What is Nutricia Protein Plus Multifibre?
Nutricia protein plus Multifibre, also known as Nutrison Protein Plus Multi Fibre, is a medical food product designed for enteral tube feeding. It is a nutritionally complete liquid formula intended for use under strict medical supervision. Unlike oral nutritional supplements, this product is specifically manufactured for delivery through a feeding tube, catering to patients who cannot meet their nutritional needs through regular oral intake. The formula is energy-dense, providing 1.28 kcal/ml to ensure adequate caloric intake without requiring an excessive fluid volume. This makes it a crucial tool in the dietary management of patients with disease-related malnutrition and other conditions leading to increased protein requirements. It is suitable as a sole source of nutrition when directed by a healthcare professional.
Key Nutritional Components
The formulation of Nutricia protein plus Multifibre is tailored to address specific dietary requirements through several key components:
- High Protein Content: The formula contains a significant amount of protein (63g per 1000ml) from a unique P4 protein blend. This blend includes whey, casein, soy, and pea proteins, aligning with international guidelines for protein quality and amino acid profiles. The whey-dominant nature supports faster gastric emptying and better tolerance for some patients.
- MF6 Multifibre Blend: A patented blend of six different soluble and insoluble fibres (soy polysaccharides, cellulose, resistant starch, gum arabic, oligofructose, and inulin) is included to help maintain normal bowel function. This is particularly important for patients on long-term enteral nutrition to prevent issues like constipation or diarrhea.
- Enhanced Lipid Profile: The feed is enriched with fish oils (providing DHA and EPA) and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs). The MCTs are included to aid fat absorption, especially in patients who may have difficulty absorbing long-chain fats.
- Comprehensive Micronutrient Profile: The formula is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, ensuring that patients receive a full complement of nutrients to support their recovery and health.
Who is Nutricia Protein Plus Multifibre For?
This product is indicated for a range of medical conditions that increase a patient's nutritional needs and may prevent them from consuming enough orally. A healthcare professional must determine its usage based on the patient's specific diagnosis and nutritional assessment.
Clinical Applications
- Disease-Related Malnutrition: This is a primary indication for its use, especially when compounded by moderate stress or specific illnesses.
- Increased Protein Requirements: Conditions such as postoperative recovery, severe burns, infections, and pressure ulcers elevate the body's need for protein, which this formula is designed to meet.
- Intensive Care: Hyperglycaemic patients in intensive care units who require glucose control can be managed with this high-protein, fibre-enriched feed.
- Long-Term Enteral Feeding: For patients on prolonged tube feeding, the multifibre blend helps maintain regular intestinal motility.
- Pre- and Post-operative Undernourished Patients: It is used to prepare undernourished patients for surgery and support their recovery afterwards.
Comparison: Nutricia Protein Plus Multifibre vs. Standard Enteral Feed
| Feature | Nutricia Protein Plus Multifibre | Standard Enteral Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Content | High (e.g., 6.3g/100ml) | Typically lower (e.g., ~4g/100ml) |
| Fibre Content | Fibre-enriched with patented MF6 blend | May contain no fibre or a basic fibre blend |
| Energy Density | Moderately high (e.g., 1.28 kcal/ml) | Often standard (e.g., 1.0 kcal/ml) |
| Protein Blend | Specialized P4 blend (whey, casein, soy, pea) | May use a simpler or single protein source |
| Fat Profile | Enriched with MCTs, DHA, and EPA | Less specialized fat profile, fewer added fatty acids |
| Patient Focus | Patients with high protein needs & malnutrition | Broader patient population needing basic nutrition support |
How to Use and Store Nutricia Protein Plus Multifibre
For proper administration and safety, healthcare professionals must follow specific guidelines for Nutricia protein plus Multifibre. The product arrives ready-to-use and should not be diluted or mixed with medications. Always shake the bottle or pack well before use to ensure the contents are properly mixed. The feed should be administered at room temperature and handled aseptically to maintain sterility. The container can be directly attached to a feeding set for a closed system.
After opening, any unused portion of the product must be stored correctly. Aseptic handling allows an opened pack to be used for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Any contents left unused after this period must be discarded.
Important Precautions and Contraindications
There are several important precautions and contraindications associated with using this product. It is crucial for healthcare providers and caregivers to be aware of these before and during use:
- Medical Supervision: The product is a 'Food for Special Medical Purposes' and must only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
- Not for Parenteral Use: It must not be administered intravenously.
- Age Restrictions: It is not suitable for infants under one year of age. Caution is required when administering to children aged 1-6 years, with careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.
- Allergen and Tolerance Warnings: Patients with galactosemia, cow's milk protein allergy, or a seafood allergy should not use this product due to its ingredients.
- Fibre-Free Diet: The formula contains fibre and is therefore not suitable for patients who require a fibre-free diet.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Patients with gastrointestinal failure, complete intestinal failure, or major intra-abdominal sepsis should not use this product.
Conclusion
Nutricia protein plus Multifibre is a highly specialized enteral formula designed for patients requiring intensive nutritional support due to disease-related malnutrition or other conditions. Its high protein concentration from a multi-protein blend and the inclusion of a patented MF6 multifibre blend and beneficial fats make it a targeted solution for complex clinical needs. However, as a medical product, its use is strictly reserved for patients under medical supervision, with specific contraindications and precautions to consider. For a definitive treatment plan, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential.
For more details on the product, consult the official Nutricia UK website Nutricia UK website.
