Oral Nutritional Supplements

Definition

Complete or partial nutritional products consumed orally, complementing regular nutrition to meet unsatisfied nutritional needs.

How it works

Oral nutritional supplements are used when regular food alone is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the elderly individual. They can be complete beverages or partial supplements (e.g., protein or calorie enrichment). They are less invasive than enteral nutrition and allow the individual to continue eating normally. Supplements should be prescribed and monitored by a professional to ensure efficacy and tolerance.

Role

Prevents or treats malnutrition by supplementing insufficient nutritional intake.

Examples

• Nutritional beverages (Ensure, Fresubin)
• Protein supplements
• Calorie enrichment (oil, honey, cream)
• Vitamin supplements
• Protein powders
• Micronutrient supplements

Recommendations

Prescribe after formal nutritional evaluation. Adapt taste and texture according to preferences. Serve fresh or lightly warmed to improve acceptability. Regularly re-evaluate efficacy.

Key takeaway

Oral nutritional supplements are an effective and acceptable approach to correcting malnutrition in the elderly.

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