What is Nestle Health Science Resource Plus?
Nestle Health Science Resource Plus is a food for special medical purposes, which must be used under medical supervision. It is a nutritionally complete, high-calorie liquid formula specifically developed to help patients with increased nutritional needs or fluid restrictions meet their dietary requirements. It provides a concentrated source of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals in a relatively small volume, making it an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty consuming large quantities of food.
Core Functions and Features
- High-Calorie Density: At 1.5 kcal/mL, it offers more calories per serving than many standard nutritional drinks.
- High Protein Content: The formula is rich in high-quality protein from milk caseinates and soy protein isolates, essential for tissue repair and muscle mass maintenance.
- Complete Nutrition: It is fortified with a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals to provide comprehensive nutritional support.
- Versatile Administration: Resource Plus is suitable for both oral consumption as a supplement and for use as a sole source of nutrition via a feeding tube.
Who is Resource Plus For?
This specialized formula is indicated for the dietary management of adults facing various health challenges that lead to malnutrition or increased nutritional requirements. Key patient groups include:
- Malnutrition: Patients who are malnourished or at risk of becoming malnourished.
- Decreased Appetite: Individuals experiencing a reduced appetite, often due to illness or advanced age.
- Involuntary Weight Loss: Those who are unintentionally losing weight.
- Geriatric Nutrition: Elderly patients with specific nutritional needs or difficulty eating.
- Oncology: Cancer patients, who often have increased energy needs and experience decreased appetite due to treatment.
- Oral Surgery: Patients recovering from oral or facial surgery who are unable to chew or swallow solid food.
- Fluid Restriction: Individuals who need to limit their fluid intake while still requiring high caloric content.
Nutritional Breakdown of Resource Plus
The formula contains a blend of macronutrients tailored to support recovery and meet heightened energy demands. The composition typically includes:
- Protein: A blend of sodium and calcium caseinates from milk and soy protein isolates, providing all essential amino acids.
- Carbohydrates: Maltodextrin and sucrose are used as primary energy sources.
- Fats: A mix of vegetable oils, such as high oleic sunflower and low erucic acid rapeseed, contributes essential fatty acids.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A complete profile of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, D, and B12.
Comparison: Resource Plus vs. Other Nutritional Drinks
Understanding the differences between nutritional supplements can help healthcare providers select the right product. Here is a comparison of Resource Plus with two other common options:
| Feature | Nestle Health Science Resource Plus | Nestle Health Science Resource 2.0 | Abbott Nutrition Ensure Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | 1.5 kcal/mL | 2.0 kcal/mL | 1.5 kcal/mL |
| Ideal Patient | Malnutrition, involuntary weight loss, oncology support, geriatric nutrition | Patients with severe fluid restrictions, volume intolerance, or very high energy needs | General nutritional support, weight management, recovery |
| Protein Source | Milk caseinates and soy protein isolates | Primarily milk proteins (caseinates) | Caseinates and soy protein |
| Lactose Content | Lactose-free | Lactose-free (but not for galactosemia) | Lactose-free |
| Key Differentiator | Balanced, high-calorie density for broader malnutrition needs | Highest calorie density per volume for extreme cases of fluid restriction | General nutritional supplement with broader availability and focus |
Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects
As with any medical food, there are important usage guidelines and potential side effects associated with Resource Plus:
Usage Restrictions
- Medical Supervision: It is imperative that this product be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or registered dietitian.
- Contraindications: It is not suitable for individuals with galactosemia.
- Age Limit: Resource Plus is not recommended for children under 4 years old.
Possible Side Effects
Patients may experience some side effects, especially during the initial stages of use. These can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal cramps
- Increased thirst
These symptoms can often be managed by adjusting the rate or volume of administration under medical guidance. A full list of ingredients and warnings can be found on the Nestlé Health Science website.
Conclusion
Nestle Health Science Resource Plus is a vital medical nutrition product designed for adults who cannot meet their dietary needs through regular food intake due to specific health conditions. Its high-calorie, protein-rich, and nutritionally-complete formula makes it a powerful tool in combating malnutrition, unintentional weight loss, and other medical issues, whether taken orally or via tube. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine if Resource Plus is the right nutritional solution for your specific needs.
For additional information and to verify the most current product details, refer to the official Nestlé Health Science website.
