Delayed gastric emptying

Delayed gastric emptying can be due to a number of reasons: 

• Neurological conditions e.g. complications of diabetes
• Physical deformity e.g. due to cancer
• Drug side-effects e.g. Inotropes
• Ingesting dietary components that reduce gastric emptying time e.g. high fat diet

• Increased risk of aspiration
• Reduced nutrient delivery into small bowel
• Nausea, bloating and risk of vomiting

• Providing a diet that is made up of easily digestible macronutrients
• Choosing a nutrient solution that empties faster from the stomach e.g. whey
• Choosing a feed with a low osmolarity that is well tolerated