ARFID is an eating disorder, and therefore diet plays a crucial role in the development and management of this mental health condition.
Changing the dietary patterns of people with ARFID often requires a gradual and slow process, and clinicians may need to prescribe alternatives to regular feeding to avoid situations of malnutrition.
One such method is tube feeding, also known as enteral feeding, which involves delivering nutrients in liquid form through a tube inserted into the gastrointestinal tract. The tube can be inserted through the nose or mouth or via a surgical procedure. The specific formulas or enteral food preparations used vary depending on the specific nutrient needs of the individual. Tube feeding is used to increase dietary volume and is always supported by other nutritional and psychological strategies aimed at gradually reintroducing foods and re-establishing regular feeding patterns.[1][2]