Disease-related malnutrition
Disease-related malnutrition is triggered by illness and is the primary reason for malnutrition in developed countries, especially in the elderly; it affects about 20 million patients in the EU at an estimated cost of 120 billion euros. Up to 62% of patients may be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished on hospital admission. Because poor intake and illness reinforce each other, it often becomes a vicious cycle that needs medical help to stop.
- Common in cancer, COPD, IBD, CKD and dementia
- Up to 62% at risk on hospital admission
- Linked to longer stays, complications and mortality
A complete, energy-dense sip feed
MediDrink RC is a nutritionally complete, 2.0 kcal/ml, ready-to-consume sip feed and a food for special medical purposes, used under medical supervision. It can be used as supplemental nutrition or as the sole source of nutrition, enhancing energy, protein and micronutrient intake.
- 400 kcal and 20 g protein per 200 ml
- All micronutrients within EU FSMP limits
- Gluten- and lactose-free
Low carbohydrate, high fat: why it matters
Because high carbohydrate content is unfavourable in patients with cancer, COPD, cystic fibrosis and IBD, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat supplement is described as more beneficial for them. MediDrink RC provides 22% of energy from carbohydrate and 56% from fat. As a sole source of nutrition it still supplies about 150 g of carbohydrate per day, the amount needed by glucose-dependent cells.
- Carbohydrate 22% of energy
- Fat 56% of energy, with omega-3 fatty acids
- About 150 g carbohydrate/day as sole source
Low glycemic load, suitable for diabetes
Based on glycemic load, MediDrink RC places the smallest strain on metabolism among the oral nutritional supplements compared in the monograph. For the same kilocalories its glycemic load is lower even than that of supplements specifically designed for diabetic patients, so it can be used as a sole source of nutrition in malnourished or cachectic patients with diabetes.
- Lowest glycemic load in the monograph comparison
- Suitable for diabetic patients
Made for compliance
Small-volume, energy-dense supplements are associated with better compliance and energy intake than standard 1.5 kcal/ml supplements. Milk-based sip feeds and flavours such as vanilla, coffee and strawberry are usually well rated, and MediDrink RC is a milk protein-based drink available in those flavours. Drink slowly in small volumes, shake well and serve chilled.
- Small volume, high energy
- Milk protein base
- Up to 7 flavours
