In general, when adequate food intake is not possible, enteral or parenteral support may be necessary to prevent or to treat malnutrition. If the gastrointestinal tract is functional, high calorie/high protein liquid supplements may be given orally, or administered through a feeding tube. Total parental nutrition may be indicated if the gut is not functional, for example, in the case of an obstruction, intractable nausea and vomiting, short bowel syndrome or ileus (3).
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