What are the recommended guidelines for transitioning a patient from parenteral nutrition to enteral feeding?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 22 August 2025Updated: 22 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Parenteral nutrition should be introduced progressively and closely monitored, usually starting at no more than 50% of estimated needs for the first 24 to 48 hours, and can be withdrawn once adequate oral or enteral nutrition is tolerated and nutritional status is stable .

Parenteral nutrition should be stopped when the patient is established on adequate oral and/or enteral support, with a planned and stepwise withdrawal process involving daily review .

The transition involves gradually reducing parenteral nutrition while increasing enteral feeding, ensuring the patient tolerates the enteral route without complications .

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