[Comparison of short term acceptability of three oral nutritional supplements]

Although liquid supplements are formulated to provide extra energy, minerals, vitamins and proteins, much of the success of supplementation depends upon the acceptability of the product and the ability of the patients to take large volumes over a period of time.

This study was set up to evaluate the acceptability by haematological cancer patients of 3 commercially available nutritional supplements.

A population of 32 haematological cancer patients with reduced food intakes (less than 50% of calorie requirements by Harrist Benedict formula) was enrolled. Supplements were randomly assigned to each patient. Patients could try the drinks over 2 days period. They were asked to rate the acceptability of supplement, rating the product with a visual scale from 1 to 5 points with five parameters (color, taste, smell, texture, and temperature).

Ten patients received first ONS (oral nutritional supplements), 12 second ONS, and 10 third ONS. No epidemiological differences were detected among three groups. Total calorie and macronutrient consumption improved with all supplements. Average values of color, taste, smell, temperature and texture were similar on three oral nutritional supplements (ONS). Analogic scale was analyze in a categoric way with frequencies, too. Frequencies of 1 and 2 points (very good and good responses) with taste were better with second ONS (85%; p < 0.05) than first ONS (50%) and third ONS (55.5%). Frequencies with smell were better with second ONS (83.3%; p < 0.05) than first (55.5%) and third ONS (62.5%). Frequencies with texture were higher in first ONS (90%; p < 0.05) and second ONS (100%; p < 0.05) than third ONS (66.7%). Temperature and color frequencies were similar in all ONS.

Oral nutritional supplements had different acceptability in haematological cancer patients. Taste, smell and texture could be better in some ONS in these patients.