What is Fresubin Level 2? An Overview
Fresubin Level 2 thickened drink is a ready-to-use, high-energy, and high-protein oral nutritional supplement designed for individuals facing or at risk of disease-related malnutrition, particularly those with dysphagia. Developed by Fresenius Kabi, it is a Food for Special Medical Purposes and must be used under medical supervision. The drink is formulated to a 'mildly thick' consistency, corresponding to Level 2 on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. This consistency helps ease swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration, a common complication of dysphagia.
Key Features of Fresubin Level 2
- High Energy: Each 200ml bottle provides 300 kcal, making it energy-dense to support individuals who have difficulty consuming sufficient calories from regular food.
- High Protein: With 20g of protein per 200ml bottle, it helps maintain muscle mass and supports tissue repair, which is crucial for patients with increased protein requirements.
- Thickened Consistency: The pre-thickened, mildly thick (IDDSI Level 2) formula ensures swallow safety, reducing the risk of fluids entering the lungs.
- Nutritionally Complete: It contains a balanced blend of milk protein, vegetable oils, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to provide comprehensive nutritional support.
- Allergen-Friendly: The product is clinically free from lactose and gluten, making it suitable for those with related intolerances.
- Added Fibre: Contains fibre to help support healthy gut function.
Who Can Benefit from Fresubin Level 2?
Fresubin Level 2 is prescribed for specific patient populations. It is not a casual dietary drink but a medical food intended to manage nutritional deficiencies and swallowing issues. Some of the primary beneficiaries include:
- Dysphagia patients: Individuals with difficulty swallowing, who require thickened fluids to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
- Elderly patients: Older adults who often have increased nutritional needs and may experience age-related swallowing difficulties.
- Patients with disease-related malnutrition: Those who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through regular oral intake due to an illness.
- Post-operative patients: Individuals recovering from surgery who may temporarily require a modified diet to ensure adequate nutrition and hydration.
- Individuals on fluid restrictions: The high-calorie, nutrient-dense formula allows for a significant nutritional intake in a small volume, beneficial for patients on restricted fluid regimens.
Fresubin Level 2 vs. Other Nutritional Drinks
Understanding how Fresubin Level 2 compares to other nutritional supplements can help clarify its specific purpose. The key difference often lies in the consistency and nutritional composition.
| Feature | Fresubin Level 2 | Standard Nutritional Drink (e.g., Fresubin 2 kcal Drink) | Other Thickened Supplements (e.g., Fresubin Level 3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consistency (IDDSI) | Level 2 (Mildly Thick) | Not thickened; thin fluid | Level 3 (Moderately Thick) |
| Energy (per 200ml) | 300 kcal | 400 kcal | 300 kcal |
| Protein (per 200ml) | 20g | 20g | 20g |
| Primary Use | Dysphagia management and malnutrition | Malnutrition, fluid restriction, and general nutritional support | Severe dysphagia requiring a thicker consistency |
| Primary Benefit | Safe swallowing for mildly impaired patients | Maximum nutritional intake in a minimum volume | Safe swallowing for moderately impaired patients |
How to Safely Administer Fresubin Level 2
Proper administration is crucial to ensure patient safety and effectiveness. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional. Here are general instructions:
- Medical Supervision: Only use Fresubin Level 2 under the supervision of a doctor, dietitian, or speech and language therapist.
- Shake Gently: Before serving, shake the bottle gently to ensure the contents are well-mixed. Do not shake vigorously.
- Best Served Chilled: Many patients find the taste more palatable when the drink is served chilled.
- Use Within 24 Hours: Once the bottle is opened, refrigerate any unused portion and consume it within 24 hours.
- Drink Slowly: Encourage the patient to drink slowly and take small sips to further aid in safe swallowing.
- Check for Contraindications: Be aware of any contraindications mentioned by the healthcare provider, such as acute gastrointestinal bleeding or specific metabolic conditions.
Conclusion
Fresubin Level 2 thickened drink is a specialized medical food designed to provide safe, high-energy, and high-protein nutritional support for individuals with dysphagia and disease-related malnutrition. Its IDDSI Level 2 (mildly thick) consistency helps minimize the risk of aspiration, ensuring safer swallowing. By following a healthcare professional's guidance, this supplement can be an effective part of a patient's dietary management plan to meet their unique nutritional needs and improve their overall health outcomes.
Potential Side Effects and Contraindications
While Fresubin Level 2 is generally well-tolerated, there are potential side effects and situations where it is not suitable. Common digestive issues may occur, especially when starting the supplement. Always consult with a healthcare professional before use. Potential side effects can include nausea, bloating, or diarrhea, although these are often temporary. Additionally, the supplement is not recommended for individuals with specific metabolic disorders, such as galactosaemia. It is also not suitable for young children under three years of age.
For more detailed product information, you can visit the Fresubin official website.
List of Key Nutrients
Each 100ml of Fresubin Level 2 contains the following primary nutrients:
- Energy: 150 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 6.7g
- Carbohydrates: 12.0g
- Fibre: 0.83g
These values are for the Vanilla flavour, though specifics can vary slightly between flavours. The drink also includes a comprehensive range of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements to provide balanced nutrition.
