The Core Mechanism of Enteral Nutrition
Unlike standard food and drink consumed orally, Nutrison is a form of enteral nutrition, which involves the delivery of a liquid formula directly into the stomach or small intestine via a feeding tube. This process is used for patients who have a functional or partially functional GI tract but are unable to ingest food by mouth due to illness, surgery, or other medical conditions. The Nutrison formula, once delivered, is absorbed and processed by the body's digestive system much like normal food, but with a highly controlled and specific composition designed for maximum efficacy and tolerability.
The Power of the P4 Protein Blend
A key feature of many Nutrison products is the P4 protein blend, a mixture of four high-quality protein sources: whey, casein, soy, and pea protein. This blend provides a complete amino acid profile, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting a healthy immune system, and maintaining overall body function.
- Whey Protein: A fast-digesting protein, it supports rapid protein synthesis.
- Casein Protein: A slow-digesting protein, it provides a sustained release of amino acids.
- Soy Protein: A high-quality plant-based protein source.
- Pea Protein: Another plant-based protein, adding to the diversity of the blend.
This blend is optimized for excellent gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance, a critical factor for patients who are already unwell.
Comprehensive Nutritional Components
Beyond its protein blend, Nutrison is a nutritionally complete formula, meaning it contains all the essential macro- and micronutrients a body needs.
- Carbohydrates: Maltodextrin is the primary carbohydrate source, providing a readily available source of energy.
- Fats: Nutrison contains vegetable oils (rapeseed, sunflower) and many formulations are enriched with fish oils providing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support immune function.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals is included to support metabolic processes and prevent deficiencies.
- Carotenoids: Enriched with carotenoids, these antioxidants provide additional support for immune function.
- Fibre: Some variants, like Nutrison Multi Fibre, include a patented blend of soluble and insoluble fibres to maintain normal bowel function.
How Nutrison Addresses Specific Medical Needs
Nutrison's wide range of formulations allows healthcare professionals to tailor nutritional support to specific patient requirements. This includes managing conditions like disease-related malnutrition and providing dietary support for those with increased protein or energy needs.
| Nutrison Product | Energy (kcal/ml) | Protein (g/1000ml) | Fibre | Key Features | Primary Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1.0 | 40 | Fibre-free | P4 protein blend, DHA/EPA, carotenoids | Disease-related malnutrition, standard needs |
| Energy | 1.5 | 60 | Fibre-free | Higher energy density for increased needs | High energy needs |
| Multi Fibre | Varies | Varies | Enriched (MF6) | Aids bowel function, contains DHA/EPA | Maintaining normal bowel function |
| Concentrated | 2.0 | 75 | Fibre-free | Low volume for fluid-restricted patients | Fluid restriction |
| Diason | Varies | High | Enriched | Formulated for blood glucose management | Patients with diabetes/hyperglycaemia |
Important Usage and Safety Instructions
Proper administration is critical for the safety and effectiveness of Nutrison. Always follow the specific instructions from a healthcare professional.
- Preparation: Shake the bottle or pack well before opening to ensure all components are evenly mixed.
- Temperature: Administer the formula at room temperature.
- Hanging Time: Adhere to the maximum hanging times to maintain sterility. For a closed system (direct attachment), this is typically up to 24 hours. For an open system, it's often reduced to 8 hours.
- Sterility: Handle aseptically to prevent contamination of the formula.
- Important Precautions: Do not dilute the formula and do not add medications directly to the container.
Conclusion: A Tailored Approach to Nutritional Support
Nutrison works by leveraging a scientific understanding of nutritional requirements and combining it with a reliable delivery method for patients unable to consume food orally. Through its diverse range of products, featuring specialized protein blends, tailored energy densities, and targeted nutrient enrichments like DHA/EPA, Nutrison effectively manages disease-related malnutrition. Its success is rooted in the provision of high-quality, easily absorbed nutrition that can be adapted to specific patient needs, always under the strict guidance of a medical professional, as the formula and administration method must be carefully selected to ensure both efficacy and safety. For more detailed information, specific product fact sheets are available from Nutricia.
