Which of the following is NOT a reported benefit of non-nutritive sucking in the enterally fed patient?

• A. Improves digestion of enteral feedings during tube feeding
• B. Stimulates the secretin of lingual lipase, gastrin, insulin and motilin via vagal innervation in the oral mucosa
• C. May prevent the development of oral aversion when the child is physiologically capable of oral feeding
• D. Increases energy expenditure substantially

Answer: (D)

Non-nutritive sucking provides digestive and feeding benefits by engaging the oral sensory system and activating vagal reflexes that support GI function, without driving a large energy cost. This oral stimulation can help coordinate swallowing and saliva production, which can aid digestion of enteral feeds during tube feeding. It also offers important oral-motor input that may make transitioning to oral feeding smoother and reduce the risk of oral aversion when the child is ready to feed orally. While vagal activity from oral sensation can influence digestive processes, the idea that non-nutritive sucking triggers specific hormonal secretions like insulin, secretin, gastrin, or motilin from the oral mucosa is not a established or primary mechanism. In any case, the energy expenditure associated with non-nutritive sucking is not substantial, so it would not be considered a reported benefit.