What are the ingredients in Fresubin?

Over 2 million people worldwide suffer from malnutrition, prompting many healthcare professionals to recommend specialized oral nutritional supplements like Fresubin. Understanding what are the ingredients in Fresubin is essential for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure dietary requirements are met effectively.

Quick Summary

Fresubin is a nutritionally complete oral supplement containing a complex blend of macro- and micronutrients. Key components include milk protein, carbohydrates like maltodextrin and sucrose, and vegetable oils for fats. It is also fortified with a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals to provide balanced nutrition.

Key Points

• Core Macronutrients: Fresubin contains a blend of protein, carbohydrates (primarily maltodextrin and sucrose), and vegetable oils (rapeseed and sunflower).

• Comprehensive Micronutrient Fortification: It is fortified with an extensive list of vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, vitamins A, D, E, K, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

• Product-Specific Ingredients: The precise ingredient list varies by product type; for example, fibre-containing varieties add ingredients like wheat dextrin and inulin, while specialized formulas might include fish oil or collagen.

• Emulsifiers and Stabilisers: Emulsifiers, such as soya lecithins, are used to create a smooth, consistent texture and ensure stability.

• Low Lactose and Gluten-Free: Most standard Fresubin products are low in lactose and gluten-free, catering to common dietary restrictions.

• Water Content: The product's main component is water, which serves as the liquid base for the nutrient blend.

• Flavourings and Acidity Regulators: Additional ingredients are included for taste, with flavourings and acidity regulators ensuring the product is palatable for patients.

Core Macronutrients in Fresubin

Fresubin provides a balanced source of energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The specific composition can vary between different product types, such as standard drinks, high-protein versions, or fiber-enriched formulas.

Protein Sources

Protein is a fundamental component of Fresubin, often derived from milk and soy. The specific type and amount of protein can differ. For example, some specialized versions like the 'PRO DRINK' may also incorporate collagen hydrolysate and higher protein concentrations to support specific needs such as muscle protein synthesis. Milk proteins are included for their high quality and balanced amino acid profile, which are crucial for tissue repair and overall body function. Soy proteins offer a complementary source of plant-based protein in some formulations.

Carbohydrate Composition

Carbohydrates provide the primary source of energy in Fresubin. The main carbohydrate ingredients typically include:

• Maltodextrin: A polysaccharide that provides a slow-releasing source of energy, helping to sustain energy levels.
• Glucose syrup and sucrose: These simple sugars contribute to the product's caloric density and taste.
• Dietary fibre (in specific variants): Products like Fresubin Energy Fibre include sources such as wheat dextrin, inulin from chicory, and cellulose to support digestive health.

Fats and Emulsifiers

The fat content of Fresubin is a blend of vegetable oils, primarily rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, which provide a source of essential fatty acids. Certain formulas, like Fresubin Original Fibre, may also include fish oil to provide EPA and DHA, beneficial for specific dietary needs. Emulsifiers such as soya lecithins (E 471) are used to maintain the smooth, consistent texture of the liquid formula.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients

Fresubin is a nutritionally complete supplement, fortified with a wide array of vitamins and minerals to meet the daily requirements of patients. The exact list can be extensive and includes both water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, along with a variety of trace elements.

Comprehensive Vitamin Profile

The product contains a full spectrum of vitamins vital for different bodily functions:

• Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin C, Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Vitamin B6, Biotin (B7), Folic acid (B9), and Vitamin B12.
• Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K1.

Essential Minerals and Trace Elements

A complex blend of minerals and trace elements supports overall health. This includes crucial components like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper. Trace elements such as fluoride, chromium, molybdenum, iodine, and selenium are also present in balanced quantities.

Additives and Other Components

Beyond the core nutrients, Fresubin contains a number of other ingredients that ensure its quality, palatability, and stability. These include flavourings, acidity regulators like potassium carbonate and citric acid (E 330), and stabilisers such as cellulose and carrageenan in specific formulas. The product is typically low in lactose and gluten-free, with the exception of certain fibre-containing variants that use wheat dextrin.

Comparison of Key Ingredients Across Fresubin Varieties

To highlight the differences between products, here is a comparison table focusing on common versions of Fresubin.

Ingredient Category	Fresubin 2kcal Drink	Fresubin 3.2kcal Drink	Fresubin Energy Fibre Drink
Energy Density	High caloric (2.0 kcal/mL)	Very high caloric (3.2 kcal/mL)	High caloric (1.5 kcal/mL)
Protein Source	Milk protein	Collagen hydrolysate, milk protein	Milk protein
Carbohydrate Source	Glucose syrup, maltodextrin, sucrose	Glucose syrup, sucrose, maltodextrin	Maltodextrin, sucrose, wheat dextrin
Fibre	Fibre-free	Low fibre	High fibre (inulin, cellulose, wheat dextrin)
Fat Source	Sunflower oil, rapeseed oil	Rapeseed oil	Rapeseed oil, sunflower oil
Vitamins/Minerals	Comprehensive profile	Comprehensive profile with high Vitamin D and Calcium	Comprehensive profile
Usage	General malnutrition, fluid restriction	Increased energy/protein needs, fluid restriction	Increased energy needs, supports digestive function

Conclusion: A Complex, Targeted Formula

The ingredients in Fresubin are carefully selected and combined to provide a nutritionally complete and balanced supplement tailored to specific patient needs. From the primary macronutrients like milk protein, maltodextrin, and vegetable oils to the extensive list of vitamins and minerals, each component serves a distinct purpose. Flavourings, emulsifiers, and stabilisers are added to ensure the product is palatable and consistent, enhancing patient compliance. By understanding the detailed ingredient list, healthcare professionals and individuals can better appreciate the targeted nutritional support Fresubin provides for those at risk of malnutrition or with increased dietary requirements.

Sources

• Fresubin® 2KCAL DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (2025). https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/ie/documents/en-documents/fresubin-2-kcal-drink/FRESUBIN%C2%AE%202KCAL%20DRINK%20Datacard.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® Original/Original Fibre - Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresubin/au/products/documents/248/248.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® PRO DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (2023). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/au/products/documents/fresubin-pro-drink/fresubin-pro-drink.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• FRESUBIN® ORIGINAL TUBE FEED - Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). https://www.fresenius-kabi.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/gb/products/product-documents/enteral-nutrition/en-datacards/fresubin-original/Fresubin%C2%AE%20Original%20Tube%20Feed.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® Original DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (2023). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/au/products/documents/fresubin-original-drink/fresubin-original-drink.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® Protein Energy DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (2023). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/au/products/documents/fresubin-protein-energy-drink/fresubin-protein-energy-drink.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® Energy Fibre DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/au/products/documents/fresubin-energy-fibre-drink/fresubin-energy-fibre-drink.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® Energy DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/au/products/documents/fresubin-energy-drink/fresubin-energy-drink.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin® Original DRINK - Fresenius Kabi. (2023). https://www.fresubin.com/content/dam/fresenius-kabi/au/products/documents/fresubin-original-drink/fresubin-original-drink.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf
• Fresubin PLANT-BASED Drink - Fresenius Kabi. (n.d.). https://www.fresubin.com/product-page/fresubin-plant-based-drink

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary protein source in Fresubin?

The primary protein source in many Fresubin products is high-quality milk protein, with some variations also including soya protein or specialized proteins like collagen hydrolysate.

Are Fresubin products lactose-free?

Most standard Fresubin products are low in lactose, making them suitable for many individuals with lactose intolerance.

What are the carbohydrate ingredients in Fresubin?

Carbohydrates in Fresubin typically come from maltodextrin and sucrose (sugar), providing an effective source of energy.

Does Fresubin contain dietary fibre?

While many Fresubin drinks are fibre-free, specific 'Fibre' variants are available, which contain added fibre from sources like inulin, cellulose, and wheat dextrin.

What types of fats are used in Fresubin?

The fats in Fresubin are derived from a blend of vegetable oils, such as rapeseed and sunflower oil. Some specialized versions also include fish oil.

Are there plant-based versions of Fresubin?

Yes, Fresubin offers a plant-based drink for individuals who require or prefer a dairy-free option. It contains soya proteins and other plant-based ingredients.

What is the purpose of additives like emulsifiers in Fresubin?

Additives like emulsifiers (e.g., soya lecithins) are used to maintain the smooth consistency of the liquid formula, preventing separation and ensuring a uniform product.