Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition in Pediatrics

Enteral nutrition involves delivering nutrients directly to a child's digestive system through a feeding tube, which can help when a child cannot eat normally but still has a functioning gut. Parenteral nutrition, on the other hand, provides nutrients intravenously, bypassing the digestive system entirely. This method is used when a child's gut is not working properly. Both approaches aim to ensure that children receive the essential nutrients needed for growth and development, especially when they cannot consume food orally. These methods are vital in pediatric care for those with specific medical needs.