Gastric and Jejunal Enteral Feeding Differently Affect Vitamin B Status in Subjects with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities.

The absorption of vitamin B is a complex process involving gastric acid and intrinsic factor as the indispensable components. In this study, we have investigated the effects of the administration site in enteral feeding on vitamin B status in subjects with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID). This is a cross-sectional study conducted from January to June 2016. Blood concentrations of vitamin B, folate, vitamin B, and homocysteine (Hcy) were measured in a total of 82 subjects (38 men, 44 women). Also, nutrients intake was assessed. Subjects with enteral feeding (EF) had significantly higher intakes of vitamin B, folate, and vitamin B than those with oral ingestion (OI). Serum folate and vitamin B concentrations in subjects with EF were significantly higher than those with OI. Among the EF subjects, serum vitamin B concentration was significantly higher in those fed with gastric tube than those fed with jejunal tube in spite of similar vitamin B intakes. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the circulating concentrations of folate, vitamin B, or Hcy. Although each administration route has its own benefit, gastric tube is advantageous in the absorption of vitamin B.