Here we look into Nutricia Fortisip Compact Protein drinks. What are they? What is the difference between Fortisip and Fortisip Compact? Who should use Nutricia Fortisip Compact Protein? Who should not? Is Fortisip High in Sugar? Is Fortisip Compact Safe For Diabetics? Can You Use Fortisip Compact With High Blood Pressure? Can Elderly Use Fortisip Compact? are some of the key questions we will be answering in this Nutricia Fortisip Compact Protein Review.
Let’s start…
Unintended weight loss should be taken very seriously, geriatricians do, and caregivers should too. Seeing our seniors going through weight loss as they age almost seems normal, but actually, it shouldn’t be so.
It is important to discover the reason behind a senior’s loss of appetite and under-nutrition, then work towards restoring their health if possible.
Fortunately, Fortisip Compact Protein is an excellent and cost-effective solution to under-nutrition, especially for disease-related malnutrition.
Undernutrition and over-nutrition (obesity and overweight) are both inclusive of malnutrition. But in the context of this article, ‘malnutrition’ and disease-related malnutrition (DRM) refers to nutritional risk and under-nutrition.
In the UK, malnutrition costs about 15% of the entire public fund spent on health and social care. This emphasizes the need to exert more efforts in curbing malnutrition, especially among the primary care community. This is also particularly because of the massive number of malnourished people living outside the hospital setting.
This is a complete review of Nutricia’s Fortisip Compact Protein, a recommended solution for disease-related malnutrition. Read on to find out if it is safe for a diabetic patient, or the elderly and so on.
What is Nutricia Fortisip Compact Protein?
Fortisip Compact Protein is an energy-dense, high protein, ready to drink, nutritional supplement, specially designed for the treatment of disease-related malnutrition.
In the form of a milkshake, Fortisip Compact Protein is a nutritious blend – of cow’s milk protein, soy, vitamins and minerals – all in a small 125ml volume.
It’s great to have a pleasant product that provides ample nutritional value, in a very small compact size. What’s more, it comes in a wide range of 6 awesome flavors for variety.
If you’re getting bored with drinking Fortisip Compact Protein from the bottle, a straw or a glass, there are many ways to spice it up. Mix it up with other healthy ingredients and make a smoothie or shake.
Nutricia has a whole list of recipes you can choose from to make your own smoothie.
Chilled Fortisip Compact is the best way to enjoy its milky taste, and it can also be frozen or gently warmed without boiling.
Features of Fortisip Compact Protein
- High in protein (18g/bottle)
24% energy delivered to reduce loss of muscle mass and satisfy increased protein requirement.
- High energy, low volume (300kcal/bottle)
It provides 2.4 kcal/ml, enough to maintain body weight and comply with oral nutritional supplements requirements.
- Higher compliance (91%)
Compared to the standard 1 – 2kcal/ml supplied by oral nutrition supplements (77%), Fortisip Compact Protein is significantly higher.
- 6 variety of flavors
Patients can choose from these flavour choices – Vanilla, Strawberry, Mocha, Cool Red Fruits, Neutral, and Hot Tropical Ginger.
- 2 unique flavors (Neutral & Hot Tropical Ginger)
They have been specially made for oncology (cancer) patients to meet taste alterations related to cancer treatment.
- Ergonomic plastic bottle
It comes with an easy to open resealable cap.
- Gluten-free & low lactose
- Free of egg, wheat, lupins and nuts
- Halal-certified
What is Fortisip Compact Protein Used For?
- Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) management
Treatment for most patients with DRM involves a steady increase in their intake of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water.
The medical drink, Fortisip Compact Protein, is designed especially for the dietary management of DRM, including patients with – dementia, cancer, cystic fibrosis, post-trauma, burns, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease and liver disease.
- Immune system support
A complete nutritional formula such as Fortisip Compact Protein can be used to support your immune system.
- Diet support
Fortisip Compact Protein helps to support your diet during weight loss, since most of the nutrients usually gotten from food will no longer be obtained from the diet.
- Broader Nutritional support
Nutritional support for other medical conditions including – preoperative preparation of undernourished patients, dysphagia, short bowel syndrome, total gastrectomy, intractable malabsorption and bowel fistulae.
Fortisip Compact Protein is also suitable for people with coeliac disease and eating disorders.
Nutritional Content Of Fortisip Compact Protein
A 125ml of vanilla flavoured Fortisip Compact Protein, contains the following nutrition.
|
Nutrition |
Amount |
Value |
|
Energy |
300 |
kcal |
|
Protein of which |
18 |
g |
|
Casein |
16.8 |
g |
|
Whey |
1.3 |
g |
|
Carbohydrate of which |
30.5 |
g |
|
Sugars |
16.6 |
g |
|
Lactose |
0.38 |
g |
|
Fat |
11.8 |
g |
|
Fibre |
0 |
g |
|
Water |
78.8 |
g |
|
Vitamins | ||
|
Vitamin C |
37.5 |
mg |
|
Vitamin A |
325 |
µg-RE |
|
Vitamin D |
2.6 |
µg |
|
Vitamin K |
20 |
µg |
|
4.6 |
mg α-TE | |
|
Vitamin B6 |
0.66 |
mg |
|
Vitamin B12 |
1.4 |
µg |
|
Biotin |
15 |
µg |
|
Folic acid |
100 |
µg |
|
Pantothenic acid |
2 |
mg |
|
Thiamin |
0.56 |
mg |
|
Niacin |
4.5 |
mg NE |
|
Riboflavin |
0.6 |
mg |
|
Minerals |
d |
d |
|
50 |
mg | |
|
Calcium |
438 |
mg |
|
Potassium |
131 |
mg |
|
Chloride |
75 |
mg |
|
Phosphorus |
375 |
mg |
|
68.8 |
mg | |
|
Iron |
2.6 |
mg |
|
Iodine |
57.5 |
µg |
|
Copper |
438 |
µg |
|
Zinc |
3 |
mg |
|
Manganese |
0.79 |
mg |
|
Molybdenum |
25 |
µg |
|
Chromium |
16.3 |
µg |
|
Selenium |
17.5 |
µg |
|
Fluoride |
0.24 |
mg |
|
Other elements |
d |
d |
|
Choline |
138 |
mg |
|
Osmolality |
900 |
mOsmol/kgH2O |
Dosage
How many Fortisip Compact Protein someone would need to take in a day, depends on each individual. Every individual is different with different nutritional needs and health status.
However, Nutricia’s recommended intake of Fortisip Compact Protein range between 1 – 3 bottles a day, depending on the distinct needs of a person.
Oral nutritional supplements like Fortisip Compact Protein don’t magically work overnight. It takes time and patience to rebuild your strength back. You may start noticing its benefits after a few weeks or months.
The most important thing is to speak with your doctor, dietitian or pharmacist, who will guide you on how much and how long you need to take the nutritional supplement.
Precaution – Who Should Not use Fortisip Compact Protein?
Fortisip Compact Protein is NOT suitable:
- For anyone with galactosaemia
- For children less than 6 years of age
- For people with cow’s milk protein allergy
- As the only source of nutrition
Use Fortisip Compact Protein with caution for kids between the age of 6 and 10. Women who are pregnant or nursing mothers, should consult their healthcare professional before taking this product.
It is very important to take note of hydration status. Observe fluid intake and make sure you are adequately hydrated.
Never use Fortisip Compact Protein without medical supervision.
Pros – Nutricia Fortisip Compact Protein Review
- Fortisip Compact Protein can be taken in combination with any other medication, without any issues. The only exception is for medications that need to be taken on an empty stomach.
- Fortisip Compact is gluten-free and suitable for people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
- Easily set up and subscribe for regular deliveries of Fortisip Compact Protein. Orders above $50 usually get free delivery.
- For convenience, Fortisip Compact can be purchased in packs of 4 bottles, or even 24 bottles at a go.
Cons – Nutricia Fortisip Compact Protein Review
- Fortisip Compact Protein contains no fiber.
- Some may find it ‘sweet’, but others are comfortable with the taste.
- Obese patients, though malnourished, may gain additional weight from taking the product. Consult with your GP for such cases.
What Is The Difference Between Fortisip And Fortisip Compact?
Fortisip Compact Protein can serve the same medical purpose as Fortisip, but there are slight differences in their nutritional content.
|
Fortisip Compact Protein |
Fortisip | |
|
Energy |
300kcal/125ml bottle (2.4 kcal/ml) |
300kcal/200ml bottle (1.5 kcal/ml) |
|
Bottle size |
125ml |
200ml |
|
Protein per bottle |
18 grams |
12 grams |
|
No of vitamins & minerals |
28 per 125ml bottle |
28 per 200ml bottle |
|
No of flavour varieties |
6 |
8 |
Fortisip Compact Protein and Fortisip are both ready to drink dietary supplements with the same amount of calories (300 calories). However, if you need more protein and find it difficult to consume a larger volume, then Fortisip Compact Protein is your best pick.
Is Fortisip High in Sugar?
Fortisip contains 6.7 grams of per 100 ml, which is between the low and medium levels of total sugar recommended per day according to NHS.
The neutral flavour, however, contains the least amount of sugar which is ideal for anyone with extremely high sugar levels.
Is Fortisip Compact Safe For Diabetics?
Nutricia’s Fortisip Compact Protein, as with many other oral nutritional supplements (ONS) made by the company, is suitable for those with elevated blood glucose levels or diabetics.
However, it is advised to sip it slowly and gradually over 20 minutes or more, while monitoring blood sugar levels regularly.
Malnutrition (undernutrition) worsens the health condition of diabetics, often leading to their demise. On the other hand, malnutrition (obesity) is also associated with diabetes, which may be a source of concern for people with diabetes who want to take Fortisip Compact.
As a form of precaution, a diabetic patient should not take Fortisip Compact Protein without medical advice and supervision.
Can You Use Fortisip Compact With High Blood Pressure?
Hypertensive patients can use Fortisip Compact Protein without worry.
Fortisip Compact Protein contains 50 milligrams of sodium, which falls into the lower levels of the daily recommended intake for sodium, according to the American Heart Association.
More so, Fortisip Compact is high in potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are linked to reduced risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
As part of the dosage instruction recommended by Fortisip Compact, it is important to remember to keep your body properly hydrated before and after taking the dietary supplement.
Can Elderly Use Fortisip Compact?
Getting older can change our attitude towards food. It is very common for the elderly to lose weight fast, but there are some who may put on a significant amount of weight.
For the general population, a low calorie, low-fat diet is usually recommended for maintaining a healthy weight. But the opposite is usually recommended for the elderly, especially the frail ones or those losing weight unintentionally.
To counter malnutrition (or DRM), and weight loss, seniors can use Fortisip Compact Protein for support under the supervision of their healthcare professionals.
Even though they can use the nutritional supplement, there are still some concerns that it may actually harm their oral health. Frail elderly patients may suffer accelerated tooth decay due to the high sugar content in the nutritional supplement.
Seniors should therefore combine preventive dentistry with Fortisip Compact.
What Do Users Have To Say About Fortisip Compact Protein?
There are a lot of reviews about Fortisip Compact, many if not all of the feedback from users are nothing short of praises for the product.
A user’s husband George D, said his wife was prescribed Fortisip Compact Protein upon discharge from the hospital. They noticed a remarkable improvement in her mental awareness and physical strength, just within the first month.
Six months later, she’s still taking the nutritional drink, and she feels more active than ever. She said her favorite flavour is Hot Tropical Ginger, mixed into her breakfast cereal as a milk substitute in the morning.
Margie B said she had been taking Fortisip Compact Protein every day for 2 months. During that period, the product met and resolved her nutritional needs in her struggle with a chronic illness.
Another user, Paul was experiencing loss of appetite and general weight loss from his long stay at the hospital. Soon after he started taking one Fortisip Compact Protein per day, he noticed a great improvement in his condition and weight gain.
Conclusion
Fortisip Compact Protein is perfect for patients who find it difficult or overwhelming to chew large meals 3 times a day, especially when it comes to our elderly ones.
It is not unusual for seniors to develop a dull sense of smell and taste, and so you will notice they tend to prefer sweet things.
Fortisip Compact Protein tastes delicious and sweet in whatever flavour you choose, especially when used to make smoothies as a breakfast meal. Moreover, it is able to deliver enough calories and macronutrients for the frail undernourished patient or elderly.
Since consuming foods in liquid form is easier, you can try making your own shakes or smoothies using Fortisip Compact Protein mixed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. There are many recipes you can try in the comfort of your home.
Another important point to note is that Fortisip Compact Protein does contain sugar. Obese individuals, diabetics or caretakers should take necessary precautions, though. Other than that, there’s really no side effects with consuming this product. It is very safe and effective.
Finally, Fortisip Compact Protein is not just a dietary supplement but a Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP), and that means it can be considered a form of medication.
After all, It is paramount you consult your healthcare professional for directions about Fortisip Compact before deciding to purchase the product.
