A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

What are Dietary Supplements ?

Dietary supplements are a range of products that have been specially designed for people who have difficulty in eating. Most supplements are milky or fruit-based drinks and puddings. They have extra calories, protein, vitamins and minerals added to them to increase their nutritional goodness. Some supplements are available on prescription as complete meal replacements. Others need to be taken in addition to meals and snacks or with a vitamin and mineral supplement. They are not recommended as the only source of nutrition for children and are totally unsuitable for children under one. Your doctor or dietitian will advise which ones are suitable for you and available on prescription.

Why are Dietary Supplements used ?

The main uses are either to prevent weight loss or to promote weight gain. In hospital, supplement drinks might be used after an operation until your appetite returns. They might be used as extra goodness to top up your intake from normal meals. If you have stomach or gut surgery, swallowing problems due to a stroke, or a broken jaw then normal meals may be difficult to handle: supplements can be used for this as well. The use of supplements can even be encouraged in old age where cooking becomes difficult. They prevent weight loss, help keep strength up and speed up recovery from illness.

How do Dietary Supplements work ?

Simply by adding to your own food intake or by taking over when normal eating is difficult or impossible. The dietitian or doctor will normally work out with you how much ordinary food you are actually managing to eat. They will need details of any weight loss and at what time of the day your appetite is at its best. From this information suggestions can be made.

What do Dietary Supplements consist of ?

There are two groups of supplements: DIETARY PRODUCTS WHICH DO NOT NEED TO BE PRESCRIBED are the most popular. Milkshake type drinks such as Build-up or Complan are readily available. They both come either ready-made, or in ready-to-make sachets in many flavours including vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and lemon and lime. They are available in savoury flavours and soups, too. Dried milk powder can also be used. It is also very important to try to enrich the particular foods you enjoy. For example, to sauces or mashed potato add cheese, butter, yoghurt, cream or evaporated milk. To vegetables and salads add salad cream, mayonnaise, grated cheese or dressings. To soup add cream, cheese, milk powder, croutons, rice, dumplings or pasta. To cereals add milk (with extra dried milk added), honey, yoghurt, cream, or dried fruit or nuts to boost the nutritional content. Shop-bought puddings such as custards, creme caramel, chocolate mousse, Greek yoghurt, thick and creamy yoghurt or speciality ice creams and ice cream bars all contain lots of extra energy. Remember this is not "healthy eating" in the real sense of the word. But you can get back to your usual healthy eating once you are well again. PRESCRIBABLE DIETARY PRODUCTS in the UK consist of a dozen or so special dietary products. These are being continuously updated as new flavours become available. New techniques are also being worked on to increase the nutritional value. All of these products are enriched with extra vitamins and minerals. Your dietitian will recommend the ones that are most suitable for you to try. Some of the milk-based supplements are Ensure Plus, Fortisip, Entera, Scandishake and Fresubin. These come in a variety of fruity, sweet and savoury flavours. Of the fruit based drinks Provide-Extra, Fortijuice, and Enlive have been launched recently. Other products available on prescription for particular conditions include Fortimel and Protein Forte (which contain a lot of protein) and Fortical (which is completely free of protein). There are also some prescribable energy and protein puddings available such as Formance, Fortipudding and Maxisorb pudding.

What to watch out for with Dietary Supplements

Include as much variety as possible in your diet. Small frequent meals may be easier. Try three small meals plus snacks or milkshake drinks in between. If your appetite is poor, small helpings are less daunting than a large plateful. Try using a tea plate rather than a dinner plate. You can always have second helpings! Avoid adding raw eggs to milk shakes or egg-nogs, because of the risk of Salmonella food poisoning. Remember that although alcohol is an enjoyable drink it is not a nourishing one. Check with your doctor first (Guinness may be higher in calories than other beers but it doesn't contain a lot else). Do not use baby foods. These are not designed for adults, are low in calories and can be expensive. If you find your appetite is better at one time of the day, make the most of it. Many foods can be liquidized by adding milk, fruit juice, sauce, soup or gravy. Avoid adding water as this will dilute the goodness.

What would happen if Dietary Supplements not followed

Good nutrition helps speed recovery. If your appetite is very poor or you stop eating, it causes weight loss, weakness and muscle wasting. You become less resistant to infections and take longer to recover or are more at risk of falling ill again.