Abstract: The present invention provides a method and nutritional composition for providing nutrition to pediatric patients. The methods of the present invention are especially directed to pediatric patients recovering from moderate trauma, burns or surgery. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a rapidly emptying, low gastric reflux protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories, a carbohydrate source and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing and/or maintaining the level of intracellular glutathione. Pursuant to the invention, compositions including denatured and at least partially hydrolyzed proteins are administered to a patient in an amount sufficient to increase glutathione levels in the patient.

Abstract: An assembly having a puncturing device and a receiving device is provided. The puncturing device has a puncturing element and a blocking element. The puncturing element is joined to a flexible tube and provided with a needle-shaped part. The needle-shaped part has a portion whose cross-section has at least one part set back in relation to a circle circumscribing the cross-section. The receiving device is joined to a sealed container and has a central longitudinal channel which is intended to receive, in a leak-proof manner, the needle-shaped part of the puncturing device. The channel has a portion with a cross-section complementing the portion of the needle-shaped part and a portion intended to cooperate with the blocking element of the puncturing device to form, when the puncturing device is situated in the final position in the receiving device, a leak-proof connection bringing the inside of the container into communication with the feed tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral nutritional formulation that meets the nutrient requirements of patients with wounds. The present invention meets the unique nutrient needs of the acute or chronic patient that are generated due to tissue repair and healing requirements of wounds. To this end, in an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing nutritional support to a patient with an acute or chronic wound comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of composition comprising a protein source including an arginine source and a proline source in the ratio by weight of approximately 1:0.5 to about 4:1. The composition may also include a carbohydrate source, a lipid source including an appropriate n6:n3 ratio, and at least the U.S. RDA for vitamins and minerals provided in an amount of formula supplying 1000 kcal, with vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamine, pyridoxine, biotin and zinc being supplied in amounts above the U.S. RDAs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition as well as method for providing nutrition to renal patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes an effective amount of a protein source including whey protein and free amino acids that provide essential as well as nonessential amino acids. The composition is calorically dense and has a moderate osmolality.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral nutritional formulation that meets the nutrient requirements of intensive care patients who may have compromised absorption capacity. The present invention meets the unique nutrient needs of the patient that are generated due to tissue repair and healing requirements. To this end, in an embodiment the present invention provides a method for treating and/or providing nutritional support to intensive care patients comprising the steps of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising: a protein source; a carbohydrate source; and a lipid source including a source of medium chain triglycerides, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, and a source of omega-6 fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enteral nutritional formulation that meets the nutrient requirements of intensive care patients who may have compromised absorption capacity. The present invention meets the unique nutrient needs of the patient that are generated due to tissue repair and healing requirements. To this end, in an embodiment the present invention provides a method for providing nutritional support to intensive care patients comprising the steps of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising: a protein source; a carbohydrate source; and a lipid source including a source of medium chain triglycerides, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, and a source of omega-6 fatty acids.

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 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 method for reducing and controlling antigen-specific immunoglobulin concentrations in a patient. In addition, the present invention provides a method for maintaining physiological functions of the intestine in a patient. Pursuant to the present invention, the composition includes a protein source, a carbohydrate source, a fat source, and a specialized vitamin and mineral profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to non-catabolic and moderately catabolic patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a peptide based protein source of hydrolyzed whey, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. Preferably, the protein source includes approximately 22% to about 27% of the total calories. The composition has a caloric density of approximately 1000 Kcal/L and a low osmolality of approximately 300 to 450 mOsm/Kg H.sub.2 O. Still further, the composition of the present invention also includes increased levels of certain vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and nutritional composition for providing nutrition to pediatric patients. The methods of the present invention are especially directed to pediatric patients recovering from moderate trauma, burns or surgery. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a rapidly emptying, low gastric reflux protein source comprising approximately 10% to 14% of the total calories, a carbohydrate source and a lipid source comprising a mixture of medium and long chain triglycerides, wherein at least 20% of the lipid source are medium chain triglycerides.

Abstract: A machine and method for making unit confections of shaped complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having groups of complementary molds, in which a group of first molds produces physical shapes which displace at least a portion of the product in a group of second molds to produce complementarily joined shaped confections produced in the group of second molds.

Abstract: A rotary machine and method for making unit confections of complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having paired groups of complementary molds arranged radially, adjacent to each other in or on sectors of a rotating table, in which a group of first molds radially arranged in a first sector produces physical shapes which fit within and complementarily join all or part of the physical shapes produced in a group of second molds radially arranged in a second sector.

Abstract: A rotary machine and method for making unit confections of complementary parts which consist of different recipes, flavors, colors, textures and/or mix inclusions having concentric groups of complementary molds essentially radially aligned in or on annular sections of a rotating table, in which a group of first molds in a first annular section produces physical shapes which fit within and complementarily join all or part of the physical shapes produced in a group of second molds in a second annular section that is concentric with the first annular section.