Feeding tubes and ALS: Nutrition, safety, and daily life
Last updated June 11, 2025, by Agata Boxe
Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD
If you’re living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and facing challenges with swallowing, your doctor may recommend a feeding tube to ensure you get enough calories and nutrients, as weight loss is linked to faster disease progression.
In addition to supporting your nutritional needs, tube feeding can be adapted to a wide range of dietary approaches, including high-calorie diets or other medically recommended diet plans.
Tailoring your nutrition with tube feeding
A feeding tube for ALS does not limit your ability to follow a specific diet plan. While standard formulas are available, they’re not your only option. Your care team can tailor your nutrition plan to match your individual needs and preferences.
For instance, if you have a health condition aside from ALS, such as diabetes, that requires a specific diet, your care team will work with you to ensure you receive the appropriate nourishment. Adjustments can also be made for food allergies, intolerances, or personal preferences when feasible.
In some cases, your healthcare provider may allow you to blend your own meals at home. If your care team approves of this, it is important that you use an industrial-strength blender to ensure the tube does not get clogged. They may also recommend straining blended meals to remove any remaining particles.
What can go into an ALS feeding tube?
Feeding tubes are not only for food. They can be used to deliver fluids, such as water, juice, and Gatorade, as well as medications.
While some medications can be crushed or dissolved in water, contacting your pharmacist before doing so is important, as some cannot be. If that’s the case, your doctor may recommend switching to their liquid form, if available.
Can you still eat and drink by mouth if you have a feeding tube?
Because a feeding tube is not inserted through the mouth, you may still be able to eat and drink by mouth even after having a tube placed, as long as your doctor determines it is safe to do so.
The feeding tube can provide the main source of nutrients and calories you need, whereas eating and drinking by mouth may be saved for pleasure and enjoyment.
Make sure to check with your doctor if consuming food and drinks is still safe for you to do once you get a tube and whether they have any specific dietary recommendations.
They may recommend that you still blend or puree your food to make it easier to swallow.
Are you ready for a feeding tube?
You should consider getting a feeding tube as soon as your doctor recommends it, which may be before you absolutely need one. Early tube placement, before major weight loss occurs, has been linked with better survival outcomes.
Your doctor may determine that your swallowing difficulties are severe enough to prevent you from getting the nutrients you need or to maintain a healthy weight, and that a tube may be the best solution.
Although the idea of tube feeding may initially feel overwhelming, many people find that it becomes a manageable part of their routine with time. With the right support, you can continue to nourish your body in a way that aligns with your health needs and personal preferences.
ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.