How many calories are in ProSource TF?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the manufacturer, a standard 45 mL serving of ProSource TF contains only 40 calories. This low-calorie, high-protein liquid is a medical food designed to provide concentrated protein for patients with specific nutritional needs, without adding excess calories or volume.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the caloric and nutritional information for ProSource TF liquid protein. It covers standard and plant-based versions, their primary uses in medical nutrition, and the difference between ProSource TF and other Medtrition products.

Key Points

Standard ProSource TF: Contains 40 calories per 45 mL serving.
High-Quality Protein: Each 45 mL serving provides 11 grams of hydrolyzed protein.
Very Low Carbohydrates: A 45 mL serving contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates.
Plant-Based Version: The "ProSource TF Free" variant contains 90 calories per 45 mL, with 15 grams of protein from hydrolyzed pea protein.
Designed for Medical Use: Primarily used for tube feeding to address critical illness, malnutrition, and protein deficiencies under medical supervision.
Water-Thin Consistency: Allows for easy administration via syringe down a feeding tube without mixing or dilution.
Low Volume and Electrolytes: Suitable for fluid-restricted diets and patients requiring low electrolyte levels.
Low Caloric Density: Ideal for patients needing high protein without excess calories, such as those on a ventilator or with obesity.

ProSource TF: A Low-Calorie Protein Source

ProSource TF is a nutritional supplement primarily used in medical settings for enteral (tube) feeding. Its formulation prioritizes a high concentration of protein in a small, water-thin liquid volume, making it easy to administer and ideal for patients who require increased protein intake without additional fluids or calories. For this reason, its caloric content is intentionally low relative to its protein content.

Nutritional Information per 45 mL Serving

The standard formula of ProSource TF, which contains hydrolyzed collagen from beef, provides the following per 45 mL pouch:

Calories: 40 calories
Protein: 11 grams of high-quality hydrolyzed protein
Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram
Fat: 0 grams

This specific nutritional profile is what makes ProSource TF valuable for patients experiencing protein energy malnutrition, wound care, burns, or other conditions requiring extra protein. Its isotonic nature also improves patient tolerance, reducing the risk of diarrhea.

Variations of ProSource TF

It's important to note that Medtrition offers different versions of its ProSource TF product, which have varying caloric and protein counts. One such variant is the plant-based ProSource TF Free, which uses hydrolyzed pea protein instead of collagen.

Comparison Table: ProSource TF vs. ProSource TF Free


Nutritional Aspect	Standard ProSource TF (45 mL)	ProSource TF Free (45 mL)
Calories	40	90
Protein	11 grams	15 grams
Carbohydrates	<1 gram	Not specified in all sources, but includes maltodextrin
Fat	0 grams	0 grams
Primary Protein Source	Hydrolyzed beef collagen	Hydrolyzed pea protein
Suitable For	Patients needing concentrated protein	Vegan/vegetarian patients and those with major allergens
Certifications	Halal	Halal and Kosher suitable

The higher calorie count in the plant-based version is due to the different protein source and the inclusion of maltodextrin, which is not present in the standard formula. Always check the specific product label to ensure you have the correct nutritional information for the version being used.

Key uses of ProSource TF

As a medical food, ProSource TF is indicated for dietary management of conditions where extra protein is necessary, and is designed specifically for tube feeding. It is often used in settings such as:

Intensive care units (ICU)
Renal dialysis units
For patients with pressure ulcers or burns
Oncology wards for cancer cachexia
Post-bariatric surgery

The water-thin consistency means it can be administered via syringe directly into a feeding tube without mixing or dilution, reducing the risk of tube clogging.

Considerations and Side Effects

While ProSource TF is generally well-tolerated, side effects can occur, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is a medical food intended for use under the strict supervision of a healthcare professional. It is not a sole source of nutrition and should be used with caution in patients with conditions like renal impairment or diabetes. As with any medical supplement, a qualified medical specialist should determine the appropriate dosage.

ProSource TF vs. Other ProSource Products

Medtrition offers a family of ProSource products, each with different nutritional profiles. For instance, ProSource Plus is higher in calories and is often used for patients who require both increased protein and calories. ProSource TF, with its low caloric load, is specifically formulated for patients where extra calories are a concern, such as overweight or ventilator-assisted patients. Always confirm the specific product being used to ensure the correct nutritional profile is being administered.

Conclusion

In summary, a standard 45 mL serving of ProSource TF contains 40 calories, while its plant-based counterpart, ProSource TF Free, contains 90 calories per 45 mL serving. Both versions are high-protein, low-volume liquid supplements used under medical supervision for enteral feeding. Understanding the difference in caloric content and protein sources between these versions is crucial for proper nutritional management in clinical settings. The precise formulation and low caloric density of the standard ProSource TF make it a valuable tool for meeting protein needs without overwhelming patients with excess energy or fluid.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are 11 grams of high-quality hydrolyzed protein in a standard 45 mL serving of ProSource TF.

The standard ProSource TF, which contains beef collagen, is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, the plant-based ProSource TF Free, made from hydrolyzed pea protein, is suitable for these diets.

ProSource TF is designed for tube feeding and should be used under medical supervision. While some related products may be suitable for oral use, TF specifically indicates "tube feeding".

ProSource TF is a low-calorie, high-protein liquid for patients who need extra protein without excess calories. ProSource Plus offers both higher protein and calories for those needing both.

ProSource TF is formulated with a water-like consistency to prevent clogging in clean, well-maintained feeding tubes when administered correctly.

ProSource TF is a medical food and is available through medical supply retailers and pharmacies. It is generally used and prescribed in clinical settings under medical supervision.

The standard version of ProSource TF contains purified water, protein from beef collagen hydrolysate, amino acids, malic acid, phosphoric acid, natural flavor, and preservatives.

ProSource TF is ready-to-use and can be administered via a syringe directly down the feeding tube. The tube should be flushed with water before and after administration.