Fat-free oral nutritional supplements for patients after acute illness: a prospective observational study

There is a lack of evidence for compliance with and the acceptability of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) by post-acute care patients. Therefore, the present study examined compliance with fat-free ONS, which are easy to drink. Patients who started oral intake in the general ward after being transferred from the Emergency Department were offered three ONS including fat-free ONS: Isocal Clear, Maybalance Mini, and Medimil, three times a day for three days. On days 1 and 3, patients evaluated each ONS using a questionnaire. Thirty-five eligible patients participated in the present study, which began a median of 10 days after their admission. Median taste ratings for Isocal Clear, Maybalance, and Medimil on day 1 were 8, 7, and 3, respectively, while median ease-to-drink ratings were 8, 7, and 5, respectively. In contrast, median taste ratings on day 3 were 5, 0, and 0, respectively, while median ease-to-drink ratings were 7, 1, and 0, respectively. Intakes of the prescribed diet during the three days had a median value as low as 30-50%. In conclusion, good compliance with fat-free ONS by post-acute care patients may be achieved.