Development of an instantly reconstitutable powdered broth as a clear fluid to shorten preoperative fasting

This study aimed to develop and validate an instant powdered broth, reconstitutable as a clear liquid, to shorten preoperative fasting, in accordance with ERAS and ACERTO protocols. Prolonged fasting is associated with discomfort, increased insulin resistance, and delayed recovery, while carbohydrate-rich clear liquids consumed up to 2 h before anesthesia are considered safe and beneficial.

Three formulations were prepared using maltodextrin, glucose, sodium chloride, and chicken flavoring, all fat-free and with high caloric value. After microbiological and sensory analyses with 30 evaluators, the most accepted formulation was selected for physicochemical characterization and clinical evaluation. Gastric emptying was assessed in 29 healthy volunteers (18-65 years) after consumption of 200 mL of the broth 2 h before elective surgery. Gastric ultrasound was performed in 28 participants using standardized qualitative assessment of the gastric antrum, while one participant underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) solely as an illustrative and confirmatory imaging method. Subjective perceptions of satiety, thirst, palatability, and satisfaction were collected through questionnaires.

The product showed pH 5.17, low water activity, clear appearance, and microbiological safety. Imaging demonstrated adequate gastric emptying in all participants 2 h after consumption. Subjectively, 60 % reported complete satiety, 75 % absence of thirst, 71 % approved palatability, and 92 % expressed overall satisfaction.

The developed broth proved to be a safe, palatable, and effective clear fluid alternative to reduce preoperative fasting, offering an innovative, low-cost option with potential application in hospital settings and personalized nutritional therapy.