Macronutrients in Nutrison Low Sodium
Nutrison Low Sodium provides a balanced blend of macronutrients to deliver complete nutrition. The primary components are proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, each sourced to meet the specific dietary requirements of patients needing sodium restriction.
Protein Sources
Proteins are a fundamental part of the formula, sourced mainly from cow's milk to ensure a high-quality, complete amino acid profile. The main protein component is cow's milk protein caseinate, which provides steady protein delivery to the body. This milk-derived protein is easily digested and supports muscle maintenance and overall recovery, which is crucial for patients with malnutrition.
Carbohydrate Sources
Maltodextrin is the main carbohydrate source, providing a concentrated form of energy. This polysaccharide is easily absorbed and helps meet the patient's caloric needs without contributing significantly to the osmolarity of the solution, ensuring good gastrointestinal tolerance. It is also important to note that the formula is lactose-free, making it suitable for patients with lactose intolerance.
Fat Sources
The formula uses a blend of vegetable oils, specifically rapeseed and sunflower oil, to provide the necessary fats. This combination ensures a beneficial fatty acid profile. These fats are essential for energy, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and overall cellular health. The inclusion of these specific oils helps deliver a balanced intake of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
In addition to the core macronutrients, Nutrison Low Sodium is fortified with a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals to meet daily nutritional requirements and support various bodily functions. The product also features an enrichment of carotenoids, which are known for their antioxidant properties.
Vitamin Profile
The formula includes a full spectrum of vitamins, including:
- Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A (retinyl acetate), Vitamin D (cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (DL-α-tocopheryl acetate), and Vitamin K (phytomenadione).
- Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin C (sodium L-ascorbate), Thiamin hydrochloride (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacinamide (B3), Pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), Folic acid (B9), Cyanocobalamin (B12), Biotin, and Pantothenic acid.
Mineral Profile
As a low sodium product, the formula is meticulously balanced for minerals to support body function without high sodium levels. Key minerals include:
- Macrominerals: Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and a reduced level of Sodium and Chloride.
- Trace elements: Iron (ferrous lactate), Zinc sulphate, Copper gluconate, Manganese sulphate, Sodium fluoride, Molybdenum, Sodium selenite, Chromium chloride, and Potassium iodide.
Comparison Table: Nutrison Low Sodium vs. Standard Nutrison
| Nutrient Component | Nutrison Low Sodium (Per 1000ml) | Standard Nutrison (Per 1000ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 40g (Casein) | 40g (Mixed: Soy, Pea, Whey, Casein) |
| Sodium | 250mg | 900mg |
| Chloride | 250mg | 1200mg |
| Carbohydrate | 123g (Maltodextrin) | 124g (Maltodextrin) |
| Fat | 39g (Rapeseed, Sunflower) | 39g (Rapeseed, Sunflower, Fish Oil) |
| Energy | 1000 kcal | 1000 kcal |
| Fibre | 0g (Fibre-Free) | 0g (Fibre-Free) |
| Lactose | <0.25g | <0.25g |
Additional Ingredients
To ensure stability, absorption, and overall quality, the formula includes several additional ingredients. Water is the primary base, and a soy-based emulsifier (soy lecithin) is used to maintain a consistent mixture. Acidity regulators like citric acid and sodium hydroxide are present to balance the pH of the formula. Carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene, are also added for their antioxidant properties.
The Role of Each Ingredient Type
The diverse ingredient list is not accidental but purposefully engineered for patient care. The water provides hydration, and the maltodextrin offers a readily available energy source. Casein delivers essential amino acids for tissue repair and maintenance. The vegetable oils supply crucial fatty acids and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Finally, the extensive vitamin and mineral blend, particularly the reduced sodium content, is designed to meet the nutritional needs of patients who have specific medical restrictions, making it a complete nutritional solution under medical supervision. All components are carefully chosen to ensure the formula is nutritionally complete while remaining low in sodium, fibre-free, and lactose-free.
Conclusion
Nutrison Low Sodium is a carefully formulated enteral feed with a specific purpose: to provide complete, balanced nutrition while adhering to a low sodium restriction. Its ingredients, which include milk-derived protein (caseinate), maltodextrin, and a blend of vegetable oils, are supported by a full profile of vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids. The formulation is fibre and lactose-free, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs under medical supervision. Understanding this precise combination of ingredients is key to appreciating how the product delivers comprehensive nutritional support for those with conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and renal impairment. For optimal patient outcomes, this formula should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
To learn more about the science behind different nutritional formulations, consult authoritative resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) on PubMed, which hosts numerous studies on nutritional science.
[ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/]
