Food modification versus oral liquid nutrition supplementation

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Oral liquid nutrition supplements (ONS) are utilized across various settings including community, residential, and healthcare facilities.
• They cater to individuals unable to meet nutritional requirements through conventional diets or modified foods.
• ONS also address specific nutrient needs arising from diseases or particular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the application and potential efficacy of Oral Liquid Nutrition Supplements (ONS).
• To identify patient populations where ONS are most effective.
• To highlight the need for comparative studies on food-based versus ONS interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the use and efficacy of ONS.
• Analysis of patient characteristics, particularly body mass index (BMI), associated with ONS effectiveness.
• Identification of research gaps in comparative nutrition interventions.

Main Results:

• ONS are beneficial for individuals whose nutritional needs exceed conventional dietary intake.
• Effectiveness of ONS appears highest in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 20 or less.
• Current evidence highlights a need for more studies comparing ONS with food-based nutrition interventions.

Conclusions:

• Oral liquid nutrition supplements serve a critical role in managing nutritional deficits.
• Targeting patients with low BMI (≤20) may optimize ONS benefits.
• Comparative research is essential to determine the optimal approach between food-based and ONS interventions.