Oral Administration Methods
ProSource No-Carb can be taken directly or easily mixed into a variety of foods and beverages, both hot and cold. This versatility makes it ideal for patients who struggle with large volumes or have taste fatigue.
Taking ProSource No-Carb Directly
For the most straightforward administration, a single serving can be taken directly from the bottle or sachet. Flavored varieties like Berry Punch or Orange Crème are designed for this purpose, acting as a "med pass". This method saves time and can be convenient for both patients and caregivers.
Mixing with Foods and Beverages
ProSource No-Carb’s neutral flavor option can be seamlessly integrated into many meals without altering the taste significantly. It mixes easily and doesn't clump like powdered supplements.
Best practices for mixing orally:
- Add to beverages: Stir one serving into hot or cold drinks like coffee, tea, juice, or milkshakes.
- Enhance soft foods: Mix into items like yogurt, pudding, soup, oatmeal, or applesauce.
- Use in purees: For patients on a modified texture diet, the supplement blends smoothly into pureed dishes.
Tube Feeding Administration
ProSource No-Carb is well-suited for both open- and closed-tube feeding systems and will not clog feeding tubes when properly administered. It is critical to follow the correct dilution and flushing procedure to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Tube Feeding Procedure
- Prepare the supplement: Dilute one 30 mL packet or serving of ProSource No-Carb with at least 15 to 30 mL of water. This is a crucial step for proper infusion and to prevent tube clogging.
- Flush the tube: Before administering the protein supplement, flush the feeding tube with 15–30 mL of water to clear it.
- Administer slowly: Infuse the diluted supplement slowly down the feeding tube using a syringe.
- Flush again: After administration, flush the tube with another 15–30 mL of water to clear any remaining protein.
- Resume feeding: Continue with the prescribed tube feeding formula as directed by a healthcare professional.
Important Precautions:
- Never mix ProSource No-Carb directly into the enteral formula in the feeding bag. The protein should be delivered as a separate 'med pass'.
- Always use under medical supervision.
Comparing Administration Methods
| Feature | Oral Administration | Tube Feeding Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | No preparation needed for direct consumption; minimal mixing for foods/drinks. | Dilution with 15-30 mL of water is required per serving. |
| Equipment | None needed (direct); spoon/cup for mixing. | Syringe, water for dilution and flushing. |
| Process | Consume directly or stir into food/drink and ingest. | Flush tube, infuse diluted supplement, flush again. |
| Best For | Patients able to swallow; those on clear liquid or fluid-restricted diets. | Patients unable to swallow; those requiring controlled, consistent protein delivery. |
| Mixing | Mixes easily with hot and cold liquids and soft foods. | Infused separately from the main enteral formula. |
Important Safety and Mixing Tips
- Shelf Stability: ProSource No-Carb is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration. However, it is important to discard any opened container after three months.
- Medical Supervision: This product is a medical food and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, who can determine the appropriate dosage based on individual needs.
- Avoid Clogging: For tube feeding, always dilute with water and flush the tube before and after administration to prevent blockages.
- Allergen Information: Be aware that ProSource No-Carb contains milk, which is relevant for patients with allergies.
- Not a Sole Source of Nutrition: ProSource No-Carb is a supplement and is not intended to be a sole source of nutrition.
Conclusion
Administering ProSource No-Carb is a straightforward process whether it is consumed orally or delivered via a feeding tube. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines ensures the supplement's effectiveness and the patient's safety. For oral use, the liquid can be taken neat or mixed into various foods and drinks, while for tube feeding, proper dilution and flushing are essential to prevent complications. Adhering to these simple steps helps healthcare providers and caregivers deliver vital protein supplementation effectively. For more detailed product information, consult the Medtrition website.
