There are a number of underlying clinical conditions which prevent a patient from being unable to eat and drink orally, or eat and drink enough to meet their nutritional requirements. Tube feeding is the delivery of nutrition via a tube placed directly into the patients' gastrointestinal system, either into the stomach or small intestine. It is estimated that there are over 30,000 adults and children in the UK who are receiving their nutrition via a feeding tube. Learn more about tube feeding below.