What Are Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)?
Oral Nutritional Supplements, or ONS, are commercially prepared formulas designed to provide a concentrated source of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They come in various formats, including ready-to-drink shakes, juices, puddings, and powders. In a hospital setting, dietitians and other healthcare professionals prescribe ONS to address or prevent malnutrition in patients who are unwell, recovering from surgery, or dealing with chronic illnesses. Unlike over-the-counter shakes for casual fitness enthusiasts, these medical-grade supplements are part of a targeted, clinical nutrition plan.
Why Are High-Protein Drinks Used in Hospitals?
Patients in hospital settings, particularly those recovering from surgery or suffering from acute illness, often enter a catabolic state, where the body breaks down muscle tissue for energy. This can be exacerbated by poor appetite or inability to eat, leading to significant muscle loss and delayed recovery. High-protein nutritional supplements are utilized to counteract this effect, offering several key benefits:
- Wound Healing: Protein is a fundamental building block for new tissue. A high protein intake is essential for repairing surgical incisions and other wounds, speeding up the healing process.
- Immune Function: The immune system requires a steady supply of protein to create antibodies and other cells that fight infection. Adequate protein intake helps support a robust immune response, which can be compromised during illness.
- Preserving Muscle Mass: For patients experiencing reduced mobility or physical activity, high-protein supplements help maintain lean body mass and prevent muscle atrophy. This is crucial for overall strength and rehabilitation.
- Increasing Caloric Intake: Many hospital protein drinks are also high in energy (calories), which helps patients maintain their body weight when their normal diet is insufficient.
Common Types and Brands of Hospital Protein Drinks
There is a wide variety of ONS available, and the choice depends on the patient's specific nutritional needs, tolerances, and medical condition. The protein source is a key differentiator, with common options including milk-based proteins and plant-based alternatives.
Milk-based proteins: These are the most common and often use whey and casein. Whey protein isolate is particularly favored for post-operative patients as it is rapidly absorbed and low in lactose. Brands like Ensure and Boost are widely known in this category.
Plant-based proteins: For patients with dairy sensitivities or allergies, plant-based formulas using soy or pea protein are used. Brands like Kate Farms and OWYN offer these alternatives.
Formula types:
- Polymeric formulas: Contain intact nutrients, suitable for most patients with normal digestive function.
- Peptide-based formulas: Use hydrolyzed proteins broken down into smaller molecules, ideal for patients with compromised digestive systems or malabsorption issues.
Popular hospital-grade products include:
- Ensure: A well-established brand offering various formulas, including high-protein and high-calorie options.
- Boost: Another popular brand that provides different versions to meet varying nutritional needs, such as high protein and extra calories.
- Fortisip: Known for its high-energy, high-protein supplements in ready-to-drink formats.
- Sustagen: Used in some regions, offering complete nutrition boosts.
How Are These Drinks Administered?
Most patients consume ONS orally by sipping the ready-to-drink formula. The recommended dosage, typically 1 to 3 servings per day, is determined by a doctor or dietitian based on the patient's individual needs. The drinks can be served chilled or incorporated into other foods. For example, some clinicians might suggest using the powder form to fortify milkshakes, soups, or desserts. For patients who cannot consume food orally, a similar liquid nutrition formula may be delivered via a feeding tube, though this is a different mode of administration.
Common Brands Comparison
| Feature | Ensure High Protein | Boost High Protein | Fortisip Compact Protein | Kate Farms Peptide 1.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein Source | Milk-based (casein, whey) | Milk-based (casein, whey) | Milk-based (cow's milk protein) | Plant-based (hydrolyzed pea protein) |
| Primary Goal | Muscle health and supplemental nutrition | Supplemental nutrition, calories, and protein | Dietary management of disease-related malnutrition | Nutritional support for impaired GI function |
| Form | Ready-to-drink shake | Ready-to-drink shake | Ready-to-drink milkshake style | Ready-to-use liquid formula |
| Serving Size | Varies by specific product | 8 oz serving mentioned | 125ml bottle | Varies by specific product |
| Nutritional Profile | High in protein, low in fat | Higher in protein than Ensure Original, good vitamin source | High energy (306kcal), high protein (18g) per 125ml | Complete, plant-based, organic formula |
| Additional Features | Omega-3s in some formulas | Wide variety of formulations | 28 vitamins and minerals | Organic, free from common allergens |
Conclusion
The protein drinks given in hospitals are not a one-size-fits-all solution but a targeted and medically supervised intervention known as Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS). They are crucial for preventing and managing malnutrition, particularly in patients recovering from surgery, trauma, or serious illness. By providing a concentrated dose of essential protein, energy, and micronutrients, these supplements play a vital role in supporting wound healing, preserving muscle mass, bolstering the immune system, and ultimately accelerating patient recovery. The wide array of available brands and formulas, including milk-based like Ensure and plant-based like Kate Farms, allows clinicians to customize nutritional support to each individual's unique health needs and dietary restrictions. Continued advancements in clinical nutrition ensure that hospital patients receive the best possible dietary care to aid their healing journey.
The Importance of Clinical Guidance
It is essential to understand that hospital protein drinks are part of a clinical treatment plan. A patient's diet is carefully managed by a team of healthcare professionals. Any change in diet, including the use of ONS, is done under medical supervision. This is especially important for patients with underlying conditions like diabetes, where blood sugar levels must be monitored closely when consuming supplements. For more information on the benefits of oral protein supplementation in recovery, see this publication on the NIH website: NIH: Benefits of post-operative oral protein supplementation in surgical patients.
