Can oral nutritional supplements increase energy and protein intake among hospitalized patients?

Abstract

Background: Oral nutritional supplements aim at offsetting dietary deficits and helping to meet energy and protein targets. Due to the absence of data about their role in food intake, it is necessary to evaluate the contribution of these products to the estimated needs of hospitalized patients. Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study with hospitalized patients over 18 years of age, admitted to a public university hospital, who were given oral nutritional supplements, according to clinical guidelines. Food intake was quantified throughout the period such products were prescribed. Results: 805-day food intake follow-up and record of 128 patients, who took supplements for 6.4 days on average. The use of nutritional supplements demonstrated a significant contribution to the input of both energy (1576 kcal/day versus 1263 kcal/day, p<0.001) and protein (68.7 g/day versus 50.3 g/day, p<0.001). Conclusions: Nutritional supplements help increase food intake and achieve nutritional goals when prescribed in a hospital setting.