Interní Med. 2008; 10(6): 285-290

Nutrition support with sipping

doc. MUDr. Miroslav Tomíška CSc

Interní hematoonkologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno

Oral nutrition supplements are complete mixtures of macronutrients and micronutrients, currently available in liquid ready-to-use forms. Most authors confirm significant increase of energy and nutrient intake during illness by these supplements compared with dietary advice alone, with little suppression of voluntary food intake. Meta-analyses of many randomized studies in various groups of patients give strong evidence in reduction of complications, shortening of hospital stay and in many cases even lowering of mortality. Evidence is the strongest for acute illness, elderly patients, malnutrition and in perioperative care. Oral nutrition supplements are simple and effective way of treatment of malnutrition in various situations which is currently reflected by many guidelines. In future it will be necessary to establish the optimal timing of this form of nutrition support and composition of supplements for various types of diseases and to confirm its influence on functional parameters and clinical outcomes by means of randomized clinical trials.

Keywords: Key words: oral nutrition supplements, sipping, malnutrition.

Published: July 1, 2008  Show citation