Nutritional support is for people who cannot get enough nourishment by eating or drinking. You may need it if you

• Can't swallow
• Have problems with your appetite or are severely malnourished
• Can't absorb nutrients through your digestive system

You receive nutritional support through a needle or catheter placed in your vein or with a feeding tube, which goes into your stomach.

Giving nutritional support can have both benefits and risks. Families considering nutritional support for a loved one who cannot make decisions should discuss the options with the patient's doctor.