Optimental is the brand name of an enteral feeding formula used in patients with metabolic stress such as sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or with a malabsorptive condition. It is considered a semi-elemental formula in that a portion of the protein source is partially hydrolyzed for better absorption while the rest is the form of free amino acids. It is lactose and gluten-free and kosher.
The protein sources in Optimental are soy protein hydrolysate, partially hydrolyzed sodium caseinate, and free arginine. The carbohydrate sources are maltodextrin, sucrose, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) . The fat source contains medium chain triglyerides, canola oil, and soybean oil.
Optimental is given via feeding tube or can be drunk by the patient. It is generally not administered to a goal rate, but rather is used to start a feeding regimen and then is converted to a polymeric feeding formula when the patient has improved
About 1420 ml/day are needed to meet the recommended RDI (required daily intake) for key vitamins and nutrients. The formulation is as follows:
Dietary fiber – 5 g/L
Cals/mL – 1.0
Proteins – 20 %
Carbohydrate – 4%
Fats – 25%
Total cals/nitrogen – 122:1
Sodium/L – 46 mEq
Potassium/L – 45 mEq
Chloride/L – 38 mEq
Phosphorus/L – 1055 mg
Magnesium/L – 425 mg
Calcium/L – 1060 mg
Iron/L – 13 mg
Vitamin K/L – 85 mcg