Is Fresubin 3.2 kcal Nutritionally Complete? A Detailed Analysis

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the manufacturer, Fresubin 3.2 kcal is indeed a nutritionally complete, high-caloric oral nutritional supplement designed for the dietary management of malnutrition. This compact drink is formulated to provide all essential macro and micronutrients, but it is important to understand its specific composition and use cases to determine if it meets an individual's needs.

Quick Summary

Fresubin 3.2 kcal is a high-calorie and high-protein oral nutritional supplement considered nutritionally complete by its manufacturer. It provides a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals in a low volume.

Key Points

Nutritionally Complete: Fresubin 3.2 kcal is confirmed by its manufacturer to be a nutritionally complete oral supplement, containing a full range of macro and micronutrients.
Suitable as Sole Source of Nutrition: Under medical supervision, Fresubin 3.2 kcal can be used as a sole source of nutrition to manage and prevent malnutrition.
High Energy and High Protein: It is formulated with a high energy density (3.2 kcal/ml) and high protein content (20g per 125ml) to meet elevated nutritional needs in a compact volume.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The product provides all essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, including a high dose of Vitamin D.
For Restricted Diets: It is gluten-free and clinically free from lactose, accommodating common dietary restrictions.
Requires Medical Supervision: Its use should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for specific patient groups and as a primary nutritional source.

Understanding 'Nutritionally Complete'

The term "nutritionally complete" refers to a product that contains all the essential nutrients—carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements—in adequate amounts to serve as a sole source of nutrition for an extended period. For Fresubin 3.2 kcal, this completeness is achieved within a compact 125ml serving, making it a viable option for patients who cannot consume large volumes. However, its use as a sole source of nutrition should always be under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with a patient's specific dietary requirements.

The Macronutrient Profile

Fresubin 3.2 kcal is particularly known for its high energy and protein density. Each 125ml bottle contains 400 kcal of energy and 20g of high-quality protein. This makes it especially beneficial for individuals with increased energy and protein needs, or those experiencing fluid restrictions. The protein content is derived from a unique blend of collagen hydrolysate and milk protein. The product's energy distribution is strategically balanced:

Protein: 20% of energy
Fat: 45% of energy
Carbohydrates: 34.7% of energy

This specific composition helps to effectively improve nutritional status in a small volume, reducing the burden on individuals with low appetite or swallowing difficulties.

Essential Micronutrients

Beyond the macronutrients, a nutritionally complete supplement must also contain a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals. Fresubin 3.2 kcal meets this criterion by providing all essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements according to legal requirements. It is particularly notable for its high vitamin D content, with 10µg per bottle. The product is also gluten-free and clinically free from lactose, making it suitable for a wider range of patients. The full ingredient list shows a complete profile of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, calcium, iron, zinc, and more.

Fresubin 3.2 kcal vs. Fresubin 2 kcal

To better understand its unique positioning, here is a comparison of Fresubin 3.2 kcal with Fresubin 2 kcal Fibre, another product from the same range:


Feature	Fresubin 3.2 kcal	Fresubin 2 kcal Fibre
Energy Density	3.2 kcal/ml (400 kcal per 125ml)	2.0 kcal/ml (250 kcal per 125ml)
Protein Content	20g per 125ml	10g per 125ml
Fibre Content	0.5g per 125ml (very low)	Yes (with fibre)
Target Audience	Patients with increased energy/protein needs or fluid restriction	Patients with standard high-energy needs who also require fibre
Volume	Very compact 125ml bottle	125ml mini drink, or larger bottle
Completeness	Nutritionally complete and suitable as sole source of nutrition	Nutritionally complete with fibre

Who is Fresubin 3.2 kcal for?

Fresubin 3.2 kcal is a food for special medical purposes and is indicated for the dietary management of several conditions.

Common indications include:

Patients at risk of or with disease-related malnutrition
Those with increased energy and protein needs
Individuals with fluid restrictions
Pre-operative preparation of malnourished patients
Patients with dysphagia or intractable malabsorption
Following a total gastrectomy or in cases of bowel fistula

Important Considerations and Contraindications

While highly effective, Fresubin 3.2 kcal is not suitable for everyone. It should always be used under medical supervision.

Key warnings and precautions:

Not for parenteral (I.V.) use.
Not suitable for children under 3 years, and use with caution in children under 6 years.
Not suitable for patients with galactosaemia.
Use with caution in severe organ failure or severe malassimilation.
It should not be used when enteral nutrition is contraindicated, such as in acute gastrointestinal bleeding or ileus.

Conclusion

Yes, Fresubin 3.2 kcal is a nutritionally complete oral supplement, meaning it contains all the necessary macro and micronutrients to be used as a sole source of nutrition, provided the dosage is determined by a healthcare professional. Its high energy and protein density in a small volume make it a highly effective tool for managing malnutrition, especially for patients with increased needs or fluid restrictions. However, it is a specialized medical food, and medical supervision is crucial to ensure it is the right and safe choice for an individual's specific health situation. Always consult with a doctor or dietitian before starting this or any other specialized nutritional supplement.

Learn more about the specific product on the manufacturer's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Fresubin 3.2 kcal is specifically designed for individuals on fluid restrictions. Its high energy and protein density in a small 125ml volume allows for significant nutritional intake with minimal fluid consumption.

Fresubin 3.2 kcal is not suitable for children under 3 years of age. For children between 3 and 6 years, it should be used with caution and only under strict medical supervision.

The amount needed for complete nutrition varies by individual and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

No, Fresubin 3.2 kcal is clinically free from lactose, making it suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

The product features a unique protein blend that includes both collagen hydrolysate and milk protein.

Yes, Fresubin 3.2 kcal is a gluten-free product.

You should use Fresubin 3.2 kcal with caution if you have a severe organ disease with impaired metabolism. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your condition.