What is Nutrison Protein Shot?
The Nutrison protein shot, produced by Nutricia, is a concentrated, high-protein liquid supplement. Each 40ml pot provides 11 grams of protein, with approximately 97% of the total energy coming from this protein. As a medical food, its use requires healthcare professional supervision. It is intended as a modular 'top-up' and not as a sole source of nutrition.
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Profile
The formulation includes hydrolysed proteins, such as whey protein hydrolysate and protein hydrolysate from bovine gelatin, for quicker absorption. Ingredients also include water, specific amino acids (L-Histidine, L-Valine, L-Methionine), citric acid, and an anti-foaming agent.
The nutritional content per 40ml pot is primarily protein-focused:
- Energy: 45 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbohydrate: 0.24 g
- Fat: 0.04 g
Who is the Nutrison Protein Shot for?
This medical food is intended for specific patient groups under healthcare professional guidance, not general consumer use. It is indicated for individuals with disease-related malnutrition and increased protein needs, such as:
- Critically ill patients
- Post-surgery patients
- Patients with trauma or burns
- Individuals requiring management for disease-related malnutrition
- Tube-fed patients needing convenient protein supplementation
Comparison of Nutrison Protein Shot and Standard Protein Supplements
| Feature | Nutrison Protein Shot | Standard Consumer Protein Powder/Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Medical food for specific clinical conditions under medical supervision. | General health, fitness, muscle building, or diet support. |
| Protein Concentration | Extremely high (11g protein per 40ml) with minimal calories. | Variable, often mixed to a larger volume, containing more macronutrients. |
| Formulation | Liquid hydrolysate for rapid, easy absorption by medically vulnerable patients. | Powder, ready-to-drink shakes, or bars; not always hydrolysed. |
| Fat and Carbohydrate Content | Extremely low, designed to prevent overfeeding of energy. | Can be low or high depending on the product (e.g., mass gainers contain high carbs/fats). |
| Route of Administration | Enteral use, for tube feeding or oral consumption. | Oral consumption. |
| Availability | Prescribed via healthcare professionals for approved indications. | Available over-the-counter from retailers. |
| Cost | Not for individual retail sale; pricing differs based on prescription. | Varies widely, but generally more affordable for casual use. |
Advantages and Considerations
The Nutrison protein shot offers advantages like high protein concentration in a small volume, ready-to-use convenience, rapid absorption due to hydrolysed protein, accurate dosing, and good tolerability.
However, key considerations include that it is not a sole source of nutrition, requires medical supervision, and is contraindicated for children under 3, those with cow's milk protein allergies, or galactosaemia.
Conclusion
The Nutrison protein shot by Nutricia is a specialized medical nutrition product for tube-fed patients with increased protein needs due to disease-related malnutrition. It provides a concentrated, easily absorbed protein supplement valuable in various clinical settings under strict medical supervision. Its specific design differentiates it from standard protein supplements. Use should always be under healthcare professional guidance. For more information, healthcare professionals can visit the official {Link: Nutricia website https://www.nutricia.co.uk/hcp/pim-products/nutrison-protein-shot.html}.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I buy Nutrison protein shot without a prescription? No, it's a medical food for specific conditions and requires medical supervision.
2. Is Nutrison protein shot suitable for drinking? Yes, it can be consumed orally but is primarily used as a modular top-up during tube feeding.
3. What is the difference between Nutrison protein shot and a regular protein shake? Nutrison protein shot is a concentrated medical food for clinical needs under medical supervision, unlike general protein shakes.
4. Are there any dietary restrictions for using the Nutrison protein shot? Yes, it contains cow's milk and bovine gelatin derivatives and is not suitable for those with cow's milk protein allergy or galactosaemia.
5. How should Nutrison protein shot be stored? Store between 5-25°C in a cool, dry place. Discard any unused product immediately after opening.
6. What is the primary benefit of Nutrison protein shot for tube-fed patients? It provides a high concentration of easily absorbed protein in a small volume, meeting increased protein needs without fluid overload.
7. Can children use Nutrison protein shot? It is not suitable for children under 3 years old. Use in older children (3-6) requires caution and strict medical supervision.
