Abstract
Background: Semisolid enteral nutrition supplements are used to prevent complications of gastrostomy, such as diarrhea, reflux, etc. However, the methods for the measurement of the physical properties of these products are not defined. The aim of this study is to propose a suitable method for the measurement of the physical properties of semisolid enteral nutrition supplements.
Sample and Methods: Commercially available semisolid enteral nutrition supplements were used in this study. A B-type viscometer and a cone-and-plate viscometer were used to measure viscosity, and a creep meter to measure hardness. We investigated whether the values obtained via these methods were comparable to those obtained from sensory evaluation.
Results: The viscosity of the semisolid enteral nutrition supplement changed with changes in the measurement conditions. There was a significant correlation between viscosity and hardness. However, a few samples did not fall on the regression line.
Conclusion: It is suggested that measurement of both viscosity at 60 rpm by B-type viscometer and hardness provide a good estimate of the physical properties of semisolid enteral nutrition supplements.
