What is a common gastrointestinal side effect of tube feeding?

Diarrhea is recognized as a common gastrointestinal side effect of tube feeding due to several factors, including the type and rate of the formula being administered and the patient's underlying health conditions. Tube feeding can alter the normal microbiome and can also lead to rapid transit through the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea.

When the feeding formula is of high osmolarity or if there is a rapid increase in the volume of feeds, the body may not have sufficient time to absorb nutrients properly, leading to an osmotic effect that results in watery stools. Moreover, certain patients may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal intolerance due to factors such as infection, medications, or hormonal imbalances, further increasing the likelihood of diarrhea.

While constipation, gastroparesis, and abdominal cramping can also occur in patients receiving tube feeds, they are not as frequently reported as diarrhea, making it the more common side effect in this context.