In practice, commercial products provide a more reliable and acceptable method of supplementation than table foods.
Before nutritional supplements are prescribed, patients should have tried first-line dietary measures as briefly outlined above.
Nutritional supplements should be supplied along with appropriate dietary advice. They should not be used on a long-term basis without regular monitoring and reassessment.
The choice of supplement depends on its nutritional profile, palatability and acceptability, as well as cost. Patient preference is important in order to ensure good compliance.
Nutritional needs and food intake determine the number of supplements required. This should not usually exceed 500-600 kcal daily (about two cartons of sip feed), unless under the care of a dietician. Supplements should only be used as the sole source of nutrition following dietetic advice.
Supplements should be given between meals and not with or instead of a meal. Boredom with taste and texture may be overcome by trying different flavours or types of feeds.
Nutritional supplements available on the NHS should generally be prescribed for Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) approved conditions. No more than four to six weeks' supply should be given, as the patient should be reassessed after this tim