Quick answer: a nutritional supplement is needed when an older person is eating little, losing weight without trying, recovering from an illness or surgery, or has wounds that are slow to heal. If they have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), gelled water and thickeners help them drink and eat more safely. The right choice depends on the situation, and a doctor, nurse or dietitian should advise.
As we age, it is common for appetite to decrease, for meals to get smaller and for swallowing or chewing to become harder. The result can be a diet that does not meet the body’s needs. In this guide we explain when nutritional supplements can help, what types are available and how to choose.
Signs that diet may not be enough
- Weight loss for no obvious reason, or clothes starting to feel loose.
- Loss of appetite or meals often left half-eaten.
- Tiredness, weakness and loss of muscle strength.
- Slow recovery after an illness, a hospital stay or surgery.
- Wounds or pressure ulcers that are slow to heal.
- Coughing, choking or throat clearing when drinking or eating: possible signs of dysphagia.
If you recognise any of these signs, speak to the GP or nurse. A nutritional assessment helps to understand what is missing and what the best solution is.
The main types of nutritional supplements
Complete oral supplements (high-calorie and high-protein)
These are drinks or desserts with plenty of energy and protein in a small volume, useful for people who eat little and tire quickly while eating. Compact formats such as Fortimel Compact Protein (125 ml bottles) concentrate the nutrients into a few sips and come in several flavours.
Modules to fortify food
These are powders added to everyday meals and drinks to boost one particular nutrient, without changing the taste much:
- Energy: maltodextrin modules, such as Fantomalt or Maltodextrin NM.
- Protein: protein modules, such as Protein NM or Prote-Lac NM.
They are a good option when the person still eats normal meals, but not enough of them.
Gelled water and thickeners (for dysphagia)
With dysphagia, thin liquids such as water are the hardest to swallow safely and can go down into the airways. There are two practical solutions:
- Gelled water: ready to use, it helps keep people who struggle to drink hydrated, for example Aguagel NM.
- Thickeners: powders or liquids added to drinks and food to give them the right texture, such as Clear Thickener NM or Thick-n Instant.
The right texture (thicker or thinner) should be set by the speech and language therapist, doctor or nurse. Find out more in our article on dysphagia.
Supplements for specific situations
There are formulas designed for particular needs, such as the healing of wounds and pressure ulcers. Read our guide to supplements for wounds and pressure ulcers.
How to choose: questions to ask
| Situation | What can help |
|---|---|
| Eats little and tires while eating | Compact, high-calorie, high-protein oral supplement |
| Eats normal meals, but small amounts | Energy or protein modules to add to meals |
| Chokes when drinking water | Gelled water and/or thickener, at the recommended texture |
| Has wounds that are slow to heal | Specific supplement for wound healing, with professional guidance |
Other practical tips: vary the flavours to avoid monotony, serve supplements chilled and in small amounts throughout the day, and do not use them to replace meals without professional advice.
At Saúde em Sua Casa
In the Nutritional Supplementation category you will find oral supplements, energy and protein modules, gelled water and thickeners. If you have any questions, call us on +351 258 023 198 or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
When does an older person need a nutritional supplement?
When they eat little, lose weight without trying, are recovering from an illness or surgery, or have wounds that are slow to heal. A doctor, nurse or dietitian can assess them and recommend the most suitable supplement.
What is the difference between a complete oral supplement and a module?
A complete oral supplement (for example, a high-calorie, high-protein drink) provides several nutrients at once. A module adds just one nutrient, energy or protein, to usual meals.
What is gelled water for?
It helps keep people who have difficulty swallowing liquids (dysphagia) hydrated, because its texture is easier to control than ordinary water.
Do I need a prescription to buy nutritional supplements?
You do not need a prescription to buy the products in our shop, but we always recommend guidance from a healthcare professional, especially in cases of illness, dysphagia or wounds.
This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
