If you are a healthcare provider who has been working with patients in the last decade to improve their nutrition status, you’ve likely seen some major changes in food trends. Sometimes these trends help our work and other times, they hurt our efforts.

One area that seems to be of major benefit is the expanded options we have for oral nutrition supplements (ONS). ONS are typically recommended to increase protein, calories, and/or specific nutrients for patients who cannot seem to get the right balance through their normal dietary intake. Historically, adherence to taking ONS varies from patient to patient and often declines over time as patients find supplements less palatable, become bored with their options, or suffer from intolerance to one or more ingredients found in these supplements.

Luckily for us and our patients, gone are the days where we are limited to a vanilla or chocolate Boost or Ensure. The expanded flavors, formulas, brands, and forms of supplements has evolved to the point that we can find a tasty, tolerable option for each patient, even those with multiple food restrictions.

In the last year, Patient Care America expanded our Nutriplan+ program for patients receiving intradialytic and intraperitoneal nutrition therapy, IDPN and IPN respectively. In addition to Zone bars and Liquacel, patients now have the options of low carb Nugo bars and plant-based Kate Farm’s shakes.

By increasing options that cater to a wide variety of palates and dietary needs and preferences, clinicians ensure more patients get value out of their
oral intake.

Beyond the potential benefit of increased adherence to oral supplementation, some of the newer options on the market may provide additional benefits.
For example, a major trend in ONS is the increased offering of plant-based formulas. Research indicates following a more plant-forward diet, including more plant-based proteins, can result in:

  • Reduced heart disease and diabetes risk
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Healthy weight maintenance
  • Improved lipid profile
  • Being more environmentally friendly

This means patients can help boost their protein and calorie intake while supporting other aspects of their health.

There will likely be more advances in ONS in years to come. As clinicians, we can do our part by staying apprised of the options and raising awareness with patients on alternatives especially when their current ONS does not seem to be working.

To learn more about Patient Care America’s Nutriplan+ program and find other resources on plant-based diets and combatting malnutrition, visit www.pcacorp.com and our Clinician Log-in.