumption, especially for patients with altered taste perception, providing a versatile option for nutritional support.

In This Article

Jevity is a brand of fiber-fortified, liquid nutritional formulas developed by Abbott Nutrition for individuals who require specialized dietary support. The primary users of Jevity are patients with medical conditions that prevent them from consuming adequate calories and nutrients orally, or those with disease-related malnutrition. It is available in different caloric densities, such as Jevity 1.0, Jevity 1.2 Cal, and Jevity 1.5 Cal, to cater to various nutritional requirements, whether for supplemental or sole-source feeding.

Patients on Long-Term or Short-Term Tube Feeding

One of the most common applications for Jevity is in tube feeding, which can be short-term or long-term. Patients who have undergone surgery, experienced a traumatic injury, or have conditions affecting their ability to swallow safely (dysphagia) often rely on enteral nutrition. Jevity's fiber content helps manage common gastrointestinal issues that can arise from tube feeding, such as diarrhea and constipation, by promoting normal bowel function. The formula is administered via tubes inserted into the nose (nasogastric) or stomach (gastrostomy).

Individuals with Chronic Illnesses

Chronic illnesses can significantly impact a person's nutritional status. Patients with conditions such as cancer, short bowel syndrome, malabsorption disorders, or cystic fibrosis often suffer from malnutrition and require concentrated, high-protein nutrition to support their health and recovery. Jevity 1.2 Cal and Jevity 1.5 Cal, with their higher caloric and protein densities, are frequently used to help these patients gain and maintain a healthy weight. The complete and balanced profile of vitamins and minerals also supports overall well-being.

Support for Wound Healing

For patients with wounds, adequate protein intake is crucial for tissue maintenance and repair. Jevity's high-protein formulations provide the necessary building blocks to support the healing process, especially in cases of pressure ulcers or post-surgical wounds. In addition to protein, the formula delivers essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for a strong immune response, further aiding in recovery.

Elderly Individuals

Many elderly individuals experience a decline in appetite or have difficulty eating solid foods due to issues like dental problems or altered taste perception. For these patients, Jevity can be used as a sole or supplemental source of nutrition, either orally or via a feeding tube. The ready-to-use liquid format makes it a convenient and easy-to-digest option that helps ensure they receive the energy and nutrients required to support daily function and prevent muscle loss.

Oral Feeding for Altered Taste Perception

Some Jevity formulations are specifically noted for their suitability for oral consumption, especially by patients with altered taste perception. This allows them to receive essential nutrition without the taste of the formula becoming a deterrent. The unflavored variety, in particular, offers versatility for mixing with other foods or consuming directly.

A Comparison of Jevity Formulas

Jevity comes in various formulations to meet different patient needs. The following table highlights the key differences between the most common versions.

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 Content Standard High Protein High Protein & High Calorie
Fiber Content Fiber-fortified with soy fiber Fiber-fortified with scFOS® Fiber-fortified with scFOS®
Primary Use Long-term tube feeding, standard nutritional needs Weight maintenance and gain, higher protein needs Concentrated calories for fluid-restricted patients
Osmolality Isotonic Moderate High Concentration

Conclusion

Jevity is a versatile medical nutrition product used by a diverse patient population, from those requiring long-term tube feeding to elderly individuals with poor appetite. Its fiber-fortified, complete, and balanced profile addresses specific nutritional needs and helps manage gastrointestinal function, a critical factor for patients receiving enteral nutrition. The availability of different caloric concentrations allows healthcare professionals to tailor nutritional plans to the specific energy and protein requirements of their patients, supporting everything from routine feeding to more intensive needs like wound healing and weight maintenance. Ultimately, Jevity's use is medically supervised and targets individuals at risk of or suffering from malnutrition. For more information on its composition and features, consulting official manufacturer materials can be helpful, such as those available on the Abbott Nutrition website.

Where to learn more about Jevity

To gain a deeper understanding of Jevity and other Abbott Nutrition products, you can explore their official resources, which provide detailed nutritional information, ingredients, and clinical applications. Abbott Nutrition: Jevity

Frequently Asked Questions

Jevity is a complete and balanced liquid nutritional formula used under medical supervision for patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through regular food intake. It is suitable for both oral and tube feeding.

While Jevity is widely used for tube feeding, certain versions are also suitable for oral consumption, particularly for individuals with altered taste perception or those needing a supplemental source of nutrition.

Jevity is prescribed for a variety of conditions, including disease-related malnutrition, chronic illnesses like cancer, malabsorption disorders, and for patients recovering from surgery or trauma.

The dietary fiber and prebiotics (like FOS) in Jevity help maintain normal bowel function and can be beneficial in managing gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhea, which are common in tube-fed patients.

Yes, there are several types of Jevity, including Jevity 1.0 Cal, Jevity 1.2 Cal, and Jevity 1.5 Cal, which vary in caloric density, protein content, and fiber composition to suit different patient nutritional needs.

Yes, high-calorie and high-protein formulations like Jevity 1.2 Cal and 1.5 Cal are specifically designed to help tube-fed patients gain and maintain a healthy weight.

Most Jevity formulations are lactose-free, making them suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. However, it is always important to confirm the specific product's ingredients.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

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