Does nutritional labeling of commercial products for closed-system enteral nutrition deliver all the necessary information to your consumers?

Abstract

In the last decades, guidelines have emerged worldwide seeking to introduce strategies to help consumers in their purchasing decisions, aiming to create quality labels that facilitate interpreting information to the consumer. Nutrition labeling is essential for consumers to obtain information about the product, facilitating the identification and selection of appropriate foods for their diet. Therefore, due to the nutritional importance of enteral formulas associated with the safety of the information contained on the label of these products, the objective of this study was to evaluate the closed-system enteral formulas of different commercial brands and to verify the adequacy of the labeling together with the current Brazilian legislation. Twenty-eight enteral formulas from 4 brands (A, B, C, and D) were analyzed with different indications for use. The components evaluated were macronutrients (dietary fiber, proteins, and lipids), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and allergens. The brands of enteral formulas analyzed presented at least one item outside of legislation, mainly micronutrients (folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, choline, vitamin D, sodium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, zinc, and copper) that were for the most part, above the values recommended by legislation. Among the macronutrients (proteins, lipids, and dietary fibers) some samples showed discrepancies in values compared to legislation. Brand C enteral formulas were generally less suitable for transmitting information to consumers. Because of this, the responsible bodies' monitoring of the labeling is important, informing the consumer of the quality and suitability of that product for their diet.