Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to elderly patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a protein source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. Preferably, the protein source includes at least 18% of the total calories. In an embodiment, the carbohydrate source includes a source of dietary fiber including a balance of soluble to insoluble fiber ratio of approximately 1:3. Still further, the composition of the present invention also includes increased levels of certain vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lipid composition and method that limits the injury response in patients suffering trauma, burns, and/or sepsis. The composition includes: medium chain triglycerides; a source of omega-6 fatty acids; and a source of omega-3 fatty acids. The composition can be administered alone or in combination with other nutrients. The composition can be administered enterally or parenterally.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and nutritional composition for providing nutrition to pediatric patients. The methods of the present invention are directed to pediatric patients with impaired nutrient absorption and/or reduced gastrointestinal tolerance. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a hydrolyzed protein source comprising approximately 12% of the total calories, a carbohydrate source and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 55% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.

Abstract: A nutritional composition is provided that is low ammoniagenic, scavenges ammonia well, and yet does not contribute to excess nitric oxide production. The nutritional composition includes an amino acid profile having less than 20 percent of the total amino acids as ammoniagenic amino acids. The nutritional composition also includes less than 0.2 percent of the total amino acids as arginine and at least 0.2 percent of the total amino acids as ornithine and/citrulline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing nutritional requirements to a patient having a chronic inflammatory reaction by administering to the patient an enteral composition that has a sufficiently reduced arginine content to reduce the nitric oxide formation in the patient. In an embodiment, the composition includes less than approximately 0.2% of the total calories as arginine.

Abstract: Methods of treating patients with new compositions intended for use in dietetics, reanimation and therapeutics are provided. The new compositions contain a protein fraction based on three types of minipeptides. The method involves the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including specific minipeptides including casein minipeptides with and without phosphopeptides wherein the quantity of selected minipeptides is chosen to assure a proper balance between the sulfur containing amino acids and phosphors bound to proteins.

Abstract: A method for improving ventilation during sleep and treating sleep-related ventilation abnormalities. To this end, the present invention provides a method of using branched-chain amino acids as an effective therapy for sleep apnea. The branched-chain amino acid composition can be administered either parenterally or enterally, and can be administered alone or in combination with other nutrients. The branched-chain amino acid composition of the present invention functions as a ventilatory stimulator during sleep and does not result in any adverse effects either to the patient or to the sleep patterns of the patient. Preferably, the branched-chain amino acids comprise 60 to 85% of an amino acid solution that is administered to the patient.

Abstract: A method for improving the quality of sleep in a chronic renal failure patient is provided. To this end, the present invention provides a method of using branched-chain amino acids as an effective therapy for improving the quality of sleep. The branched-chain amino acid composition can be administered either parenterally or enterally, and can be administered alone or in combination with other nutrients. The composition can be administered during dialysis, intradialytic.

Abstract: A multi-stepped adapter for accommodating a wide range of diameters of access ports of enteral feeding devices. The leading step of the adapter is sized in length and diameter to prevent a secure connection to an IV access port, such as an intravenous needle or luer connection.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device and method of delivering fluid is provided. The device comprises a delivery member including a member for creating a vacuum pressure, to suck fluid into a reservoir, and for expelling fluid from the reservoir. A body is provided including a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, the interior of the body defining a first fluid pathway from the first opening to the second opening and a second fluid pathway from the second opening and a second fluid pathway from the second opening to the third opening. The delivery member is coupled to the second opening. A fluid source is coupled to the first opening. A fluid conduit is coupled to the third opening for allowing the device to deliver product to a patient. The first and second fluid pathways are defined in part by walls that define a central cavity and a diaphragm located therein.

Abstract: A container is provided for housing a fluid comprising a pair of flexible plastic walls, one of the plastic walls defining a front face and one of the plastic walls defining a back face. The plastic walls are secured together around a periphery thereof by a peripheral seal thereby defining an interior. An access member is located at an end of the container for allowing one to access a fluid contained within the interior. A fill port is located on a front face for allowing access to the interior of the container so that the interior can receive a fluid. The back and front face are sealed along a seal line located within the interior of the container in juxtaposition to the fill port. In an embodiment, the peripheral seal has a substantially .OMEGA. shape. A method for filling a container with fluid is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral product for providing nutritional requirements to a patient comprising: a caloric content of less than 1.00 Kcal/ml;. an osmolality of less than 300 mOsm; and a fiber content of preferably greater than 15 gms/liter. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of providing nutrition to a patient through a tube-fed enteral product and reducing the risk of diarrhea comprising the steps of: providing a sterile enteral product, that does not require diluting, having an osmolality of less than 300 mOsm and a caloric content of less than 1.0 Kcal/ml, but, having a fiber content of greater than 15 gms/liter; and enterally administering the product to a patient.

Abstract: A system for sensing fluid conduit occlusion that reacts to occlusion force applied by changing the state of a switch only if a predetermined minimum force has been applied through the conduit. The system includes a contact member arm that cooperates with a force sensitive plunger to engage or separate a pair of contact members in response to application of a minimum force to the plunger. The plunger is positioned within a sensor gap through which the conduit extends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a viral infection or immune disorder as well as a composition for same. The method of treatment comprises administering to a patient having a viral infection or immune disorder a therapeutically effective amount of a composition including an intracellular glutathione stimulator and an omega-3 fatty acid source.

Abstract: A method for stimulating the intracellular synthesis of glutathione comprising the step of administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an ester of 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nutritionally useful highly concentrated amino acid solution. In an embodiment, the formulation has a broad amino acid profile that is both high in branched chain amino acids and high in overall percent of amino acids. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of selecting the amino acid profile so as to obtain a maximum amino acid concentration. To this end, a stable amino acid solution having a nutritionally appropriate balance of amino acids comprising a total amino acid concentration equal to or greater than 18% (wt/vol) is provided. In an embodiment, an amino acid solution is provided comprising approximately 18 to about 22% branched chain amino acids (wt/wt); and a total amino acid concentration equal to or greater than 18% (wt/vol).

Abstract: The present invention relates to nutrient compositions containing dipeptides and methods for administering the same. In particular, according to the present invention, a nutrient composition comprising an aqueous solution having at least one dipeptide with an N-terminal amino acid selected from the class consisting of glutamine, asparagine, tyrosine, tryptophan, and aspargine is provided. Glutamine (4.8 grams/100 ml at 30.degree. C.), asparagine (3.5 grams/100 mL at 28.degree. C.), tyrosine (0.45 grams/100 mL at 25.degree. C.) and tryptophan (11.4 grams/100 mL at 25.degree. C.) and arginine (15.0 grams/100 mL at 21.degree. C.) are all less soluble in water than glycine (25 grams/100 mL at 25.degree. C.). The C-terminal amino acid is selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, tryptophan, arginine, proline and serine. The nutritional solutions contain from about 0.1 to 25.0 percent by weight of oligopeptides, preferably about 0.5 to 5.0 percent by weight.

Abstract: An enteral diet for patients with pulmonary disease comprising not less than 18% of said calories from a high quality protein source; from about 20 to 50% of said calories from a slowly metabolizable carbohydrate source derived from maltodextrin or other partially hydrolyzed polysaccharides; from about 40-55% calories from a mixture of lipids comprising medium and long chain triglycerides.

Abstract: A method for improving ventilation during sleep and treating sleep-related ventilation abnormalities in an infant. To this end, the present invention provides a method of using branched-chain amino acids as an effective therapy for apnea of prematurity. The branched-chain amino acid composition can be administered either parenterally or enterally, and can be administered alone or in combination with other nutrients.

Abstract: A port/spike assembly including an enteral spike having a diameter substantially less than the diameter of a standard parenteral spike. The assembly also includes a port having a tube with an outer wall which defines a generally cylindrical elongated bore. A frangible membrane is disposed inside the elongated bore, and divides the bore into upper and lower bore sections. A selector ring is provided in the upper bore section for permitting insertion of the reduced diameter enteral spike and for preventing the insertion of a standard parenteral spike through the membrane. The assembly prevents inadvertent insertion of a parenteral spike into an enteral feeding system.