What is Jevity 1.5 kcal? A Comprehensive Guide

Jevity 1.5 kcal is a high-calorie, high-protein, fiber-enriched liquid nutritional supplement used for both oral and tube feeding. This therapeutic formula is designed to provide complete, balanced nutrition for patients who have increased caloric needs or require concentrated nutrients in a limited volume.

Quick Summary

Jevity 1.5 kcal is a complete, calorically dense nutritional formula with added fiber, used for medical purposes under supervision to support weight gain and proper digestion.

Key Points

• Calorically Dense: Provides 1.5 calories per mL, making it ideal for patients needing high energy intake in a restricted fluid volume.

• High Protein: Contains a high percentage of protein to support tissue maintenance, repair, and overall recovery.

• Fiber-Fortified: Includes a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, like scFOS, to aid in moderate bowel function and promote gut health.

• Complete Nutrition: Meets or exceeds the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) for numerous essential vitamins and minerals in a typical daily volume.

• Versatile Use: Can be administered via tube feeding or used as an oral supplement for patients with impaired oral intake or altered taste perception.

• Special Dietary Needs: It is lactose-free, gluten-free, Kosher, and Halal certified.

• Medical Supervision: Requires use under a healthcare professional's supervision for appropriate administration and monitoring.

What is Jevity 1.5 kcal?

Jevity 1.5 kcal, manufactured by Abbott Nutrition, is a specialized medical food providing a calorically dense and protein-rich liquid formula. Its designation of '1.5 kcal' signifies its energy density, delivering 1.5 calories per milliliter, which is higher than standard nutritional formulas. This concentration makes it an effective solution for patients who need substantial caloric intake but can only tolerate smaller fluid volumes due to various medical conditions. It is used under medical supervision as a sole or supplemental source of nutrition and can be administered via tube feeding or consumed orally, especially by patients with altered taste perception.

Key Nutritional Components

Jevity 1.5 kcal is formulated with a balanced blend of macronutrients and micronutrients to provide complete nutritional support.

• High-Quality Proteins: The formula contains milk and soy proteins (sodium and calcium caseinates, soy protein isolate), which are essential for tissue repair and maintaining lean body mass.
• Balanced Fats: It includes a mix of canola, corn, and medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils. The MCTs are easily absorbed, providing a readily available energy source.
• Complex Carbohydrates: The primary carbohydrate sources are corn maltodextrin and corn syrup solids, providing sustained energy.
• Dietary Fiber: A unique fiber blend, including fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), oat fiber, and soy fiber, helps to moderate bowel function and promote beneficial gut bacteria.
• Essential Micronutrients: The formula is fortified with a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, meeting or exceeding 100% of the Recommended Daily Intake for most micronutrients in a typical daily volume.

Indications for Use

Healthcare professionals may recommend Jevity 1.5 kcal for a variety of conditions, focusing on individuals with heightened nutritional needs or compromised digestive systems.

• Malnutrition or Risk of Malnutrition: Patients who are unable to consume enough food orally due to illness, injury, or a poor appetite can benefit from the high caloric and protein content.
• Increased Metabolic Demand: Conditions like trauma, burns, or surgery can increase the body's need for calories and protein to support healing and recovery.
• Fluid or Volume Restrictions: For patients who cannot tolerate large volumes of fluid, the concentrated nature of Jevity 1.5 kcal ensures adequate nutrition is delivered in a smaller amount.
• Long- or Short-Term Tube Feeding: The formula is suitable for patients receiving nutrition through enteral feeding tubes, such as nasogastric, nasoduodenal, or gastrostomy tubes.
• Bowel Function Management: The fiber blend is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing issues with constipation or diarrhea while on tube feeding.

Jevity 1.5 kcal Administration and Safety

Administration of Jevity 1.5 kcal must be guided by a healthcare provider, such as a dietitian or physician, to ensure appropriate flow rate, volume, and method.

Administration methods:

• Tube Feeding: The formula is ready-to-hang for pump feeding or can be administered via syringe for bolus feeding. It is crucial to follow proper hygiene and administration instructions to minimize microbial contamination.
• Oral Supplementation: For patients who can drink, the formula can be consumed chilled or at room temperature as a supplemental source of nutrition.

Storage recommendations:

• Unopened containers should be stored at room temperature, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
• Once opened, the product should be refrigerated and consumed within 24–48 hours, depending on the container type and method of administration.

Precautions and side effects:

• Common Side Effects: Some patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, especially during the initial phase of feeding. Adjusting the administration rate under medical guidance can help manage these issues.
• Contraindications: Jevity 1.5 kcal is not for intravenous (IV) use and is not suitable for individuals with galactosemia.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the formula continues to meet the patient's evolving nutritional needs and to manage any potential side effects effectively.

Comparison: Jevity 1.5 kcal vs. Other Enteral Formulas

Jevity 1.5 kcal differs from other formulas based on caloric density, protein content, and fiber composition. This comparison table highlights key distinctions from other common enteral products, helping illustrate its specific niche.

Feature	Jevity 1.5 kcal	Jevity 1.0 Cal (Standard)	Ensure Plus (General Supplement)
Energy Density	1.5 kcal/mL	1.0 kcal/mL	1.5 kcal/mL (similar density)
Protein Content	High (e.g., 63.8g/L)	Standard (e.g., 40g/L)	High (e.g., 20g per 220mL)
Fiber Fortified?	Yes, with scFOS and mixed fiber	Yes, with fiber	No, typically low-fiber (depends on variant)
Use Case	High-calorie needs, fluid restriction, malnutrition	General tube feeding, standard nutritional needs	Oral supplementation, general calorie support
Typical Administration	Tube or oral	Tube or oral	Oral (most common)

Conclusion

What is Jevity 1.5 kcal? In summary, it is a specialized, calorically dense, and fiber-fortified nutritional formula designed for medical purposes under supervision. It is a versatile product, suitable for both oral and tube feeding, and specifically formulated for patients with elevated caloric and protein requirements or those with fluid restrictions. Its inclusion of a fiber blend promotes healthy digestion, a crucial aspect for long-term enteral nutrition. While generally well-tolerated, it is vital to use the product under medical guidance to maximize its nutritional benefits and manage any potential side effects effectively. As with any medical food, consulting a healthcare professional is the first step to determining if Jevity 1.5 kcal is the appropriate nutritional support for a patient's individual needs. For more details on nutritional products, visit the manufacturer's website at Abbott Nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jevity 1.5 kcal used for?

Jevity 1.5 kcal is used for patients who have high caloric and protein needs, fluid or volume restrictions, or are at risk of malnutrition. It can be used for short- or long-term tube feeding or as an oral supplement.

Can Jevity 1.5 kcal be used for oral consumption?

Yes, Jevity 1.5 kcal can be used for oral feeding in patients who can drink it, such as those with altered taste perception. It can be consumed chilled or at room temperature.

Is Jevity 1.5 kcal lactose-free?

Yes, Jevity 1.5 kcal is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. It is also gluten-free, Kosher, and Halal.

What are the main ingredients in Jevity 1.5 kcal?

The main ingredients include water, corn maltodextrin, milk and soy proteins (caseinates and isolates), canola oil, corn oil, and MCT oil. It is also fortified with a unique fiber blend and various vitamins and minerals.

Does Jevity 1.5 kcal help with bowel function?

Yes, Jevity 1.5 kcal is formulated with a fiber blend, including prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (scFOS), which helps to support normal bowel function and promote beneficial gut bacteria.

Is Jevity 1.5 kcal suitable for children?

The use of Jevity 1.5 kcal in children should be determined by a healthcare professional. Its high caloric density may not be appropriate for all pediatric patients and is generally intended for adults.

How long can an opened container of Jevity 1.5 kcal be used?

An opened container of Jevity 1.5 kcal should be covered, refrigerated, and consumed within 48 hours. If consuming directly from the container, it should be finished within 24 hours.