A guide to taking nutritional supplements

A guide to taking
nutritional supplements
Nutrition and Dietetic Department
0161 212 4018
© G14081103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, All Rights Reserved 2014.
Document for issue as handout. Unique Identifier: CS50(14) Review date: October 2016
You may have been advised by your dietitian or GP to
take an oral nutritional supplement.
Using nutritional
supplements
What are nutritional
supplements?
l Store in a cool, dry place
before opening
Nutritional supplements are
designed to provide extra
energy, protein, vitamins and
minerals. You may be prescribed
a nutritional supplement if
your dietary intake is currently
reduced and you are unable to
meet your nutritional needs.
They should be used as a “top
up” to your normal diet and
not as a meal replacement.
There are many different types
of nutritional supplements and
the most common types are:
l Powdered milkshakes that
you add full cream milk to
l Ready to drink milkshakes
and juice style supplements
l Yoghurt style drinks
l Pre-thickened milkshakes
1
Your dietitian or GP will discuss
options which may suit you best
and advise on how often to
take.
If you don’t like your usual
supplements or are struggling
to take the recommended
amount, tell your dietitian or
GP - there are a wide variety of
flavours available so you can
always try something different!
l Always check the “best
before” date before opening
l Once opened, keep in the
fridge and do not keep for
longer than 24 hours
l If a supplement has been left
out of the fridge, it must be
thrown away after 4 hours
l Only take the prescribed
dose as recommended by
your dietitian or GP
l Nutritional supplements are
a prescribed product and
should only be taken by you
l If you are continuing on
supplements, remember to
organise your prescription
from your GP in plenty
of time before your stock
runs out and ask for your
favourite flavours
© G14081103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust,
All Rights Reserved 2014. Document for issue as handout.
Unique Identifier: CS50(14) Review date: October 2016
2
Tips for taking
Always try to take the full
amount that has been
recommended for you.
6. Try diluting milk based
supplements with milk if you
find them too sweet
The following may help you
achieve this:
7. Add 30mls of cream to a
supplement will provide
extra calories and flavour
1. It is best to take your
supplement in between
meals or after meals. Try not
to take just before a meal as
they can be very filling.
2. Try sipping throughout the
day if you find it difficult to
take the full amount at one
time
3. Most supplements are best
served chilled. Some can
also be warmed however
they should not be boiled as
this could affect the taste,
texture and nutrient content
4. Milk and juice based drinks
can be frozen into cubes and
lollies
5. Juice based drinks can be
diluted with juice, lemonade
or other fizzy drinks
3
8. Neutral flavoured
supplements can be used in
place of milk and added to
custard, jelly or milk-based
desserts
9. You could use your
supplements in recipes - ask
your dietitian for some ideas
REMEMBER: Nutritional
supplements are not designed
to replace meals. It is important
you continue to eat regular
meals with snacks in between.
Your dietitian will provide
you with information on food
fortification and ideas for
nourishing drinks and snacks.
How long will I need to
take them for?
Nutritional supplements are
generally only used for a short
amount of time. Most patients
do not require nutritional
supplements for longer than 12
weeks.
In some cases, they may be
required for longer periods. Your
dietitian will set out treatment
goals and decide if you need to
continue with your supplements.
If you have met your treatment
goals, supplements may no
longer be required.
This information has been provided
to help answer any questions
you may have about nutritional
supplements. If you have any
further questions or concerns,
please contact your dietitian:
Nutrition and Dietetic Department
0161 212 4018
Monday to Friday, 8.00am-4.30pm
excluding Bank Holidays
community.dietetics@nhs.net
© G14081103W. Design Services, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust,
All Rights Reserved 2014. Document for issue as handout.
Unique Identifier: CS50(14) Review date: October 2016
4
© G14081103. Design Services
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
All Rights Reserved 2014
This document MUST NOT be photocopied
Information Leaflet Control Policy:
Unique Identifier: CS50(14)
Review Date: October 2016
For further information on this leaflet, its references and sources
used, please contact 0161 212 4018
Copies of this information are
available in other languages
and formats upon request.
If you need this interpreting please telephone
In accordance with the
Equality Act we will make
‘reasonable adjustments’
to enable individuals with
disabilities, to access this
treatment / service.
Salford Royal operates a smoke-free policy.
For advice on stopping smoking contact the Hospital Specialist Stop Smoking Service
on 0161 206 1779
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Stott Lane, Salford,
Manchester,
M6 8HD
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