ONS are frequently recommended by Dietitians as a way to increase individuals intake who cannot meet their needs from food alone. They are prescribed based on the patients needs including, swallow recommendations, taste preferences, patient abilities and nutritional need.
A wide range of products are available. They come in a variety of types including milk based, juice based, yoghurt based and also come in different sizes.
The dietitian has recommended that Connie should have 1 x compact milk based supplement per day.
Take some time to consider:
- Taste preferences and how this could impact on ONS chosen
- Temperature of ONS provided i.e. was it given at room temperature or from the fridge
- Timing of ONS – was it given first thing in the morning after waking or mid day?
How could these factors affect Connie taking her prescribed ONS?
Questions (true/false answer in Bold)
Question: ONS can be given to everyone who has had a stroke?
Answer: False- ONS should only be given to those who have been identified as being at high risk of malnutrition, who cannot meet their needs orally and who have been prescribed these.
Answer: True- ONS should only be given to those who have been identified as being at high risk of malnutrition, who cannot meet their needs orally and who have been prescribed these.
Question: ONS should be given as meal replacements?
Answer: False- ONS are intended to be used as a supplement to diet, however may be used as a meal replacement in individual circumstances
Answer: True- ONS are intended to be used as a supplement to diet, however may be used as a meal replacement in individual circumstances
Question – ONS are best served chilled?
Answer. True- Most people prefer ONS to be served chilled however it is important to take into account individual preferences and texture level of fluids/diet as the chilling process can change the texture level of some of these products.
Answer. False- Most people prefer ONS to be served chilled however it is important to take into account individual preferences and texture level of fluids/diet as the chilling process can change the texture level of some of these products.
Question – ONS can be given to people with obesity?
Answer: True- if the person with obesity has been identified as being at high risk of malnutrition, cannot meet their needs via diet alone and has been prescribed ONS for use.
Answer: False- if the person with obesity has been identified as being at high risk of malnutrition, cannot meet their needs via diet alone and has been prescribed ONS for use.
ONS can be given to diabetic patients?
Answer: True- They can be given to someone who has diabetes if they have an inadequate intake and have been prescribed ONS. Encouraging the patient to sip ONS slowly and not drink quickly over a short period of time can help to minimise rapid increases to blood sugar levels.
Answer: False- They can be given to someone who has diabetes if they have an inadequate intake and have been prescribed ONS. Encouraging the patient to sip ONS slowly and not drink quickly over a short period of time can help to minimise rapid increases to blood sugar levels.
Question: The use of ONS should be monitored and evaluated on a regular basis?
Answer: True- An individuals need for ONS may change as their intake increases/decreases therefore it is important to document their intake of ONS on food/fluid chart to monitor their need for ONS in relation to their diet and progress.
Answer False- An individuals need for ONS may change as their intake increases/decreases therefore it is important to document their intake of ONS on food/fluid chart to monitor their need for ONS in relation to their diet and progress.
Page last reviewed: 12 Nov 2021
