What is Altraplen nutrition drinks? An overview
Altraplen is a brand of ready-to-drink oral nutritional supplements (ONS) manufactured by Nualtra. These drinks are specifically designed as a "Food for Special Medical Purposes" and must be used under medical supervision. The product line includes several variations, such as Altraplen Energy, Altraplen Protein, and Altraplen Compact Daily, each formulated with a different focus on energy, protein, or compactness to suit various patient needs.
Altraplen drinks are used for the dietary management of patients who are at risk of or suffering from disease-related malnutrition. This can include individuals recovering from surgery, those with chronic illnesses, or older adults with a poor appetite. They provide a concentrated source of calories, protein, and a comprehensive range of vitamins and minerals to supplement or serve as a sole source of nutrition.
Core nutritional components
Altraplen drinks are packed with key nutritional components to aid recovery and manage malnutrition effectively. A typical 200ml or 250ml bottle provides a high amount of energy and protein, along with 27-28 essential vitamins and minerals.
- Protein: High-quality milk protein helps to maintain and build muscle mass, which is critical for recovery and for patients experiencing muscle wasting due to illness.
- Energy (Calories): The high-energy formula helps meet the increased caloric needs of patients who are malnourished or have a poor appetite. For example, Altraplen Compact Daily delivers 600 kcal in a single 250ml bottle, making it an efficient solution.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Each drink is fortified with a complete profile of vitamins and minerals, ensuring patients receive all the micronutrients necessary for overall health.
- Macronutrient Balance: The drinks are formulated with a balanced blend of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to provide sustained energy and support metabolic functions.
Benefits of Altraplen drinks
Utilizing Altraplen nutrition drinks under medical guidance can offer several significant benefits for patients facing nutritional challenges:
- Combats Malnutrition: The concentrated, nutritionally complete formula helps prevent and reverse disease-related malnutrition.
- Supports Recovery: The high protein content aids in tissue repair and muscle recovery, which is vital post-surgery or during illness.
- Improves Energy Levels: By providing a dense source of calories, Altraplen helps boost energy for individuals with low appetite or fatigue.
- Convenient and Easy to Consume: Ready-to-drink and available in various flavors, they are easy for patients to consume, even those with difficulty eating solid foods.
- Smaller Serving Size: Products like Altraplen Compact offer a high concentration of nutrients in a smaller volume, ideal for patients who find it difficult to finish larger servings.
How to use Altraplen nutrition drinks
As with any Food for Special Medical Purposes, Altraplen should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, such as a dietitian or physician.
- Shake Well: Always shake the bottle thoroughly before consumption to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed.
- Serving Temperature: The drinks can be served chilled, at room temperature, or even gently heated (taking care not to boil them). They can also be frozen into ice-lollies for a cooling treat.
- Consumption: They can be consumed slowly throughout the day or added to food items like milkshakes, custard, or porridge to fortify meals.
- Storage: Once opened, any unused portion should be consumed within 4 hours or refrigerated and used within 24 hours.
Altraplen variations and usage
Different Altraplen products are tailored for specific nutritional needs:
- Altraplen Energy: For general dietary supplementation or as a sole source of nutrition for patients at risk of malnutrition.
- Altraplen Protein: Specifically formulated for patients with increased protein requirements, such as those with chronic wounds or post-surgery.
- Altraplen Compact Daily: Provides a high dose of calories and protein in a single compact serving for those needing full daily support in one go.
Comparison: Altraplen vs. other nutritional drinks
Altraplen is often compared with other popular nutritional supplements like Ensure Plus, Fortisip, and Fresubin. The choice of product depends on the specific nutritional needs and tolerances of the patient.
| Feature | Altraplen Compact | Ensure Plus | Fortisip | Fresubin Energy | Altraplen Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 300 kcal (125ml) | 300 kcal (200ml) | 300 kcal (200ml) | 300 kcal (200ml) | 300 kcal (200ml) |
| Protein (g) | 12g (125ml) | 12.5g (200ml) | 12g (200ml) | 11.2g (200ml) | 20g (200ml) |
| Serving Size | 125ml | 200ml | 200ml | 200ml | 200ml |
| Key Advantage | High energy in a smaller volume, easier to consume for patients with reduced capacity. | Widely available and well-known brand. | A standard, well-rounded ONS option. | A standard ONS option with various flavours. | High protein content is ideal for specific medical needs like wound healing. |
| Primary Use | Malnutrition risk, poor appetite. | Nutritional support, appetite loss. | Malnutrition management. | Malnutrition management. | Increased protein requirements. |
Potential side effects and precautions
While generally well-tolerated, some precautions and potential side effects should be noted. Altraplen drinks contain milk protein and soya, making them unsuitable for patients with related allergies. They are also contraindicated for individuals with Galactosaemia.
- Medical Supervision: It is crucial to use Altraplen under medical supervision, especially for children under 6 years of age, though it is not suitable for children under 3.
- Not for IV Use: Altraplen is for oral and enteral use only; it must not be administered intravenously.
- Digestive Issues: Some individuals may experience digestive issues, which should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Adjustments to the dosage or timing may be necessary.
Conclusion
In summary, Altraplen nutrition drinks are a line of medically supervised, high-energy, high-protein oral supplements designed to help manage disease-related malnutrition. They offer a convenient, nutritionally complete solution for patients with increased dietary needs or reduced appetites due to illness, surgery, or chronic conditions. With different product variations available, healthcare providers can tailor the specific Altraplen drink to a patient's unique requirements. Proper usage under medical supervision and an understanding of the nutritional content and potential precautions are essential to maximizing their benefits for supporting health and recovery.
