Can you get protein drinks on prescription? An expert guide

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) are classified as medicinal products and are available over-the-counter or on prescription, with eligibility often depending on strict medical necessity. This raises the question for many: can you get protein drinks on prescription? The answer is yes, but only for individuals who are medically assessed as malnourished or at high risk of malnutrition and when a food-first approach has been unsuccessful.

Quick Summary

Prescription protein drinks, known as ONS, are for patients diagnosed with disease-related malnutrition. They require a medical assessment and typically follow an unsuccessful trial of diet-based strategies.

Key Points

Medical necessity is key: Protein drinks are only prescribed for diagnosed malnutrition or a high-risk status, not for convenience or general health.
'Food First' is the initial strategy: Before a prescription is considered, simpler dietary modifications and fortified foods must be trialled for at least one month.
Assessment by a professional is required: A doctor or dietitian must perform a nutritional assessment to determine eligibility for prescription ONS.
Eligibility varies by healthcare system: In the UK, strict ACBS criteria must be met, while in the US, documented medical necessity is required for coverage like Medicaid.
Prescriptions are often temporary: Once nutritional goals are met and weight is stabilized, the prescription for ONS will typically be reviewed and discontinued.
Specialized conditions warrant a prescription: Conditions like cancer, dysphagia, and chronic diseases that impact nutritional intake are common reasons for ONS prescriptions.

What Are Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)?

Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) are specially formulated medicinal products designed to provide extra calories, protein, and essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. They are prescribed when a person is unable to meet their nutritional needs through a standard diet alone. These supplements come in various forms, such as milkshakes, juices, powders, and soups, to cater to different taste and texture preferences. However, their prescription is tightly controlled and subject to strict guidelines to ensure they are only used when genuinely necessary. Regulatory bodies, such as the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) in the UK, define the specific medical conditions under which these products can be issued.

The 'Food First' Approach

Before considering a prescription for ONS, healthcare professionals are required to implement a 'Food First' strategy. This approach prioritizes meeting nutritional needs through the diet and simple, nourishing additions to meals, as research suggests these can be just as effective and potentially more palatable for patients.

Examples of the 'Food First' approach include:

Fortifying milk by adding milk powder for use in hot drinks, cereals, or milkshakes.
Adding full-fat butter, cream, or cheese to meals like soups and vegetables.
Encouraging small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day.
Recommending over-the-counter (OTC) supplements like Complan or Meritene for a trial period.

A prescription for ONS is typically only considered if a person remains malnourished or at risk after a one-month trial of these dietary measures.

Medical Conditions for a Prescription

Several clinical indications can lead to a prescription for ONS, particularly in cases of disease-related malnutrition. These conditions often interfere with a person's ability to eat, digest, or absorb nutrients, or significantly increase their nutritional requirements.

Common conditions include:

Gastrointestinal diseases: Crohn's disease, short bowel syndrome, and intractable malabsorption, which hinder nutrient absorption.
Cancer: Malnutrition is common in cancer patients due to poor appetite, increased metabolic needs, and side effects of treatment.
Neurological disorders: Conditions like dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) and motor neurone disease can make eating a challenge.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Increased energy expenditure and reduced appetite are common in advanced stages.
Post-operative recovery: Following major surgery, such as a total gastrectomy, nutritional needs are often heightened.
Critical illness: During recovery from severe illness or trauma, protein requirements increase significantly.

Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription ONS


Feature	Over-the-Counter Supplements	Prescription ONS (Medical Protein Drinks)
Cost	Purchased by the individual. Costs vary significantly by brand and quantity.	Covered by insurance (e.g., NHS, Medicaid) if prescribed and criteria are met.
Strength	Typically lower in calories and protein than medical-grade versions.	Formulated for higher nutritional density to treat malnutrition.
Access	Freely available in pharmacies and supermarkets. No doctor's visit required.	Requires a medical assessment and prescription from a healthcare professional.
Regulation	Regulated as food supplements, with less oversight on therapeutic use.	Regulated as medicinal products, with strict prescribing guidelines.
Purpose	General nutritional boosting for non-critical needs or initial 'Food First' trials.	Targeted medical intervention for diagnosed malnutrition or specific conditions.

The Prescription Process and Ongoing Care

For a healthcare provider to issue a prescription, the process typically involves a thorough nutritional screening. In the UK, this often uses a tool like the 'Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool' ('MUST'). If a patient is flagged as high-risk, a dietitian's assessment is often the next step. In the US, Medicaid coverage requires a doctor to document the medical necessity.

Once on a prescription, regular monitoring is crucial. Your healthcare team will track your weight and dietary intake to ensure the supplements are effective. Prescriptions are usually for a limited duration, and the goal is to discontinue them once nutritional targets are met and a satisfactory weight is achieved. This helps ensure cost-effective use of resources and prevents the long-term, unnecessary use of a medical product when a patient's dietary needs can be met by food alone.

Conclusion

While the answer to "can you get protein drinks on prescription?" is technically yes, it is important to understand that this is a tightly regulated medical intervention, not a consumer convenience. Eligibility is based on a confirmed diagnosis of disease-related malnutrition or a high-risk status, following a failed trial of simpler dietary measures. The decision rests with a healthcare professional, often a dietitian, and is governed by national and local guidelines. If you suspect you or a loved one may be at risk of malnutrition, the first step is always to consult with a GP or doctor for a proper assessment and to discuss the appropriate 'Food First' strategies before considering a prescribed supplement. For additional information on managing malnutrition, resources are available from organizations like BAPEN.

Frequently Asked Questions

An ONS is a commercially produced medicinal product that provides extra calories, protein, and other nutrients for individuals who are malnourished or have an increased nutritional need due to illness.

You must be diagnosed with or be at high risk of disease-related malnutrition, and a trial of dietary changes (the 'Food First' approach) must have been unsuccessful. Your eligibility will be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Yes, a GP can prescribe protein drinks, but typically only after a nutritional assessment has been conducted and local prescribing guidelines are followed. They may also refer you to a dietitian.

The 'Food First' approach is a policy that prioritizes nutritional improvement through dietary modifications, such as fortifying food and drinks, before resorting to prescribed supplements.

Yes. Qualifying conditions often include cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, dysphagia, short bowel syndrome, COPD, and recovery from major surgery.

While not always mandatory, a dietitian's referral is common, especially in complex cases or for longer-term needs. A dietitian's assessment helps confirm the medical necessity for ONS.

Coverage depends on the insurance plan and specific criteria, such as Medicaid for children. The supplements must be deemed medically necessary and supported by documented medical records.

Prescriptions for ONS are reviewed regularly. Once your nutritional goals are met and you can maintain your weight through diet, the prescription will be discontinued, and you'll be advised on how to maintain good nutrition with food.