Vivonex 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 an-elemental formula because the protein source is completely hydrolyzed. It is lactose and gluten-free and kosher.
The protein sources in Vivonex is free amino acids. The carbohydrate sources are maltodextrin and modified starch . The fat source is soybean oil.
Vivonex is given via feeding tube. It is generally not administered to a goal rate, but rather is used to start a feeding regimen and then is converted to a semi-elemental formula when the patient has improved. Generally, patients with an albumin < 2.5 mg/dl should receive an elemental or semi-elemental feeding formula.
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 – none
Cals/mL – 1.0
Sodium/L – 29 mEq
Potassium/L – 20 mEq
Chloride/L – 23 mEq
Phosphorus/L – 670 mg
Magnesium/L – 270 mg
Calcium/L – 670 mg
Iron/L – 12 mg
Vitamin K/L – 53 mcg