A complete breakdown of Fresubin 5kcal shot's caloric content
Fresubin 5kcal shot is a highly concentrated fat emulsion designed to provide a significant energy boost in a small, easy-to-consume volume. It is important for users and caregivers to understand the exact caloric breakdown to properly incorporate it into a dietary plan, which should always be supervised by a healthcare professional. The product is a specialized medical food intended for specific dietary management and is not a general nutritional shake.
Caloric and nutritional composition
To clarify the caloric density, it's helpful to look at the official breakdown per 100ml and per serving. Since each 120ml bottle contains four 30ml servings, understanding the smaller portion is crucial for dosage management.
- Per 100ml: The liquid supplement provides 500 kcal, with the majority of the energy coming from fat. Specifically, 96.8% of the energy is from fat, while only 3.2% is from carbohydrates. There is no protein in this formulation.
- Per 30ml Serving: This is the recommended portion for supplementary nutrition. Each 'shot' delivers 150 kcal. This low-volume intake is ideal for patients with poor appetite or low fluid tolerance.
- Per 120ml Bottle: A full 120ml EasyBottle contains a total of 600 kcal. This represents the total energy available if the entire bottle is consumed.
Primary energy source and macronutrient profile
The primary energy source in Fresubin 5kcal shot is fat, sourced from rapeseed oil and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). MCTs are fats that are easily and rapidly absorbed by the body, providing a quick source of energy, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with malabsorption issues. The carbohydrate content is minimal, derived from sucrose, and there is no protein. This zero-protein profile distinguishes it from many other oral nutritional supplements and makes it suitable for specific medical conditions where protein intake needs to be managed.
Comparing Fresubin 5kcal shot to other Fresubin products
To highlight its unique caloric density and macronutrient profile, let's compare Fresubin 5kcal shot with other common Fresubin nutritional supplements. This table demonstrates why the 5kcal shot is used for targeted, high-energy requirements rather than as a balanced meal replacement.
| Feature | Fresubin 5kcal Shot | Fresubin 2kcal Mini Drink | Fresubin Energy Drink |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy per ml | 5.0 kcal/ml | 2.0 kcal/ml | 1.0 kcal/ml |
| Energy per serving/bottle | 150 kcal per 30ml / 600 kcal per 120ml | 250 kcal per 125ml bottle | 300 kcal per 200ml bottle |
| Primary Energy Source | Fat (96.8% energy distribution) | Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate (Balanced) | Protein, Fat, Carbohydrate (Balanced) |
| Protein Content | 0% of energy | 20% of energy | 15% of energy |
| Intended Use | High-energy, low-volume supplement, especially for those with low volume tolerance | General purpose high-calorie, high-protein supplement | Standard energy supplement |
| Dietary Restrictions | Lactose-free, gluten-free | Lactose-free, gluten-free | Lactose-free, gluten-free |
Who is Fresubin 5kcal shot for?
This supplement is a medical food designed for specific patient groups and must be used under medical supervision. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have difficulty consuming large volumes of liquid but have high energy needs. Common indications include:
- Patients with disease-related malnutrition.
- Individuals with low volume tolerance.
- Patients with chronic catabolic diseases like cancer, renal or liver disease.
- Peri-operative patients requiring additional energy.
- Elderly patients with anorexia or poor appetite.
Proper usage and storage
Fresubin 5kcal shot is a ready-to-use product, with one 120ml bottle typically containing four 30ml servings. It should be used under hygienic conditions. After opening, the bottle must be stored in a refrigerator and used within 14 days. For supplementary nutrition, the typical dosage is 3-4 shots (90-120ml), providing between 450-600 kcal per day, but the exact amount should always be determined by a healthcare professional. It is not suitable as a sole source of nutrition.
Key ingredients
The simplicity of Fresubin 5kcal shot's ingredient list reflects its specialized purpose as a pure fat emulsion. The main components are:
- Water: The liquid base for the emulsion.
- Rapeseed Oil & MCT: Provides the high caloric content, primarily from fat.
- Sucrose: A minor source of carbohydrates.
- Emulsifier (E 472c): Helps to keep the oil and water mixed in a stable emulsion.
- Stabilisers (E 460, E 466): Prevents the product from separating over time.
- Thickener (E 415): Gives the product its specific consistency.
- Flavouring: To provide the neutral or lemon taste.
Conclusion
In summary, a Fresubin 5kcal shot provides 150 calories per 30ml serving, derived almost entirely from fat. The total caloric content of a 120ml bottle is 600 kcal, making it a very high-energy, low-volume supplement. Designed for medical purposes and requiring medical supervision, it serves as an effective tool for managing malnutrition and providing additional energy for patients with specific dietary needs and tolerances. Its unique composition and intended use should be clearly understood by anyone considering its application.
For more clinical details, please consult the official Fresubin product documentation from Fresenius Kabi.
