Enteral Feed Calculator
Calculate precise enteral feeding requirements for patients based on their nutritional needs, clinical status, and formula composition.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter patient demographics including age, gender, weight, and height
- Select appropriate activity level and stress factor based on clinical assessment
- Choose the enteral formula type and set protein goal
- Adjust fluid goal slider based on patient's hydration needs and restrictions
- Click Calculate to generate personalized enteral feeding recommendations
Formula Used
BEE = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age(y) + s
where s = +5 for males, -161 for females
Total Energy Needs = BEE × Activity Factor × Stress Factor
Total Protein Needs = Weight(kg) × Protein Goal(g/kg/day)
Total Fluid Needs = Weight(kg) × Fluid Goal(mL/kg/day)
Where:
- BEE = Basal Energy Expenditure (Harris-Benedict equation)
- Activity Factor = Multiplier based on patient's mobility level
- Stress Factor = Multiplier based on disease severity or metabolic stress
- Protein Goal = Target protein intake based on clinical condition
- Fluid Goal = Target fluid intake based on clinical needs
Example Calculation
Real-World Scenario:
A 65-year-old male patient weighing 70kg and 175cm tall is recovering from major abdominal surgery. He has minimal activity and requires enteral nutrition support.
Given:
- Age = 65 years
- Gender = Male
- Weight = 70 kg
- Height = 175 cm
- Activity Level = Minimal activity (1.2)
- Stress Factor = Moderate stress (1.2)
- Formula Type = Standard (1.0 kcal/mL)
- Protein Goal = 1.5 g/kg/day
- Fluid Goal = 30 mL/kg/day
Calculation:
BEE = (10 × 70) + (6.25 × 175) - (5 × 65) + 5 = 700 + 1093.75 - 325 + 5 = 1,474 calories
Total Energy Needs = 1,474 × 1.2 × 1.2 = 2,122 calories
Total Protein Needs = 70 kg × 1.5 g/kg/day = 105 g protein
Total Fluid Needs = 70 kg × 30 mL/kg/day = 2,100 mL
Formula Volume = 2,122 calories ÷ 1.0 kcal/mL = 2,122 mL
Result: The patient requires 2,122 mL of standard formula providing 2,122 calories and 105g protein daily. Additional free water may be needed to meet fluid goals.
Why This Calculation Matters
Practical Applications
- Preventing underfeeding and overfeeding in critically ill patients
- Optimizing protein delivery to preserve lean body mass
- Preventing refeeding syndrome in malnourished patients
- Managing fluid balance in patients with renal or cardiac compromise
Key Benefits
- Individualized nutrition support based on patient's specific needs
- Improved clinical outcomes through precise nutrient delivery
- Reduced complications related to improper feeding
- Enhanced monitoring and adjustment of nutrition regimens
Common Mistakes & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for clinical judgment. The results should be used in conjunction with patient assessment and clinical expertise. Individual patient needs may vary based on comorbidities, medications, and other factors. Always verify calculations and monitor patient response to enteral feeding.
References
- ASPEN Enteral Nutrition Guidelines - Comprehensive guidelines for enteral nutrition therapy from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
- ESPEN Guidelines - European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guidelines for nutrition support in various clinical conditions.
- McClave SA, et al. Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient - Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and ASPEN joint guidelines for nutrition support in critically ill patients.
Accuracy Notice
This calculator uses established formulas for estimating nutritional needs, but individual requirements may vary. Calculations should be verified and adjusted based on clinical response, laboratory values, and ongoing assessment. The calculator does not account for all possible clinical scenarios or comorbidities that may affect nutritional requirements. Healthcare providers should use their clinical judgment when applying these recommendations.
About the Author
Kumaravel Madhavan
Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.