Understanding Forticreme and Its Purpose
Forticreme is a dessert-style oral nutritional supplement (ONS) manufactured by Nutricia, designed for medical purposes under supervision. It is a ready-to-eat, high-energy, high-protein product intended for patients with increased nutritional needs due to illness, disease-related malnutrition, or conditions like dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). As a semi-solid food, its texture is suitable for individuals who require thickened fluids, providing essential calories and protein in a palatable form. While effective, healthcare professionals or patients may seek alternatives due to specific flavor preferences, different nutritional requirements, or cost-effectiveness.
Top Commercial Alternatives to Forticreme
Several brands offer comparable dessert-style ONS that can serve as a similar to Forticreme dessert option. These products are also typically used under medical guidance and vary slightly in their nutritional content and composition.
Nutricrem
Nutricrem is a nutritionally complete, high-energy, high-protein dessert made by Nualtra. It is frequently cited as a direct alternative to Forticreme Complete.
- Key Features: Provides 225kcal and 12.5g protein per 125g pot, which is slightly higher in both categories than Forticreme Complete.
- Suitable for: Patients with increased nutritional requirements, those at risk of disease-related malnutrition, and individuals with dysphagia.
- Flavor Options: Includes Strawberry, Vanilla, Mint Chocolate, and Chocolate Orange.
Ensure Plus Crème
Part of the Abbott Nutrition range, Ensure Plus Crème is another semi-solid ONS designed for nutritional support.
- Key Features: Offers a different energy and protein profile, with 137kcal and 5.68g protein per 100ml. A 125g pot would contain different totals than Forticreme but serves a similar purpose.
- Consideration: Formularies note that it has a lower calorie content per gram than some alternatives, which may be a factor in choice.
Fresubin 2kcal Crème
Manufactured by Fresenius Kabi, this is a high-energy, high-protein dessert-style supplement that offers a dense nutrient load in a small volume.
- Key Features: Each 125g pot provides 250kcal and 12.5g of protein, making it one of the most energy-dense dessert options.
- Ideal for: Patients with high energy needs but limited fluid intake, such as those with severe cardio-respiratory disease or fluid restrictions.
Making Your Own Forticreme-Style Dessert
For those seeking a customizable or potentially more cost-effective alternative, creating a fortified homemade dessert is an excellent option. These recipes can be adapted to specific taste preferences while boosting nutritional value.
DIY High-Protein Greek Yogurt Pudding
This simple, high-protein pudding mimics the consistency and function of commercial supplements by using protein powder and rich dairy products. Ingredients:
- 500g full-fat Greek yogurt
- 4 scoops chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 3-4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate)
- Maple syrup or sweetener to taste
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, protein powder, cocoa powder (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add maple syrup or sweetener to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
- For a thicker consistency, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This allows the protein to fully hydrate.
Fortifying Other Foods and Desserts
Increasing the nutrient density of familiar, preferred foods is a strategy recommended by dietitians to combat malnutrition. Ways to fortify:
- Adding protein powder: Mix into puddings, custard, milkshakes, or hot cereals.
- Adding skimmed milk powder: Stir into soups, casseroles, or yogurt for an extra boost of calories and protein without significantly changing volume.
- Using enriched dairy: Opt for full-fat milk, cream, and cheese to increase calorie intake.
- Enriching smoothies: Blend milk, high-calorie fruit, Greek yogurt, and protein powder for a nutrient-dense fluid.
Comparison of Forticreme and Alternatives
| Feature | Forticreme Complete (per 100ml) | Nutricrem (per 100ml) | Ensure Plus Crème (per 100ml) | Fresubin 2kcal Crème (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 160 kcal | 180 kcal | 137 kcal | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 9.5 g | 10.0 g | 5.68 g | 12.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19.2 g | 18.8 g | 18.4 g | Not specified per 100g |
| Fat | 5.0 g | 7.2 g | 4.47 g | Not specified per 100g |
| Pack Size | 125 g pot | 125 g pot | 125 g pot | 125 g pot |
| Suitable For Dysphagia | Yes, dessert-style semi-solid | Yes, semi-solid texture | Yes, dessert-style semi-solid | Yes, dessert-style semi-solid |
What to Consider When Choosing an Alternative
When selecting a Forticreme substitute, several factors should influence the decision:
- Nutritional Goals: Compare the energy (kcal) and protein content to ensure it meets the specific dietary plan prescribed by a healthcare provider. Some alternatives like Fresubin 2kcal Crème offer a higher nutrient density.
- Taste and Tolerance: Flavor fatigue is common with supplements. Sampling different brands or exploring homemade options with a variety of ingredients can increase acceptance and compliance. Forticreme is milk-based, so juice-style supplements (like Fortijuce) might be needed if milk-based options aren't tolerated.
- Dysphagia Level: Ensure the texture aligns with the recommended IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) level. Commercial dessert-style ONS are designed to meet thickened fluid requirements. Homemade versions must be thickened appropriately.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Commercial products can be expensive over time. For formularies, certain brands are designated as 'first choice' based on cost. Homemade options, fortified with ingredients like milk powder, can be more economical.
- Medical Supervision: It is crucial that the choice of ONS, whether commercial or homemade, is made under medical supervision to ensure it is appropriate for the patient's condition and meets all nutritional needs.
Expert Opinion: Always Consult a Professional
While this article provides general information, the choice of an oral nutritional supplement should always be guided by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or physician. They can perform a comprehensive assessment of the individual's nutritional status and help develop a tailored plan. The effectiveness of an ONS depends on appropriate usage, and a medical professional can provide guidance on frequency, portion sizes, and other important considerations to optimize nutritional intake and manage the underlying medical condition.
Conclusion
For those needing a Forticreme alternative, several options exist, ranging from direct commercial substitutes like Nutricrem, Ensure Plus Crème, and Fresubin 2kcal Crème to personalized homemade fortified recipes. Each commercial product has a slightly different nutritional profile, while DIY options offer flavor customization and potential cost savings. The choice should be based on individual nutritional goals, taste preferences, dysphagia needs, and cost. Ultimately, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the chosen alternative effectively addresses the patient's unique medical and dietary requirements.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
