What Are the Ingredients in Abbott Osmolite?

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Abbott Nutrition, Osmolite provides complete, balanced nutrition for patients with specific dietary needs, including those requiring tube feeding. Understanding the precise list of what are the ingredients in Abbott Osmolite is crucial for both patients and caregivers.

Quick Summary

This article details the ingredient composition of Abbott Osmolite, outlining its core macronutrients, extensive vitamin and mineral blend, and other functional additives. It clarifies differences between product variants and addresses common dietary considerations.

Key Points

Core Macronutrients: Osmolite is primarily composed of water, corn maltodextrin for carbohydrates, and milk and soy proteins.
Balanced Fat Blend: The fat profile includes a blend of high-oleic safflower, canola, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils, designed to be easily absorbed.
Rich Vitamin and Mineral Mix: The formula is fortified with a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals to meet or exceed daily requirements for patients.
Variations Exist: Different Osmolite formulas, such as 1.0, 1.2, and 1.5 Cal, have varying caloric densities and ingredient concentrations to suit different needs.
Allergen Information: All Osmolite products contain milk and soy. They are gluten-free and suitable for lactose intolerance, but not for individuals with galactosemia.
Fiber-Free Formula: Osmolite is explicitly formulated without fiber, which distinguishes it from other products like Jevity and makes it suitable for specific dietary requirements.

Core Ingredients of Abbott Osmolite

Abbott Osmolite is a medical food formulated to provide complete, balanced nutrition for patients who cannot meet their needs through normal eating. The specific ingredients can vary slightly depending on the caloric density (e.g., 1.0 Cal, 1.2 Cal, 1.5 Cal) and regional formulation, but the core components remain consistent.

The Macronutrient Foundation

Water: The primary and most abundant ingredient, serving as the solvent for all other components.
Carbohydrates: The main source of energy is corn maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate that is easy to digest. Some formulations may also contain corn syrup solids.
Proteins: The formula utilizes a blend of high-quality proteins. The main sources are milk-derived sodium and calcium caseinates, along with soy protein isolate. This combination provides a complete amino acid profile.
Fats: A specialized fat blend is included to aid digestion, particularly for patients with malabsorption issues. The fats come from several sources:
- High oleic safflower oil
- Canola oil
- Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) from modified coconut or palm kernel oils

Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Additives

Osmolite is fortified with a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals to meet or exceed the recommended daily intakes for adults when consumed in sufficient quantities.

Key Micronutrients

Here is a list of some of the important micronutrients found in Osmolite:

Vitamins:
- Vitamin A (including Beta-Carotene)
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- B Vitamins (Thiamine, Riboflavin, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid)
- Choline
Minerals:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Copper
- Iodine
- Selenium
- Chromium
- Molybdenum

Other Functional Ingredients

Emulsifiers: Soy lecithin helps keep the fat and water-soluble ingredients blended evenly throughout the formula.
Stabilizers: Ingredients such as carrageenan, cellulose gel, and cellulose gum prevent separation and ensure a consistent texture.
Conditionally Essential Nutrients: Osmolite is fortified with Taurine and L-Carnitine, which are important for metabolic processes, especially in patients who are malnourished or critically ill.

Comparison: Osmolite vs. Jevity and Product Variants

One of the key differences between Osmolite and other Abbott products like Jevity is the presence of fiber. Osmolite is a fiber-free formula, while Jevity contains added fiber to promote bowel regularity. Below is a table comparing the features of several Osmolite products and Jevity to highlight how their formulas differ based on patient needs.


Feature	Osmolite 1.0 Cal	Osmolite 1.2 Cal	Osmolite 1.5 Cal	Jevity 1.5 Cal
Energy Density (Cal/mL)	1.0	1.2	1.5	1.5
Protein Content (g/L)	42	55.5	62.7	63.8
Fiber Content	None	None	None	Yes
Fat Sources	Canola, Corn, MCT	High Oleic Safflower, Canola, MCT	High Oleic Safflower, Canola, MCT	Varies, contains fiber
Lactose Suitability	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Allergens	Milk, Soy	Milk, Soy	Milk, Soy	Milk, Soy

Important Considerations and Who Needs Osmolite

Osmolite is intended for use under medical supervision. It is commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, including malnutrition, pre- and post-operation needs, or for patients with limited volume tolerance who require a concentrated source of calories and protein.

While highly beneficial for many, there are important usage guidelines. Osmolite is not for individuals with galactosemia. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate nutritional formula for your needs. For the most up-to-date ingredient and nutritional information, it is best to refer directly to the manufacturer's official resources.

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients in Abbott Osmolite combine to form a complete and balanced liquid nutritional formula. Its composition of water, easily digestible carbohydrates, a high-quality protein blend from milk and soy, and a therapeutic fat blend including MCTs, is fortified with a wide spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. The formula is designed to be free of fiber and suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. For specific patient needs, different caloric densities are available, and medical supervision is recommended for proper use. An understanding of these components helps ensure informed dietary management for those relying on enteral nutrition.

This article provides general information. For detailed product specifications, visit the Abbott Nutrition website: Abbott Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Abbott confirms Osmolite is a source of complete, balanced nutrition, often used as a sole or supplemental source for patients under medical supervision.

Standard Osmolite formulas are fiber-free, which is a key differentiator from other formulas like Jevity. Always check the product label for specific formulation details, as variants may exist.

Yes, Osmolite is formulated to be suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, although it does contain milk and soy ingredients.

Yes, Abbott offers various versions, such as Osmolite 1.0 Cal, Osmolite 1.2 Cal, and Osmolite 1.5 Cal, which differ in caloric density and protein concentration.

The primary protein sources are sodium and calcium caseinates, which are derived from milk, along with soy protein isolate.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are included because they are more easily digested than other fats and are beneficial for patients who have difficulty absorbing dietary lipids.

No, Osmolite should not be used by individuals with galactosemia. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for alternative options.

The main difference is the presence of fiber. Osmolite formulas are fiber-free, while Jevity formulas contain added dietary fiber.