Who Should Drink Fresubin? Understanding Nutritional Support Needs

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A study shows that nearly a third of residents in aged care facilities may be at risk of malnutrition, highlighting a significant need for nutritional intervention. Knowing who should drink Fresubin, a specialized oral nutritional supplement, is crucial for healthcare providers and caregivers aiming to address this widespread issue effectively and safely.

Quick Summary

Fresubin is a medical supplement for individuals at risk of or suffering from malnutrition. It is prescribed under medical supervision for patients needing additional energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals due to increased needs or insufficient dietary intake.

Key Points

Targeted Nutritional Support: Fresubin is designed for individuals at risk of or suffering from malnutrition due to medical conditions.
High-Risk Groups: The elderly, cancer patients, and those recovering from illness or surgery are among the primary users.
Variety of Products: Different Fresubin formulations, like high-protein or fibre-added versions, cater to specific patient needs.
Medical Supervision is Key: These supplements should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Benefits Extend Beyond Nutrition: Regular use can lead to increased body weight, improved muscle strength, and enhanced quality of life.
Specialized Use Cases: Formulations exist for specific needs, such as managing nutritional intake for critically ill patients or those with fluid restrictions.

Who Benefits from Fresubin?

Fresubin is a range of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) developed by Fresenius Kabi for individuals who cannot meet their daily nutritional needs through their regular diet alone. These products are considered 'Food for Special Medical Purposes' and should be used under medical supervision. The primary beneficiaries include those with or at risk of disease-related malnutrition, patients with increased energy and protein requirements, and those with fluid restrictions. The different formulations are tailored to specific needs, but the general purpose is to supplement dietary intake and improve or maintain nutritional status.

Patients with Malnutrition and Inadequate Intake

Malnutrition is a significant concern for many patient groups, particularly the elderly and those with chronic diseases. When a person's daily intake falls behind their body's requirements, Fresubin can provide a concentrated source of essential nutrients. This is crucial for reversing weight loss, increasing muscle strength, and improving overall quality of life. Whether due to loss of appetite, difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia), or taste changes, Fresubin offers a simple, effective solution to close the nutritional gap.

The Elderly and Frail Individuals

As people age, their nutritional needs can change, and many older adults face challenges that put them at risk of malnutrition, sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), and frailty. Fresubin PRO Drink, for example, is specifically formulated for this demographic, providing high energy, high protein, and additional calcium and vitamin D to support muscle and bone health. For elderly individuals with decreased appetite or those who cannot consume large volumes, high-caloric, high-protein supplements like Fresubin 2 kcal Drink can provide the required energy and nutrients in a smaller serving.

Cancer Patients

Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can lead to numerous nutritional challenges, including taste alterations, mouth sores (mucositis), nausea, and fatigue. This often results in a significant reduction in food intake and subsequent weight loss. Specialized Fresubin products, such as Supportan, are formulated for cancer patients, offering high calories, high protein, and immune-modulating nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation can help maintain body weight, improve appetite, and enhance tolerance to treatment.

Post-Surgery and Recovering Patients

For patients recovering from surgery or illness, the body's need for energy and protein is significantly increased to facilitate healing and tissue repair. Poor nutritional status can delay recovery and increase the risk of complications. Fresubin can be used for pre-operative preparation of malnourished patients and during the recovery phase to ensure adequate protein and energy intake. In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), specialized formulations like Fresubin Intensive are used for early enteral nutrition to prevent malnutrition in critically ill patients.

Individuals Requiring Fluid Restriction

Patients with certain medical conditions, such as renal failure requiring dialysis, liver diseases, or cardiovascular diseases, may need to restrict their fluid intake. In these cases, it is crucial to provide maximum energy and nutrients in a small volume. High-caloric formulations like Fresubin 2 kcal Drink, which contains 400 kcal in a 200 ml bottle, are ideal for meeting these high energy and protein needs while adhering to fluid restrictions.

Comparison of Fresubin Products

Fresubin offers a diverse portfolio of products designed to meet specific nutritional requirements. Here is a comparison of some popular options:


Product	Key Features	Primary Indication
Fresubin PRO Drink	High energy (480 kcal), very high protein (28.8g), and high Vitamin D & Calcium in 200ml.	Malnourished elderly with sarcopenia and frailty.
Fresubin 2 kcal Drink	High energy (400 kcal) and high protein (20g) in 200ml.	Patients with increased energy/protein needs and/or fluid restriction.
Fresubin Protein Energy Drink	High protein and high energy, nutritionally complete.	Patients with increased protein and energy needs or fluid restriction.
Fresubin Energy Fibre Drink	High energy and with added fibre.	Patients needing extra energy plus fibre for gut health.
Supportan Drink	High protein, high energy, with fish oil (Omega-3) and antioxidants.	Cancer patients with increased needs due to treatment side effects.

Considerations and Medical Supervision

While Fresubin provides significant nutritional benefits, its use is not universal. It is not suitable for children under 3 years old and should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney or liver insufficiency, depending on their tolerance of nitrogen. It is imperative to consult a doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare professional to determine the correct dosage, duration, and formulation for individual needs. They can also help manage any potential side effects like digestive upset.

Conclusion

Fresubin is a valuable tool for combating disease-related malnutrition and supporting patients with specialized nutritional needs. By offering a wide range of oral nutritional supplements, Fresenius Kabi enables healthcare professionals to provide targeted nutritional support to high-risk populations, including the elderly, cancer patients, and those recovering from surgery. However, the decision to use Fresubin should always be made in consultation with a medical expert to ensure it is appropriate for the individual's specific health condition and requirements.

For more detailed information on specific products and their applications, refer to the Fresenius Kabi website, as their products are designed for special medical purposes.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement.

List of Who Can Benefit from Fresubin:

Patients at risk of or diagnosed with disease-related malnutrition.
Older adults experiencing malnutrition, sarcopenia, or frailty.
Individuals with increased energy and protein needs.
Cancer patients undergoing treatment, to manage nutritional deficiencies and improve outcomes.
Patients preparing for or recovering from surgery.
Individuals with conditions like dysphagia, making it difficult to consume solid foods.
Patients with specific dietary restrictions, such as fluid restriction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresubin is formulated for individuals with specific medical needs and is not intended for general use. For healthy individuals seeking weight gain, it's best to consult a dietitian to create a personalized plan using regular food, as Fresubin is a food for special medical purposes.

Some Fresubin products are suitable for people with diabetes, such as Fresubin HP Powder which contains a low glycemic index and is sucrose-free. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use, as suitability depends on the specific formulation and the patient's condition.

Yes, many Fresubin products are high in protein and energy, which is essential for stimulating and sustaining muscle protein synthesis, particularly in malnourished individuals and the elderly with sarcopenia.

Fresubin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience minor gastrointestinal disturbances, such as bloating or nausea. Adjusting the dosage or drinking it slowly can sometimes help. Any persistent or unfamiliar symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

The dosage of Fresubin varies depending on individual nutritional needs and whether it's used as a complete meal replacement or a supplementary drink. A healthcare professional will advise on the correct amount and frequency.

Most Fresubin oral nutritional supplements are clinically free from lactose and gluten, making them suitable for individuals with intolerance to these ingredients. Always check the specific product label to confirm.

Yes, some Fresubin products can be used in recipes or mixed into other foods and drinks to boost nutritional intake. For example, the powder can be mixed into smoothies or soups, and the liquid can be used to make milkshakes.