How to use Fortini: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Caregivers

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With over 20 years of proven use in Europe, Fortini is a trusted nutritional supplement for children who require additional calories and nutrients. This guide will explain how to use Fortini correctly, from preparation to serving, to best support your child's health under medical supervision.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to use Fortini, including preparing both ready-to-drink liquid and powder formulas, proper serving techniques, and essential storage information for caregivers.

Key Points

Medical Supervision Required: Fortini is a medical food that must be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to address malnutrition or growth failure.
Choose Your Format: Select between ready-to-drink liquid for convenience or powder for cost-effectiveness and mixing flexibility.
Prepare Correctly: Always follow the specific preparation instructions for each format, including using cooled boiled water for the powder form.
Store Properly: Refrigerate opened liquid within 24 hours and prepared powder within 24 hours; discard leftovers promptly.
Transition Gradually: When introducing Fortini, particularly for young infants, a gradual transition period may be necessary to allow their digestive system to adjust.
Serve Appropriately: Fortini is best served chilled, but can be gently warmed or even frozen into pops; do not boil or use a microwave.

What is Fortini and When is it Used?

Fortini is a medical food, meaning it is specifically formulated to meet the dietary needs of infants and children with or at risk of disease-related malnutrition or growth failure. It is a nutritionally complete supplement designed to be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dietitian. Fortini is available in various forms, including ready-to-drink liquids and a versatile powder, to cater to different age groups and needs. It is often prescribed for conditions such as chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, or non-organic failure to thrive.

Fortini Liquid vs. Powder: A Comparison

Choosing between Fortini's liquid and powder formats depends on factors like cost, convenience, and your child's specific needs. Below is a table summarizing the key differences to help you decide what's best for your situation.


Feature	Fortini Ready-to-Drink Liquid	Fortini Powder
Convenience	Most convenient; no mixing required.	Requires careful measuring and mixing.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to pre-preparation.	More budget-friendly in bulk.
Sterility	Considered safer for high-risk infants as it's sterile.	Not sterile; boiling water is recommended for infants.
Preparation	Shake well, open, and pour into a sterile bottle.	Requires mixing with cooled boiled water.
Versatility	Can be served chilled, frozen into pops, or gently warmed.	Mixes into different volumes, offering more flexibility for tailored feeds.

How to Prepare Fortini

Preparing Fortini Ready-to-Drink Liquid

The liquid format is designed for maximum convenience and minimal preparation.

Check the Expiration Date: Ensure the carton or bottle is within the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Shake Well: Before opening, shake the sealed container thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Pour Carefully: Open the container and pour the desired amount into a clean, sterile feeding bottle or cup.
Serve: Fortini can be served chilled or at room temperature. You can also gently warm it, but never boil it or use a microwave.

Preparing Fortini Powder

For the powdered version, precise preparation is crucial to ensure your child receives the correct nutritional concentration.

Wash Hands and Sanitize Equipment: Thoroughly wash your hands and sterilize all utensils, including the bottle, scoop, and any mixing containers.
Boil and Cool Water: Boil fresh water for 5 minutes and allow it to cool to a warm temperature (not hot).
Measure Water: Pour the required amount of cooled, boiled water into the sterile bottle or mixing glass. Always add water before powder.
Add Powder: Use the scoop provided in the packaging to measure the powder. Level off each scoop with a clean, dry knife; do not press the powder down. Add the prescribed number of scoops to the water.
Mix Thoroughly: Secure the cap and shake or stir until the powder is fully dissolved.

Administering Fortini

Gradual Introduction

For infants, especially those under 12 weeks, a gradual introduction is often recommended to help their system adjust. Your healthcare team will provide a schedule, but it may involve blending Fortini with your child's original formula or breast milk over several days, slowly increasing the ratio of Fortini. It is normal for infants to experience temporary changes in stool frequency or consistency during this transition period.

Feeding Methods

Oral Supplement: Fortini can be given orally as a snack between meals or as a supplement to meals, rather than as a replacement. If your child cannot finish a full bottle at once, you can split it into smaller portions and offer it throughout the day.
Tube Feeding: Fortini can be administered through a feeding tube. Use proper aseptic technique to prepare and pour the formula into a sterile feeding bag. Do not warm the formula for tube feeding. The hang time is typically up to four hours.

Proper Storage

Adhering to correct storage guidelines is essential to prevent contamination and maintain nutritional value.

Unopened: Store unopened Fortini in a cool, dry place until the expiration date.
Opened (Ready-to-Drink): After opening, any unused liquid must be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours. Do not leave opened, unrefrigerated liquid out for more than 4 hours.
Prepared (Powder): Prepared powder formula should be used within two hours. If prepared in advance, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 hours.
Leftovers: Always discard any formula left in the bottle one hour after feeding has commenced.

Conclusion

Used under medical supervision, Fortini is a valuable tool for ensuring children with specific nutritional needs receive the necessary energy and nutrients for healthy growth. By understanding how to properly prepare, store, and administer Fortini—whether in its convenient liquid or versatile powder form—you can effectively support your child's dietary management. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare team regarding dosage and any transition schedules to ensure the best possible outcome for your child's health.

For more detailed information on Fortini products and their use, consult with your healthcare professional or visit a trusted resource like the Nutricia website for specific product information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fortini comes in different formulations for various age groups. Fortini Infant is for ages 0-18 months, while other Fortini products may be suitable for children from 1 to 10 years or older, based on the specific product and medical advice.

Fortini is typically best served chilled, but it can also be gently warmed (not boiled) or even frozen to make ice pops. Always shake well before serving.

After opening, any unused liquid Fortini should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Unrefrigerated Fortini must be discarded after 4 hours.

No, never heat Fortini in a microwave. Use a bottle warmer or place the sealed container in a bowl of warm water to gently warm it if desired.

Some infants may experience temporary changes in stool frequency, consistency, or increased gas, particularly when first transitioning to Fortini. This is normal and usually subsides within a few days.

Yes, Fortini can be used to supplement breast milk to provide additional calories and protein. Your healthcare provider will advise on the appropriate ratio and transition method.

To mix Fortini powder, add the prescribed number of level scoops to the required volume of cooled, boiled water. Always add powder to water, not the other way around. Stir or shake until fully dissolved.