What is Fresubin and how does it work?
Fresubin is a brand of nutritional supplements, including ready-to-drink beverages, creams, and powders, produced by Fresenius Kabi. It is classified as a "Food for Special Medical Purposes," meaning it is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of patients who cannot get enough nutrients from their regular diet alone. Fresubin products are high in calories and protein, and are fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.
Unlike traditional sports or energy drinks, Fresubin's composition is tailored for clinical applications under medical supervision. The primary goal is to close the "nutritional gap" between a patient's dietary intake and their body's increased needs, thereby improving overall nutritional status, aiding in recovery, and potentially increasing body weight.
Core components of Fresubin
- Macronutrients: A balanced blend of high-quality protein (often milk-based), carbohydrates (maltodextrin, sucrose), and fats (rapeseed oil, sunflower oil).
- Micronutrients: A wide range of essential vitamins (such as A, D, E, C, and B-complex) and minerals (like calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium) to support overall health and immune function.
- Additional Ingredients: Certain products may contain specific components like prebiotic fibers to support gut health or modified fatty acid profiles, such as Omega-3s derived from fish oil, to help manage inflammation in specific patient groups.
Medical conditions where Fresubin is used
Fresubin is utilized in the dietary management of several medical conditions, particularly those that cause or are associated with malnutrition or increased nutritional demands. This is not an exhaustive list, and a healthcare professional must always determine its use.
- Disease-Related Malnutrition: For individuals who are unable to consume sufficient calories and protein due to various illnesses, Fresubin helps restore a healthy nutritional balance.
- Cancer Support: In cancer patients, malnutrition can be a significant side effect of the disease or its treatment. Specific Fresubin products, like Supportan, are formulated to address these issues, improve appetite, and support immunity.
- Geriatric Nutrition: Elderly adults often face a higher risk of malnutrition, sarcopenia (muscle loss), and frailty. High-protein, high-calorie variants, such as Fresubin PRO Drink, are designed to meet these increased needs and help maintain muscle mass and mobility.
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Malnourished patients preparing for or recovering from surgery can benefit from nutritional supplementation to improve their outcomes and accelerate healing.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like short bowel syndrome, intractable malabsorption, and inflammatory bowel disease can impair nutrient absorption. Fresubin provides a concentrated, easy-to-absorb source of complete nutrition.
- Dysphagia: Patients who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can use the thicker, crème-style Fresubin products to ensure adequate nutritional intake.
- Fluid Restrictions: For patients needing high energy in a small volume, specific energy-dense Fresubin drinks (e.g., Fresubin 2 kcal DRINK) help provide essential nutrients without excess fluid.
A comparison of Fresubin formats
Fresubin is available in multiple formats to suit varying patient needs and preferences. This table outlines the differences between some common types.
| Feature | Fresubin Energy Drink | Fresubin 2 kcal Drink | Fresubin Protein Powder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | General nutritional support, high calorie | High energy & protein in low volume | Boost protein content in food/liquid |
| Energy Density | 1.5 kcal/ml | 2.0 kcal/ml | Variable, depends on preparation |
| Protein Content | Standard levels | High protein (e.g., 20g per 200ml) | Very high, 100% whey protein |
| Fibre Content | Often fiber-free, but variants with fiber exist | Variants with or without fiber | Depends on product variant |
| Suitable For | General malnutrition, recovery | Fluid-restricted, very high energy needs | Adding protein to regular diet or drinks |
| Preparation | Ready-to-drink liquid | Ready-to-drink liquid | Powder mixed with food or liquid |
Administration and usage guidance
Fresubin products should be used under medical supervision, with the dosage and duration determined by a doctor or dietitian based on the individual's specific needs.
- For Drinks: Shake the bottle well before use and serve chilled for the best taste. The drink can also be used in recipes, such as added to smoothies or warmed gently, but should not be boiled. Opened bottles must be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
- For Powders: The preparation method varies depending on the product, so always follow the specific instructions. For example, Fresubin Protein Powder can be mixed into liquids or foods below 70°C. For hotter preparations, it should be mixed with a small amount of room-temperature liquid first before adding.
- Timing: For supplementary nutrition, it may be advised to take the drink between meals to avoid affecting appetite for regular food. As a sole source of nutrition, dosages would be higher and determined by a healthcare professional.
Considerations and potential side effects
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects, particularly gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, bloating, or diarrhea. Other specific considerations include:
- Contraindications: It is not suitable for individuals with conditions like galactosaemia or where enteral nutrition is not permitted.
- Medical Monitoring: Patients with specific health issues, such as renal or hepatic impairment, may require careful monitoring by a healthcare professional.
- Allergies: Individuals with allergies to ingredients, like milk or soy, should choose an appropriate product.
Conclusion
In summary, the drink Fresubin is used for the specialized dietary management of patients suffering from or at risk of malnutrition. By providing a concentrated source of energy, high-quality protein, and essential micronutrients, it helps individuals with conditions like cancer, advanced age, or post-surgical recovery to bridge the nutritional gap that their regular diet cannot fill. Available in various formats, each product serves a specific purpose, from general nutritional support to addressing high-protein needs or fluid restrictions. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure Fresubin is the correct nutritional intervention for your specific health needs.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any nutritional supplement.
