What drinks help with malnutrition?

According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition includes not only undernutrition but also overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing undernutrition often requires focusing on high-calorie, high-protein options, and specific nutritional drinks can be a highly effective way to increase nutrient intake when appetite is low or chewing is difficult. This guide explores what drinks help with malnutrition and why they are so beneficial.

Quick Summary

This guide covers the best commercial and homemade drinks for combating undernutrition, detailing high-calorie and high-protein choices like fortified milk, smoothies, and oral nutritional supplements. It provides practical recipes and advice on how to effectively increase nutrient intake.

Key Points

• High-Calorie Boost Drinks: Commercial products like Boost Very High Calorie provide a significant energy and protein boost for rapid weight gain.

• Fortified Milk is Simple: Adding skimmed milk powder and double cream to whole milk significantly increases its calorie and protein content for daily use.

• Smoothies Offer Customization: Homemade smoothies with ingredients like whole milk, yogurt, nut butter, and fruit can be tailored to individual tastes and nutritional needs.

• Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) are Effective: Studies confirm that ONS, like Ensure and Boost, can improve nutrient intake, body weight, and functional status.

• Juices and Kefir Offer Nutrient Support: Nutrient-rich juices and probiotic-rich drinks like kefir can supplement intake, especially for those who prefer non-milk options.

• Prioritize Whole-Food Ingredients: Opt for smoothies and shakes with whole food sources and minimal added sugars for more balanced nutrition.

• Use High-Protein Powders: Incorporating protein powder into shakes enhances muscle mass maintenance and tissue repair, crucial for malnourished individuals.

Why Drinks Are a Vital Tool for Addressing Malnutrition

When someone is undernourished, they often lack the appetite or physical ability to consume enough solid food. Liquid nutrition offers a concentrated, easily consumed source of calories and vital nutrients. This approach can be especially beneficial for older adults, individuals recovering from illness, or those undergoing medical treatments that affect appetite, such as chemotherapy. Drinks can be customized to provide a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Commercial Nutritional Drinks

Commercial oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are scientifically formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition in a convenient liquid format. They are readily available and can be an excellent option for those who require a consistent and reliable source of nutrients.

Types of Commercial ONS

• Standard ONS: Products like Boost and Ensure are widely known. They offer a balanced mix of macronutrients and are often fortified with a full range of vitamins and minerals.
• High-Calorie ONS: For individuals needing to gain weight quickly, high-calorie versions like Boost Very High Calorie provide a concentrated dose of energy, with up to 530 calories per serving.
• High-Protein ONS: Options such as Boost High Protein and Ensure High Protein focus on a higher protein content, which is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and repairing tissue.
• Condition-Specific Formulas: Some products, like Glucerna, are designed for specific health conditions, such as diabetes, to help manage blood sugar levels while providing nutrition.

Homemade High-Calorie and High-Protein Drinks

Creating your own nutritional drinks at home allows for customization based on taste preferences and dietary needs. These can often be more appealing and cost-effective than commercial options.

Homemade Fortified Milk

Fortified milk is a simple and effective way to increase the nutrient density of regular milk.

• Basic Recipe: Whisk 2-4 heaped tablespoons of skimmed milk powder into one pint of whole milk.
• Use Cases: Use this fortified milk in hot chocolate, coffee, milkshakes, or pour it over cereal to add extra calories and protein throughout the day.

High-Calorie Smoothies

Smoothies can be packed with nutrient-dense ingredients to provide a significant energy boost.

• Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blend whole milk, a large banana, peanut butter, and a scoop of protein powder for a calorie-rich shake with healthy fats.
• Berry Yogurt Shake: Combine whole milk, Greek yogurt, frozen mixed berries, and honey for a shake high in protein and antioxidants.
• Add-ins: Boost the calorie and nutrient content with additions like avocado, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or high-calorie supplements like Duocal.

Comparison of Commercial vs. Homemade Drinks

Feature	Commercial Nutritional Drinks	Homemade Nutritional Drinks
Convenience	Ready-to-drink, no preparation needed.	Requires preparation and fresh ingredients.
Cost	Generally more expensive, especially high-calorie versions.	Often more cost-effective, using common kitchen ingredients.
Nutrient Consistency	Standardized, precise nutrient ratios in every serving.	Nutrient content can vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Customization	Limited to available flavors and formulations.	Fully customizable for individual taste, allergies, and dietary needs.
Specialized Needs	Formulas designed for specific conditions (e.g., diabetes).	Easier to create allergen-free (e.g., dairy-free, gluten-free) options.
Taste Fatigue	Can lead to taste fatigue over time with limited flavors.	Endless flavor combinations to prevent boredom.

The Role of Juices and Other Liquids

While less calorically dense than fortified milks or smoothies, certain juices and other liquids can still play a supportive role in fighting malnutrition.

Nutrient-Rich Juices

Pure fruit juices can provide quick-acting carbohydrates and essential vitamins, especially vitamin C. Fortified juices, such as Fortijuice, contain added protein and nutrients for those who prefer non-milk-based options.

Other Nourishing Fluids

• Coconut Water: While lower in calories, it's a good source of electrolytes.
• Kefir: This fermented milk drink is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which support gut health.
• Protein Water: For those who don't like milky drinks, clear protein waters can be a source of easily digestible protein.

Considerations for Using Drinks to Combat Malnutrition

• Professional Guidance: Always consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before starting a new nutritional regimen, especially if dealing with severe malnutrition or specific medical conditions.
• Fluid Overload: For some medical conditions, such as those with fluid restriction, high-volume drinks may be unsuitable. It is crucial to monitor fluid intake as recommended by a doctor.
• Preventing Taste Fatigue: Offer a variety of flavors and types of drinks to prevent patients from getting tired of them. Rotating between homemade smoothies, commercial supplements, and fortified milks can help.
• Sip Between Meals: To avoid reducing appetite at mealtimes, encourage sipping nutritional drinks as snacks rather than immediately before a meal.
• Watch for Added Sugar: While calories are needed, be mindful of excessive added sugars in commercial drinks and homemade recipes. Opt for natural sweeteners and nutrient-dense additions where possible.

Conclusion

For individuals combating undernutrition, incorporating nutritional drinks into their diet is an effective strategy to increase calorie, protein, and micronutrient intake. Whether through convenient commercial supplements like Boost and Ensure, or with customizable homemade creations such as fortified milkshakes and high-calorie smoothies, liquid nutrition provides a vital and often more palatable option. By understanding the available choices and consulting with a healthcare professional, a targeted and successful nutritional plan can be implemented to help improve overall health and combat malnutrition effectively. For more details on nutritional strategies, you can explore resources from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or consult a registered dietitian.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO): Malnutrition - Fact sheets
• Mayo Clinic: No appetite? How to get nutrition during cancer treatment
• Carewell: The 5 Best High-Calorie Nutrition Shakes & Meals on Carewell
• Harvard Health: Supplemental nutrition drinks: help or hype?
• Eat Well Nutrition: Oral Nutrition Supplements An Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best drink for extreme malnutrition?

For severe cases of malnutrition, commercially prepared, high-calorie oral nutritional supplements (ONS) like Boost Very High Calorie or Ensure Plus are often recommended under medical supervision. They provide a concentrated, balanced mix of calories, protein, and nutrients crucial for refeeding.

Can homemade drinks effectively treat malnutrition?

Yes, homemade drinks can be highly effective. Fortified milks and high-calorie smoothies made with ingredients like whole milk, yogurt, nut butters, and protein powder can significantly increase calorie and protein intake.

Are nutritional drinks safe for diabetics with malnutrition?

There are specific nutritional drinks formulated for individuals with diabetes, such as Glucerna. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure the product chosen aligns with diabetes management needs.

What are some high-protein, dairy-free drinks for malnutrition?

Dairy-free options include smoothies made with fortified non-dairy milks (soy, almond, or oat), vegan protein powder, and nut butters. Clear protein waters and some juice-based oral supplements also provide protein without dairy.

How often should nutritional drinks be consumed?

The frequency depends on individual nutritional needs, but they are often used as snacks between meals. A healthcare professional can provide a personalized plan, but a common guideline is up to three servings per day.

Can clear juices help with malnutrition?

While not as calorie-dense as milk-based drinks, fortified fruit juices or specific oral supplements like Fortijuice can be beneficial, especially for those who dislike milky flavors or are on a clear fluid diet.

What are the key ingredients for a high-calorie smoothie for weight gain?

Key ingredients include whole milk, full-fat yogurt, a source of healthy fats like avocado or peanut butter, and calorie-dense additions like protein powder, oats, or high-calorie supplements.