FIRST LINE Option

ONS Option

Food First

[Dietary measures (food fortification, increased frequency, nutritious snacks and drinks - using everyday ordinary foods)]

 Please note:- hygiene considerations/infection control

Except where patient has special dietary

requirements/ restrictions

·         Supplements should be given in-between meals and snacks NOT INSTEAD OF MEALS.

·         Most supplements contain milk – in diagnosed /milk intolerance – refer to dietitian

Homemade milkshake

Exceptions:-

·         Lactose intolerance

·         Milk allergy or intolerance

·         CKD 4 and 5

·         Tube feed patients (not licensed)

·         Cannot be prepared (dexterity issues, lack of carer support, hygiene considerations/infection control)

·         Liver/hepatobiliary and pancreatic disease/conditions.

Preferred option: Powdered Feeds

Alternative option, where powdered feed is unsuitable:

Ready-made/ready to drink feeds (e.g. bottled)

Make up with whole (full fat) milk

Exceptions:

·         Lactose intolerance

·          Milk allergy or intolerance

·         CKD 4 and 5

·         Tube feed patients (not licensed)

·         Cannot be prepared (dexterity issues, lack of carer support, hygiene considerations/infection control)

Note – can be made in a smaller volume, on the advice of a dietitian, for volume intolerance.

·         Unable to tolerate large amounts of lactose

·         Cannot be prepared (dexterity issues, lack of carer support, hygiene considerations/infection control - while in acute setting)

Dietary advice sheets and guidance available from local nutrition and dietetic services.

Please note- Not all patients will be able to meet their specific nutritional requirements with food first measures alone and supplements are required for some conditions e.g. very high protein requirement in liver transplantation, sarcopenia. The supplements will be recommended by the specialist dietitian.

Review criteria

·         All patients on ONS should be monitored and for adult patients an appropriate nutritional screening tools should be used (e.g. MUST, Birmingham learning disability screening tool).

·         Review the MUST score at least every 3 months or as advised by specialist dietitian

·         Patients on active dietitian case load will be monitored upto the point of discharge.

·         If no dietetic input, other healthcare professionals should monitor ONS for its effectiveness.

·         Please contact your local dietetic service for advice, guidance or referral criteria.