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 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.