Prakt. lékáren. 2009; 5(1): 10-15 [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: oral nutrition supplements, sipping, malnutrition.

Published: April 1, 2009  Show citation