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Alpha PMX Applications Alpha PMX for Tube Feeding |
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Alpha Nutrition Other Uses for PMX See Modular Nutrition for more information about all the nutrient formulas |
Alpha PMX is an elemental nutrient formula that supplies a complete set of nutrients except fat. The formula is hypoallergenic, easily digested and absorbed and can be used as meal replacement and nutritional supplement when tube feeding is required. The nutrient values of Alpha PMX are listed on the label per 100 grams of formula. Alpha formulas are designed to supply all vitamins above recommended daily allowances and mineral levels at RDA (except for lower sodium and potassium) with an intake of 300 grams per day. 300 grams of the formula supplies approx. 1100 calories of energy, a minimum daily intake to supply all nutrients. A 1000 gram bottle contains19 * 50 gram servings. A one kilogram bottle can supply about 1100 calories per day for 3.3 days. Fat should be added in the form of vegetable oil to increase caloric intake by 30%. Complete Nutrition 1. Start with 50-gram servings every two hours or 6 times a day and increase until caloric needs are met.50 gm is about 1/2 cup of formula. Mix in 1.5 to 2.0 cups of warm water (about 90 degrees F is best.) Blend for 1 minute and administer. For the first few days it is best to add extra water to formula and administer slowly (take 10-20 minutes to add the complete serving). This gradual introduction allows the digestive tract to adjust to the input of pure nutrients. 2. Adding fat to the formula Add vegetable oil at the rate of one to two tablespoons per 100 grams of the formula. The addition of fat is required to supply essential fatty acids and to increase caloric intake. A combination of extra virgin olive oil and Canola oil in equal proportions is recommended. Fat intake can be increased to about 35% of daily caloric intake. Estimate vegetable oil requirement as 9 calories per gram of oil. For example start with100 grams of PMX (360 calories) and add 15 Grams of oil (140 calories) to supply a total of 500 calories. The recommended average daily intake for physically active adults who want to maintain current body weight is 1000 to 1500 calories. You would use 2 or 3 of the 500-calorie batches to supply daily nutrition. With added oil, the energy intake profile should be in the range of: Carbohydrate 59% Fat 30 % Amino Acids 11%. Fat will not stay in suspension when the formula is mixed in water; add oil after the formula has been mixed with warm water in the blender and then blend another 30-40 seconds at high speed. Administer promptly. If you mix the formula and let it sit, the oil will separate and a small amount of the less soluble nutrients will settle- a quick remix in the blender may be required. Cocktail Mixer Method. If you do not have a blender the next best mixing method is to place the formula, warm water and oil in a closed container and shake until thoroughly mixed. If you are adding the formula slowly to the tube funnel, stop every 10 minutes or so and shake briefly to remix the nutrients. Troubleshooting Most problems with tube feeding can be solved by
Night feedings A feeding schedule that extends from 8 AM to 10 PM, for example, may work well. Sometimes, however, feedings are required overnight. An overnight fast of 8-10 hours may be well tolerated, but for many reasons blood sugar levels may drop during sleep. In normal circumstances hunger and thirst wakes a person who then eat and drinks according to body signals. If you are depending on tube feeding you may need to prepare one or two 50-gram servings and leave at the bedside in a shakable container. Shake briefly to remix and administer. Warning signs If the formula is too concentrated (not enough water) the symptoms may be bowel cramps and possibly distention; dark yellow urine, dry mouth, dehydration. If the dose is too high bowel cramps may occur or mental fogginess, sedation or confusion might occur if high doses of amino acids reach the brain suddenly. This is uncomfortable but not harmful. If the interval between servings is too long, hypoglycemia might occur ? the symptoms are hunger, anxiety, tremor, and confusion. |