What is Nutricrem?
Nutricrem is a nutritionally complete oral supplement, typically provided in a convenient dessert format. As a food for special medical purposes, it is formulated to help patients meet their increased nutritional needs when a standard diet is insufficient. The product is ready-to-eat and features a smooth, creamy texture, which significantly improves its palatability and encourages patient compliance. Produced by Nualtra, it is designed for use under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dietitian.
Primary Indications for Use
Nutricrem is prescribed for a variety of clinical scenarios where an individual's nutritional intake is compromised. These primary uses are centered around providing comprehensive nutritional support to manage or prevent malnutrition.
- Dietary Management of Malnutrition: One of the most common applications is for patients at risk of, or already experiencing, disease-related malnutrition. This can be due to various illnesses that increase metabolic demands or reduce appetite.
- Support for Weight Gain: For individuals experiencing unintended weight loss or who are underweight, the high-energy and high-protein content helps to support healthy weight gain and maintenance.
- Increased Nutritional Requirements: People with elevated energy and protein needs due to illness, injury, or surgery can use Nutricrem to supplement their regular diet. It is often prescribed for patients recovering from surgery or managing conditions like cancer.
- Managing Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia): The semi-solid, dessert-like consistency is ideal for patients who have trouble swallowing (dysphagia) and require texture-modified diets.
- Supporting Recovery and Wound Healing: The extra protein and vitamins are crucial for tissue repair and overall recovery, making it useful in post-surgical scenarios and for wound healing.
Nutritional Composition and Benefits
Nutricrem's nutritional profile is optimized for maximum impact in a small, palatable serving. Each 125g pot contains:
- High Energy: 225 kcals per pot provides a substantial energy boost, vital for those with poor appetite or high energy demands.
- High Protein: The 12.5g of protein per pot is essential for preserving muscle mass and supporting recovery, especially during and after illness.
- Vitamin and Mineral Complete: Nutricrem is enriched with a full spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, providing complete nutritional support when used as a sole source of nutrition or as a supplement.
- Dietary-Friendly: It is formulated to be gluten-free and clinically lactose-free, which broadens its suitability for many patients with dietary sensitivities.
Who Can Use Nutricrem?
While primarily for adults, Nutricrem can be used by children over the age of three. However, its use in children aged 3 to 6 years should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional. Specific patient groups often prescribed Nutricrem include:
- Elderly individuals with poor appetite or weight loss.
- Patients undergoing cancer treatment.
- Individuals with cystic fibrosis.
- Anyone recovering from a major illness or surgery.
Nutricrem vs. Other Oral Nutritional Supplements
When compared to other oral nutritional supplements (ONS), Nutricrem offers several distinct advantages, particularly in its formulation and acceptance by patients. Below is a comparison table outlining key differences between Nutricrem and some comparable products like Forticreme Complete, Fresubin Creme, and Ensure Plus Creme.
| Feature | Nutricrem | Other Leading Brands (e.g., Forticreme, Ensure Plus) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Content | Up to 24% more calories per serving. | Lower energy content. | |
| Protein Content | Up to 43% more protein per serving. | Lower protein content. | |
| Sugar Content | Up to 20% fewer sugars. | Higher sugar content. | |
| Compliance Rate | Reportedly over 90% in independent studies. | Industry average less than 80%. | |
| Texture | Palatable and creamy dessert-style. | Similar but may vary. | , |
The higher calorie and protein density, combined with lower sugar content, can be beneficial for patients requiring intensive nutritional support without excess sugar intake.
How to Use Nutricrem
Nutricrem is designed for ease of use. It is a ready-to-eat product that requires no preparation.
- Serve Chilled: For the best taste and texture, it is recommended to serve Nutricrem chilled.
- Stir Well: A quick stir before consuming can ensure a consistent texture.
- Consume as Directed: The dosage should always be as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Proper Storage: Unopened pots should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, any unused contents should be consumed within 24 hours if refrigerated, or within 4 hours if left at room temperature.
Conclusion
Nutricrem is a powerful and practical oral nutritional supplement for managing a range of conditions that result in increased nutritional needs or reduced food intake. Its high-energy, high-protein formulation is particularly effective for combating malnutrition, promoting healthy weight gain, and aiding recovery from illness or surgery. Furthermore, its palatable dessert-like consistency makes it an excellent option for patients with dysphagia, ensuring better nutritional compliance and overall health outcomes. By providing a nutrient-dense, complete source of nutrition, Nutricrem plays a vital role in clinical dietary management, always under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Visit the official Nualtra website to learn more about their product range.
