Abstract: There is provided a single nutritionally balanced food composition for oral ingestion and producing low residues and diminished stoolings for use with patients having abnormal catabolic states. The composition comprises a water soluble or suspendible, essentially undenatured protein obtained from the ultra-filtration of whey and containing beta lactoglobulin, alphalactalbumin, immunoglobulins, and serum albumin; and medium-chain triglycerides of predominately 6 to 10 carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. The composition will also include digestable carbohydrates, e.g. dextrose, sucrose, corn syrup solids, etc., and a food grade emulsifier. The composition can provide up to three calories per cubic centimeter of solution that can be drip fed and has a low osmolarity. The composition has a Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) which is at least 3.1 and more usually 3.2. The protein is essentially bland to the taste and the composition therefore may be flavored as desired.