A Detailed Look at Altrajuce's Nutritional Profile
Altrajuce, developed by Nualtra, is a ready-to-drink, juice-style oral nutritional supplement designed to support individuals who require additional caloric and nutrient intake. Its specific formulation targets those with or at risk of disease-related malnutrition, offering a refreshing and high-energy alternative to traditional milk-based supplements. A comprehensive understanding of its nutritional value reveals why it is a key tool in clinical and home care settings.
Macronutrient Breakdown per 200ml
The core of Altrajuce's efficacy lies in its balanced and concentrated macronutrient composition. A single 200ml serving is packed with energy and vital building blocks for the body.
- Energy: Each 200ml tetra carton delivers 300 kcal (1272 kJ), providing a significant energy boost in a low volume.
- Protein: The supplement contains 7.8 grams of protein per 200ml, derived from cow's milk proteins. This protein content is essential for tissue repair, muscle maintenance, and overall bodily functions, particularly in malnourished patients.
- Carbohydrates: With 67 grams of carbohydrates, Altrajuce is primarily an energy source. Of this, 27 grams are sugars, sourced from glucose syrup, sugar, and maltodextrin, providing immediate and sustained energy.
- Fat: A major advantage for specific patient groups is that Altrajuce is fat-free, with 0 grams of fat per serving. This makes it suitable for individuals on a low-fat diet or those with fat malabsorption issues.
- Fibre: The product also contains 0 grams of fibre.
Comprehensive Vitamin and Mineral Fortification
Beyond its macronutrients, Altrajuce is fortified with an impressive array of 27 essential vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and filling dietary gaps. The fortification includes a broad spectrum of micronutrients crucial for various metabolic processes.
Vitamin Profile (per 200ml)
- Vitamin A: 320 µg-RE
- Vitamin D: 2.6 µg
- Vitamin E: 6.4 mg α-TE
- Vitamin K: 19.2 µg
- Vitamin C: 58 mg
- Thiamin (B1): 0.48 mg
- Riboflavin (B2): 0.48 mg
- Niacin: 4.8 mg NE
- Vitamin B6: 0.48 mg
- Folic Acid: 102 µg
- Vitamin B12: 0.96 µg
- Biotin: 12.8 µg
- Pantothenic Acid: 1.6 mg
- Choline: 126 mg
Mineral Profile (per 200ml)
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Potassium: 18 mg
- Chloride: 200 mg
- Calcium: 60 mg
- Phosphorus: 24 mg
- Magnesium: 4 mg
- Iron: 4.6 mg
- Zinc: 5.4 mg
- Copper: 0.50 mg
- Manganese: 1.18 mg
- Selenium: 26 µg
- Chromium: 26 µg
- Molybdenum: 28 µg
- Iodine: 50 µg
- Fluoride: 0.36 mg
Altrajuce vs. Standard Fruit Juice Comparison
When considering Altrajuce, it is important to distinguish it from a typical supermarket fruit juice. While both are fluid and can be fruit-flavoured, their nutritional purposes are vastly different. This comparison table highlights the key differences.
| Feature | Altrajuce (200ml) | Standard Fruit Juice (200ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal (High Energy) | ~90-110 kcal (Medium Energy) |
| Protein | 7.8g (Significant) | <1g (Negligible) |
| Fat | 0g (Fat-Free) | 0g (Typically) |
| Vitamins | Fortified with 14+ vitamins | Varies, mainly Vitamin C |
| Minerals | Fortified with 13+ minerals | Varies, minimal fortification |
| Intended Use | Medical food, for malnutrition | Regular beverage |
Considerations and Medical Supervision
It is crucial to understand that Altrajuce is not a regular juice replacement but a specialized medical food. It is intended for use under medical supervision for patients at risk of or with disease-related malnutrition. It is not suitable as a sole source of nutrition. Furthermore, due to its cow's milk protein content, it is not suitable for individuals with a cow's milk protein allergy. The product is also contraindicated for children under 3 years of age, and its use for children under 6 should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional. Users should always consult with a dietitian or physician before adding Altrajuce to their diet.
Conclusion: A Targeted and Efficient Nutritional Tool
In summary, the nutritional value of Altrajuce goes far beyond that of a simple juice. Its high-calorie density, substantial protein content, and extensive vitamin and mineral fortification make it a powerful tool for managing disease-related malnutrition, particularly for those who prefer or require a non-milky, refreshing supplement. By providing a balanced and concentrated source of essential nutrients, Altrajuce helps patients meet their increased nutritional needs effectively and conveniently. For detailed product specifications and ingredients for different flavours, always refer to the official datasheets provided by the manufacturer, Nualtra, such as this one: Altrajuce Datasheet.
