Sometimes we still do not manage to maintain or to restore an optimal nutritional status due to the side effects of the cancer treatment. Our daily diet lags behind what we need. In this case it makes sense to top up our intake of nutrients with suitable nutritional supplements.
At the same time our usual food intake should ideally not be limited or restricted. We need to take in additional nutrients to restore our nutrient balance.
ONS are designed to maintain an adequate nutrition. They are often high in energy, rich in protein and supply all the nutrients we require daily. ONS are used in addition to normal food if the normal diet is insufficient.
*ONS = Oral nutritional supplements
Low in carbohydrate but high in fat: Since cancer cells cannot use fat as source of energy, the formula provides energy to the patients, not the tumour1,3
Offers high-calorie and high protein: Maintain immunity, help repair tissue, compensate for the loss of protein and counteract loss of muscle1,4
Contains high amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from fish oil: 2g EPA daily^ daily can reduce side effects of therapy4. Can increase T cells which can improve cancer patients immunity2. Improve nutritional status of cancer patients3. Increase survival rate2.
Contains antioxidant vitamin: Contain sufficient antioxidant vitamin help wound healing and reduce chance of infections5
Contains medium chain triglyceride (MCT): Can be absorbed by the body easily and convert into energy1,6
Contains prebiotic fibre : Water soluble fibre can soften faeces and promote intestinal health1,4
No lactose: Prevent diarrhea because of lactose intolerance
Please join Nutrition Support Program for more details and promotional offer.
If you have questions about nutritional management, then talk to your healthcare professional.
^ EPA = Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Reference:
1.Supportan® Powder Enteral Nutrition Formula Adapted to the Special Needs of Cancer Patients (Revised on 17th March 2014).
2.Agilsés JM. Cancer-associated malnutrition. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2005;9 Suppl 2:S39-50.
3.Rossi-Fannelli F, Cascino A, Muscaritoli M. Abnormal substrate metabolism and nutritional strategies in cancer management. JPEN J Parenteral Enteral Nutr. 1991;15:680-683.
4.Mac Donald et al. Understanding and Managing Cancer Cachexia. J Am Coll Surg Vol. 197, No. 1, July 2003
5.American Cancer Society. Benefits of good nutrition during cancer treatment. Available at: www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandafterteatment/ nutritionforpeoplewithcancer/nutritionforthepersonwithcancer/nutrition-during-treatment-benefits (Accessed on 7th July, 2014).
6.Chow O&Barbul A. Immnonutrition: Role in Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2014;3:46-53.
7.Nagao K & Yangita T. Medium-chain fatty acids: functional lipids for the prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome. Pharmacol Res. 2010;61:208-212.
