What is Nutrison?
Nutrison is a family of products from Nutricia, a leading provider of medical nutrition solutions. These products are classified as food for special medical purposes and are intended for use under medical supervision. The Nutrison range provides a complete, balanced source of nutrition, delivering essential macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) directly into the gastrointestinal tract via a feeding tube. It is not for casual use but is a vital part of a treatment plan for many patients. The specific formula prescribed depends on a patient’s individual medical needs, which is why a doctor or dietitian must determine the right product.
Key Indications for Nutrison
Nutrison is prescribed for a range of conditions where a patient is unable to consume enough calories and nutrients orally. The primary indications for its use include:
- Disease-related malnutrition: This is a key reason for using Nutrison, as many diseases can cause poor appetite or increased nutritional requirements. Nutrison provides a reliable way to manage and reverse malnutrition.
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing): Patients who have trouble swallowing due to neurological conditions (like stroke), head and neck cancer, or other issues can receive safe, complete nutrition via a tube feed.
- Critical illness: Patients in intensive care units (ICU) often have very high protein and energy needs due to metabolic stress. Specialized Nutrison formulas, like Protein Intense, are formulated to meet these demands.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): For patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, enteral nutrition can help manage symptoms and aid recovery.
- Short bowel syndrome: This condition, often a result of surgery, can impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, making tube feeding a necessary alternative.
- Pre-operative and post-operative support: Undernourished patients may receive Nutrison before surgery to improve their condition, and after surgery to aid recovery.
- Fluid restriction: Certain conditions, such as kidney or heart failure, require patients to restrict their fluid intake. Nutrison Concentrated offers high energy and protein in a low-volume formula.
Different Types of Nutrison Formulas
Nutricia offers a diverse range of Nutrison formulas, each designed for specific patient needs. Some common types include:
- Nutrison Standard: A baseline, nutritionally complete formula (typically 1 kcal/ml) for managing disease-related malnutrition.
- Nutrison Multi Fibre: Includes a blend of soluble and insoluble fibres to promote normal bowel function.
- Nutrison Protein Plus: A high-protein formula for patients with increased protein requirements due to metabolic stress from conditions like infection, trauma, or cancer.
- Nutrison Protein Intense: Specifically formulated with a high protein level for critically ill patients.
- Nutrison Concentrated: A high-calorie, low-volume option for patients with fluid restrictions, such as those with heart, liver, or kidney failure.
- Nutrison Peptisorb: A peptide-based formula designed for patients with malabsorption or maldigestion issues, as the proteins are already broken down for easier absorption.
Nutrison Formula Comparison Table
| Feature | Nutrison Standard | Nutrison Protein Plus | Nutrison Concentrated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Density | 1.0 kcal/ml | 1.25 kcal/ml | 2.0 kcal/ml |
| Protein Content | Standard (40g/1000ml) | High (63g/1000ml) | Normal in low volume (75g/1000ml) |
| Fibre | Fibre-free | Fibre-free | Fibre-free |
| Best For | General disease-related malnutrition | Patients with high protein needs due to metabolic stress | Patients with fluid restrictions |
| DHA/EPA Enriched | Yes | Yes | No |
How is Nutrison Administered?
Nutrison is administered via a feeding tube, a process known as enteral feeding. This tube can be placed through the nose into the stomach (nasogastric) for short-term use, or directly into the stomach or small intestine for longer-term feeding. The administration process involves specific steps to ensure safety and effectiveness:
- Preparation: Always check the bottle for any abnormalities and shake well before use. The formula should be administered at room temperature.
- Connection: The Nutrison bottle or pack can be connected directly to a feeding tube set, maintaining a sterile, closed system.
- Hanging Time: A closed system can typically hang for up to 24 hours. Once opened, it should be used within 8 hours or stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- No Dilution: It is crucial not to dilute the formula or add medications to it, as this can affect its nutritional balance and potentially cause complications.
- Monitoring: Usage should always be determined and monitored by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dietitian, to ensure it meets the patient's specific nutritional needs.
Conclusion
Nutrison is a critical tool in clinical nutritional support, providing a wide range of specialized enteral formulas for patients who cannot receive adequate oral nutrition. From managing disease-related malnutrition and addressing dysphagia to supporting critically ill patients and those with specific metabolic needs, the diverse Nutrison range ensures targeted and complete nutrition. Its use is strictly under medical supervision to ensure the right formula is chosen for the right medical condition, maximizing its benefits and minimizing risks. Proper administration is key to its effectiveness, delivering life-saving nourishment directly to those who need it most. For specific advice, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional, as they are best equipped to determine the most suitable Nutrison product for an individual's unique situation.
The Need for Enteral Nutrition
For individuals with severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, such as those with malabsorption, specific formulas are needed. These semi-elemental formulas, like Nutrison Peptisorb, have broken-down proteins that are easier for the body to digest and absorb, which is crucial for patients with compromised digestive function. In addition, enteral nutrition is sometimes used in conjunction with other nutritional therapies to improve outcomes in high-risk patients.
