Understanding artificial nutrition
Plain explanations of TPN, tube feeding, lines and tubes, the risks to know about, and how to live day to day. Written from lived experience. Your own nutrition team always knows best for you.
The basics
What artificial nutrition is, how it works, and what to watch for.
What is home artificial nutrition?
The plain explanation: what it is, who needs it and why, and the two main kinds.
ReadParenteral nutrition (TPN)
Feeding straight into the bloodstream: how it works, how long it runs and what is in the bag.
ReadEnteral nutrition (tube feeding)
Liquid feed into the stomach or small bowel: why it is used and how it is given.
ReadDifferent feeding methods, side by side
NG, NJ, PEG, RIG, jejunostomy, PICC, Hickman and port: what each one is.
ReadHickman lines and line care
What a Hickman line is, why it is used for TPN, and the warning signs to act on.
ReadThe risks to know about
Infection, blockages, salts and sugar, the liver and bones: what to watch for and why.
ReadWhat artificial nutrition gives you
Energy, strength, healing and time: the good it does, alongside the hard parts.
ReadMalnutrition: not just something that happens elsewhere
How common it is in the UK, the signs, and why it is worth speaking up early.
ReadLiving with it day to day
Travel, cold weather and a world built around food.
Travelling with TPN
Holidays and trips away are possible. Here is how to plan them.
ReadDay feeds in cold weather
Keeping feeds, tubes, lines and yourself warm and safe when the temperature drops.
ReadLiving in a world built around food
Meals out, birthdays, Christmas and adverts. Ways to cope when you cannot eat.
ReadIf you are struggling right now
You do not have to wait until it gets worse. Please talk to someone today.
- SamaritansCall 116 123, free, any time
- ShoutText SHOUT to 85258
- NHS 111Call 111 and choose the mental health option
- Your nutrition teamFor anything about your feed, tube or line
- EmergencyCall 999