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Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions

1.COMPLAN
Purchasing queries
Medical/diet questions
How to use Complan
Nutritional Information
Problems

2.COMPLAN SHAKE (PRESCRIPTION PRODUCT)
USER FAQs
What is Complan Shake & how to use it
Medical/diet related questions
Usage ideas
Problems

HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FAQs
Purchasing queries
What is Complan Shake?
Medical/diet related queries
How to use Complan Shake
Nutritional information

3. NON-UK QUERIES
Trade queries
Customer queries

1.Complan

PURCHASING QUERIES

Where can I buy Complan?
Complan is available in a number of different shops and pharmacies including:
Boots
Superdrug
Tesco
ASDA
Morrisons
Lloyds Pharmacies

Complan is also available online. Please see the 'How to buy' section on our website for more details : www.complan.com/buy.php

I can't find a specific flavour, how do I know who stocks it?
The following flavours are stocked by the following stores (There will be variation between store & all stores may not stock all flavours.)
Boots: Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Chicken, Coffee*
Tesco: Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Banana, Coffee*
Sainsbury’s (Mainstream): Original*
Morrisons: Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana*
ASDA: Original, Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana*
If your local pharmacy does not stock your preferred flavour, you can always ask them to order it in for you.

What are the recommended retail prices for Complan?
The RRP for Complan Original is £4.69*, while the Complan Flavours are £3.19* however prices may vary between stores.

Can I buy in bulk to get a discount?
Complan does not offer bulk discounts. You should contact your local pharmacist, who may be able to offer you a special price on a large volume.

What information can you send me about Complan?
We can send you a brochure called "Want to boost your appetite for life?" which contains information about Complan. To request one of these brochures please call the Careline on 0845 600 3170.

What are all the flavours in the Complan range?
Original
Chocolate
Strawberry
Vanilla
Banana
Coffee
Chicken
Vegetable
Complan & Oats

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MEDICAL/DIET RELATED QUESTIONS

Can children drink Complan?
Complan should be used with caution in children under six years old. It is not suitable for infants under 12 months except under medical supervision.

Is Complan safe for pregnant and nursing mothers?

Yes. Government advice is that pregnant women need to avoid excessive vitamin A, and should not have a daily intake of more than 3000µg. One serving of Complan contains 200µg of vitamin A (370µg if made with whole milk), putting it well within the recommended limit; however, if in doubt, always consult your physician. In addition, you should always take into account the level of vitamin A in the rest of your diet.

Is Complan suitable for vegetarians?
Yes.

Can people who follow halal or kosher diets drink Complan?
Yes, on the basis that none of the ingredients are derived from pork. However, it has not been officially approved by any of the bodies that certify kosher or halal status.

Does Complan contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) or any preservatives and artificial flavourings?
There are no preservatives, MSG or any other flavour enhancers in Complan.
There are nature-identical flavourings, made from chemicals, which are identical to those that occur naturally in nature.

Is Complan suitable for people with health conditions or allergies?
Diabetics:
There are many variations in the dietary needs of people with diabetes; therefore, we suggest you consult your dietitian or doctor before including any dietary supplements. You should take the Complan nutritional information chart with you (this can be found on the back of the pack and on the website), so that the health professional can see the ingredients (in particular the sugar content) in Complan.
Renal patients:
You should seek advice from a renal dietitian or doctor before using Complan, as the phosphorus, protein & water levels are quite high and may be contra-indicated for your condition. Renal patients should always drink Complan with water and NOT milk.
Liver disease:
Complan may offer support for malnutrition caused by your condition. Please consult your healthcare professional for advice.
Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance:
The Complan+Oats flavour is not recommended, but all other Complan flavours are suitable for anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel disease:
Complan should be useful in all of these conditions, but if you have any concerns please seek advice from your doctor as we do not know your medical history.
Protein conditions:
Anyone with a serious protein condition should be receiving regular advice from their GP or dietitian about the type of foods they should be eating or drinking. If in doubt, check with your doctor or dietitian.
Anaemia:
In cases of straightforward iron-deficiency anaemia, a regular intake of Complan would be beneficial as it adds a significant amount of iron to the diet, as well as vitamin C, which helps the absorption of iron into the body.
Complan is also useful if the anaemia is caused by folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. However, it is important that you work with your physician to identify the underlying cause of the anaemia and treat this as well, if possible.
Gout:
If you suffer from gout, your healthcare provider will have advised you to avoid foods with high levels of purines, for example, sweetbreads, anchovies, sardines, liver, beef, kidneys, brains, meat and yeast extracts (e.g. Bovril and Marmite), herring, mackerel or scallops. Complan does not fall into this group, and should therefore be fine.
Diarrhoea:
Complan is best avoided if you are suffering from diarrhoea because of its lactose content.
Iodine sensitivity:
The iodine content is 35 micrograms (µg) per serving. You would have to be extremely sensitive to iodine (and avoiding a lot of common foodstuffs) for there to be a problem. If in doubt, contact your doctor or dietitian.
Nut allergies:
Complan is made in a nut-free factory and contains no nuts; hence it is safe for anyone with this type of allergy.

I am currently on Warfarin; can I still take Complan?
The levels of vitamin K in foods like liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower are much higher than in a serving of Complan. At the level it is present in Complan, vitamin K should not interfere with Warfarin; but please consult your dietitian or doctor to verify that the vitamin K levels in the rest of your diet are not too high. If you take any regular prescribable medication, please check with your doctor whether they are safe to take with Complan.

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HOW TO USE COMPLAN

Can I take Complan to help me lose weight?

Complan was originally designed for controlled weight gain; however it can also be used to help weight loss. As a meal replacement, Complan offers a healthy way of reducing your daily calorie intake. One serving of Complan, made with water, provides only 250 calories – similar to other slimming shakes on the supermarket shelves. In addition, Complan is packed with essential vitamins (including the antioxidants A, C and E) and minerals (like calcium and iron). Please note: we recommend any weight loss be planned carefully at a healthy rate, ideally between 1-2 pounds per week, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

I have been told that I have to take ‘build-up’ drinks, is Complan such a drink?
Yes, Complan is designed for exactly that purpose.

How many sachets should I have per day?
If you are using it as a supplement to a reasonable diet, then one to two sachets per day is fine. If you are struggling to take in adequate daily nutrition (or any nutrition at all), you can take up to eight sachets a day, made up with water, to try reach an ideal intake of 1,500 - 2,000 kcal. However if Complan is replacing a large part of your diet (or you are taking more than 2 sachets a day), then you should ask your doctor, dietitian or nurse for advice based on your situation.

Can I heat/freeze Complan?
You can freeze reconstituted Complan, in the short term, without affecting its nutritional value – in fact, it makes a pleasant ice-lolly. However, if you plan to thaw the frozen Complan for re-use, you should note that the texture will not be quite the same as freshly made Complan. You can also heat Complan (although don’t boil).

Is it okay to mix dried Complan with yogurt instead of milk or water, and add some fruit to it?
If you use Complan as a supplement, then you can mix it with any variety of other foods. If you rely on Complan for a major part of your nutritional intake, it would be advisable to check with your healthcare provider when making any changes, to ensure that you are getting adequate calorific and fluid intake.

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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

How much skimmed milk is in Complan Original?

Complan Original in the UK is 43% skimmed milk powder, so each serving of 57g contains approximately 25g of skimmed milk powder.

Where does Complan source the milk for their products?

The skimmed milk powder used in Complan comes from either Scandinavia or Ireland.

How much lactose is in Complan, and what type of sugars are used?

Grams per 100 gram powder (approximately)

 

Total Carbohydrate

Poly-saccharides

Total

Lactose

Sucrose

Maltose*

Glucose*

Original

61.1

21.0

40.1

36.6

-

3.2

0.3

Banana

61.2

15.5

45.7

36.7

6.0

2.8

0.2

Chocolate

59.7

11.9

47.8

35.0

6.6

2.3

3.8

Strawberry

61.1

14.9

46.2

36.3

7.0

2.7

0.2

Vanilla

60.8

14.7

46.1

37.1

6.0

2.8

0.2

Chicken

61.8

57.5

4.3

0.1

-

3.6

0.6

Vegetable

61.0

56.8

4.2

0.1

-

3.5

0.6

Complan Oats

55.3

31.2

24.1

22.5

0.2

1.3

0.1

Coffee

61.0

17.9

43.1

36.3

3.5

2.8

0.5


Grams per 57 gram serving with water (approximately)

 

Total Carbohydrate

Poly-saccharides

Total

Lactose

Sucrose

Maltose*

Glucose*

Original

34.8

11.9

22.9

20.9

-

1.8

0.2

Strawberry

34.8

8.5

26.3

20.7

4.0

1.5

0.1

Chocolate

34.0

6.8

27.2

19.9

3.8

1.3

2.2

Banana

34.7

8.4

26.3

21.2

3.4

1.6

0.1

Vanilla

34.9

8.9

26.0

20.9

3.4

1.6

0.1

Coffee

34.8

10.2

24.6

20.7

2.0

1.6

0.3

Chicken

35.2

32.8

2.4

0.1

-

2.0

0.3

Vegetable

34.8

32.4

2.4

0.1

-

2.0

0.3

Complan Oats (60g serving)

33.2

18.7

14.5

13.5

0.1

0.8

0.1


Could you please give me details of the protein type (whey / casein) used in Complan?
The protein in most Complan flavours comes from unmodified cows' milk, and is therefore about 78% casein and 22% whey.
The Chocolate flavour varies very slightly as there is a small additional amount of protein from the cocoa powder.

What is the amino acid composition of Complan?

 

g per 100g protein

g per 100g Complan

Isoleucine

5.5

0.85

Leucine

10.0

1.54

Lysine

8.0

1.23

Methionine

2.8

0.43

Cystine

0.9

0.14

Phenylalanine

5.3

0.82

Tyrosine

4.4.

0.68

Threonine

4.9

0.75

Tryptophan

1.4

0.22

Valine

7.2

1.11

 

 

 

Arginine

3.9

0.60

Histidine

3.0

0.46

Alanine

3.8

0.59

Aspartic acid

8.3

1.28

Glutamic acid

22.6

3.48

Glycine

2.2

0.34

Proline

9.2

1.42

Serine

5.8

0.89

The figures are those for Original, Strawberry, Vanilla and Banana flavours.
Chocolate, Chicken and Vegetable are slightly different.


What is the fatty acid composition of Complan?

 

 

g per 100g total fatty acids

per 100 g
UK Complan
(Complan 03)

per 100 g Export Complan
(Complan 85)

Lauric

C12:0

0.2

trace

trace

Myristic

C14:0

1.0

0.1

0.1

Palmitic

C16:0

39.8

5.7

5.3

Stearic

C18:0

4.4

0.6

0.6

Other saturated

 

0.5

0.1

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

Palmitoleic

C16:1

0.2

trace

trace

Oleic

C18:1

42.5

6.0

5.7

 

 

 

 

 

Linoleic

C18:2

11.2

1.6

1.5

Linolenic

C18:3

0.2

trace

trace

 

 

 

 

 

Total saturated

 

45.9

6.6

6.1

Total monounsaturated

 

42.7

6.0

5.7

Total polyunsaturated

 

11.4

1.6

1.5


Is there any monosodium glutamate in Complan?
No, there is no MSG - or any other flavour enhancer - in Complan.

What kinds of carbohydrates and oils are used in Complan products?
The oil in Complan is palm olein oil, a 'fraction' of palm oil. It is a vegetable oil, which provides a suitable level of essential fatty acids and is more stable than other very liquid oils (e.g. soy oil can go rancid very quickly).

The carbohydrates are a blend of lactose, maltodextrin and glucose syrup, with some sucrose and dextrose in some flavours. Maltodextrin (derived from maize) is not as sweet as lactose or sucrose, so balances the flavours. It may also give a feeling of fullness to the consumer.

Is there any caffeine in Complan?
Only the Coffee and Chocolate flavours contain caffeine, and this is only present as a component of the flavourings. All other flavours are caffeine free.

Does Complan contain any yeast or tyramine?
Yeast, as such, is not used as an ingredient in any variety of Complan, but the Chicken and Vegetable Flavours do contain significant amounts of yeast extract. The Chicken and Vegetable Flavours have not yet been analysed for tyramine levels, and so are best avoided by anyone taking MAOI medication, for the time being. All other flavours contain only trace quantities of tyramine, and are therefore safe for use.

How much Vitamin K is in Complan?
The content of vitamin K in all varieties of Complan is 53µg per 100g, 30µg per serving. Vitamin K is added as such, and is named in the ingredients lists.

How many calories does Complan provide with milk?
A serving (57g) of Complan, when mixed with 200ml of whole milk provides 380 calories, 340 calories with semi-skimmed milk, and 320 calories with skimmed milk (this may vary slightly between flavours).

Is Complan ‘wheat-free’?
None of the ingredients used in Complan are derived from wheat, and for most purposes the product can be considered ‘wheat free’. However, it is made in a factory that uses wheat in other products, and although strict precautions are taken to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot rule out the possibility that minute traces of wheat might be present. If you are extremely sensitive to wheat then it might be better to avoid Complan.

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PROBLEMS

Does Complan cause constipation?

No, Complan is not known to cause constipation. However, it does have a low fibre content, so switching from a high fibre diet a large proportional intake of Complan could possibly lead to some constipation. One or two sachets a day shouldn't make much difference.

The cup I used for Complan turned brown – is this something I should be concerned about?
If left unwashed, a cup that contained Complan may form some brown residue. Complan contains iron and in certain circumstances this can react with organic compounds, which are then absorbed into ceramic materials. These stains can be removed using a proprietary cleaner (such as a Stain Devil), which contains EDTA. This forms a chelate with the iron making it soluble.

I get stomach discomfort after drinking Complan. Is this normal?
No, this is not a typical occurrence. You should establish whether you get the same sort of discomfort when you drink a regular glass of milk. If so, the stomach discomfort may be due to lactose intolerance. Alternatively, you could try taking a biscuit with the Complan, or splitting the drink into smaller portions, and drinking them over a longer time period. If you are concerned, you should discuss this with your healthcare professional.

I had an allergic reaction to Complan, are there known allergies to any ingredients?
Complan is not suitable for people with cows' milk intolerance or galactosaemia (a rare condition in which the body cannot process lactose). Please do not have any more Complan in the short term and consult a doctor or nurse who will be able to advise you properly.

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2. COMPLAN SHAKE (PRESCRIPTION PRODUCT)

USER FAQs

WHAT IS COMPLAN SHAKE AND HOW TO USE IT?

What is Complan Shake?
Complan Shake is a nutritionally balanced food supplement, designed to provide extra energy and nutrients for people who suffer from serious or unplanned weight loss, poor appetite or are recovering from illness. Complan Shake comes in powder form and can be mixed with milk or water. It is available in five flavours: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana and Original.

How is Complan Shake different from Complan that I can buy in the shops?
The two products are similar; however Complan Shake has a higher vitamin and mineral content, and two servings provide 100% of the recommended intake of essential vitamins. While Complan is available in regular supermarkets and can be used by anyone requiring general nutritional supplements, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider to buy Complan Shake at your pharmacy.

My friend gets Complan on prescription from her doctor. Can I do the same?
Whether you are eligible to receive Complan Shake on prescription is at the discretion of your doctor, district nurse or a dietitian, and so we recommend that you discuss this with them. If your doctor is unfamiliar with Complan Shake, information is available in the relevant section of their medicine directories.

How do I use Complan Shake?
Complan Shake is best made up with 200mls of chilled whole milk. Using a little of the milk, whisk the powder into a smooth paste. Then mix in the remaining milk.
Alternatively ask your dietitian for a free Shaker.

How often should I take Complan Shake, and when?
We recommend two sachets per day (made with 200mls of whole milk), unless otherwise indicated by your dietitian, doctor or clinician. Try to drink Complan Shake as mid-morning or mid-afternoon snacks, in between your main meals. Alternatively, mix the powder into dishes such as custard or porridge to increase their nutritional value. Avoid drinking Complan Shake just before a meal, as this may reduce your appetite.

Can I just drink Complan Shake instead of eating food?
It is not recommended to take Complan Shake as a meal replacement, unless you have been told to do so by a doctor or dietitian.

How long should I take Complan Shake for?
There is no set period for how long you should take Complan Shake; it is dependant upon your individual circumstances. Your doctor or dietitian will review your prescription on a regular basis to determine if you should require any changes.

What nutrition am I getting from Complan Shake?
When mixed with whole milk, Complan Shake provides a nutritionally balanced drink. It is formed from a base of skimmed milk powder, with added carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals.

One sachet of Complan Shake, when made up with 200mls whole milk, provides 387 Kcal (382 Kcal for the Chocolate flavour), 15.6g protein and 50% of your daily requirement of vitamins D, E, K, C, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, Folic acid, B12, Biotin & Pantothenic acid. Complan Shake is also a rich source of the anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E; Calcium for healthy, strong bones; Iron to help maintain physical stamina, strength and mental alertness; and protein.

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MEDICAL/ DIET-RELATED QUESTIONS

Is Complan Shake suitable for everybody?
Complan Shake should only be used if recommended by a health professional such as a dietitian, doctor or clinician. Complan Shake should be used with caution in children under 6 years of age, and it is not suitable for infants, except under medical supervision. Complan Shake is also not suitable for people with cows’ milk intolerance and galactosaemia.

What about people with serious diseases or health conditions?
Diabetics:
There are many variations in the dietary needs of people with diabetes; therefore, we suggest you consult your dietitian or doctor before including any dietary supplements. You should take the Complan Shake nutritional information chart with you (this can be found on the back of the pack and on the website), so that the health professional can see the ingredients (in particular the sugar content) in Complan Shake.
Renal patients:
You should seek advice from a renal dietitian or doctor before using Complan Shake, as the phosphorus, protein & water levels are quite high and may be contra-indicated for your condition.
Liver disease:
Complan Shake may offer support for malnutrition caused by your condition. Please consult your healthcare professional for advice.
Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance:
Complan Shake is suitable for anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel disease:
Complan should be useful in all of these conditions, but if you have any concerns please seek advice from your doctor as we do not know your medical history.
Protein conditions:
Anyone with a serious protein condition should be receiving regular advice from their GP or dietitian about the type of foods they should be eating or drinking. If in doubt, check with your doctor or dietitian.
Diarrhoea:
Complan Shake is best avoided if you are suffering from diarrhoea because of its lactose content.
Iodine sensitivity:
The iodine content is 50 micrograms (µg) per serving. You would have to be extremely sensitive to iodine (and avoiding a lot of common foodstuffs) for there to be a problem. If in doubt, contact your doctor or dietitian.
Nut allergies:
Complan Shake is made in a nut-free factory and contains no nuts; hence it is safe for anyone with this type of allergy.

I am currently on Warfarin; can I still take Complan Shake?
The levels of vitamin K in foods like liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower are much higher than in a serving of Complan Shake. At the level it is present in Complan Shake, vitamin K should not interfere with Warfarin; but please consult your dietitian or doctor to verify that the vitamin K levels in the rest of your diet are not too high. If you take any regular prescribable medication, please check with your physician whether they are safe to take with Complan Shake.

Is Complan Shake safe for pregnant and nursing mothers?
Yes. Government advice is that pregnant women need to avoid excessive vitamin A, and should not have a daily intake of more than 3000µg. One serving of Complan Shake contains 300µg of vitamin A (370µg if made with whole milk), putting it well within the recommended limit; however, if in doubt, always consult your physician.

Is Complan Shake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes.

Can people who follow halal or kosher diets drink Complan Shake?
Yes, on the basis that none of the ingredients are derived from pork. However, it has not been officially approved by any of the bodies that certify kosher or halal status.

Does Complan Shake contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) or any preservatives and artificial flavourings?
There are no preservatives, MSG or any other flavour enhancers in Complan Shake.
There are nature-identical flavourings, made from chemicals, which are identical to those that occur naturally in nature.

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USAGE IDEAS

Can I use Complan Shake in other ways to help boost my nutritional intake?

Complan Shake is traditionally made with 200mls chilled whole milk; however, there are numerous other ways to take your Complan Shake.
1. Mix warm or hot milk (but not boiled, as this may affects the nutrients) with the Chocolate flavour to make hot chocolate, with the Vanilla flavour to create a latte or with Original flavour to get a ‘cup a soup’.
2. Use some gelatine or Agar with Complan Shake to create a blancmange-type dessert.
3. Freeze Complan Shakes to make iced milk lollies.
4. Original flavour Complan Shake can be used as milk on breakfast cereal, or in hot drinks such as coffee and tea throughout the day; it can be made into custard or added to soups and sauces. It can be used as a milk replacement in most recipes that include milk (mashed potato, custard, cheese sauce etc.).
5. Complan Shake powder may be added to meal dishes and recipes to increase the energy and nutritional value. Try it in porridge, milk pudding, or yoghurt. Three level tablespoons of Complan Shake powder provides an additional 100 calories to a food dish. Always mix in with a whisk or fork, or mix to a paste with some milk.

What else can I do to get more nutrients?
Complan Shake is intended to supplement your meals. It is important that you make sure your meals and drinks are also full of nourishment. If you are struggling to take in adequate daily nutrition, here are some tips:
1. Try to eat three meals a day. You may prefer smaller portions sizes, but always have seconds if you are still hungry. Try to always include a carbohydrate food at each meal, such as bread, potatoes, breakfast cereal, pasta or rice.
2. Try to eat two to three nourishing snacks a day. Avoid having plain biscuits; rather have a piece of cake, a slice of malt loaf with margarine or butter, half a scone or teacake with margarine/butter and jam, two crackers and cheese, packet of crisps, slice of toast.
3. Drink milk-based drinks and fruit juice. In addition, adding milk to your coffee or tea will provide much more calories than if you take them black.
4. Use full fat and full sugar versions of food items, such as whole milk, cheese, yogurt, margarine; unless you have been recommended not to by a dietitian or clinician.
5. Add high calorie, high protein foods to dishes, e.g. grate cheese into soup. This can significantly increase the amount of calories without increasing the volume.

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PROBLEMS

Drinking Complan Shake has given me diarrhoea. Should I be concerned?
Try drinking smaller amounts spread over the day, rather than a whole serving at once. If symptoms worsen or persist, please consult your doctor or dietitian.

Help, I am bored with Complan Shake.
Ensure that you are receiving several flavours on prescription to keep variety. Try mixing Complan Shake with other liquids, like juice or lemonade. See the recipe section of this website for recipe ideas that include apple spice, fruit surprise, crème caramel, coconut chocolate delight, mocha, double hot chocolate or peaches and cream or call the Careline 0845 600 3170 to request a recipe guide.

How should I store Complan Shake?
The boxes and sachets should be stored in a cool, dry place, below 25ºC. Once opened, keep sachets in a cool, dry place and use them within 2-3 days. Complan Shake that has been mixed with milk should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours. If left out at room temperature, drink within 2 hours.

I have run out of Complan Shake, how do I get more?
You should arrange a repeat prescription from your healthcare professional. If you can’t see the doctor who originally prescribed Complan Shake, any new doctor will need to know who recommended that you take Complan Shake and for how long, how many sachets were prescribed per day, which flavours you prefer and your current weight.

Who do I contact if I need advice or have any questions about Complan Shake?
For any queries, advice, complaints or recipes suggestions, please contact our Careline on 0845 600 3170 (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm) or email info@complannutrition.com. Alternatively you can speak to your local dietitian or doctor for their recommendations.

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HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FAQs

PURCHASING QUERIES

Is it possible to obtain Complan Shake samples?
Please call our Careline on 0845 600 3170 (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) or email your request to info@complannutrition.com

Where can we buy Complan Shake for our hospital or nursing home?
Complan Shake can be ordered from a number of suppliers (see list below) but not directly from Complan. For more information login to the healthcare professional section of our website:- http://www.complannutrition.com/healthcare.php

Phoenix Healthcare Distribution Ltd: (01928) 750 500
AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd: (02476) 432 000
Norchem Ltd: (01388) 720 661
UniChem Limited: (02083) 912 323
Mawdsley-Brooks & Co Ltd: (01617) 423 300
F. Maltby & Sons Ltd: (01522) 880 080
Munro Group: (01355) 243 091

Complan Shake is supplied in cases of six cartons, with each carton containing 4 x 57g sachets, (or in cases of 6 Starter Packs, each containing all five flavours (5 x 57g) plus a free Shaker).

Flavour

Pip-code

Order code

Vanilla

324-3110

05000218508379

Strawberry

324-3102

05000218508362

Chocolate

324-3094

05000218508355

Banana

328-6762

05000218508461

Original 328-6770 05000218007674

Starter Pack

352-7801

05000218008046

What is the cost of Complan Shake on prescription?
A pack of 4 sachets of Complan Shake costs the NHS £3.44 or 86p per serving (price at 22/02/2010.) This is less than half the price of Ensure Plus or Fortisip, which is £1.85per serving. A Starter Pack costs the NHS £5.07.

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WHAT IS COMPLAN SHAKE?

Why is Complan Shake ‘Rx only’ and not available off the shelf?
Complan Shake is not approved as a GSL product; hence it is not available off the shelf. We do offer a general retail product, Complan, which is available on shelf.

Is Complan Shake ACBS approved?
Yes. Complan Shake can be prescribed for short-bowel syndrome, intractable malabsorption, pre-operative preparation of patients who are undernourished, proven inflammatory bowel disease, following total gastrectomy, dysphagia, bowel fistulas and disease-related malnutrition. It is available on FP10/GP10 prescription.

Is Complan Shake a 'P' or a 'POM' product?
No, as Complan Shake is a food product, and not a licensed medicine or drug, and is therefore exempt from the licensing and other provisions of the Medicines for Human Use Act (Marketing Authorisations etc) Regulations 1994.

Is Complan Shake a 'complete' food?
The guidelines given in the Commission Directive 1999/21 on Dietary Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) dictate the minimum and maximum levels of micronutrients per 100kcal that should be included in ‘Medical Food’ products for them to be classified as ‘nutritionally complete’.
All the micronutrients in Complan Shake comply with these guidelines, with the exception of phosphorus, which exceeds the maximum level. The phosphorus content of Complan Shake is naturally occurring and is derived solely from the skimmed milk used in the manufacture of the product. However, because the levels are higher than Directive criteria, Complan Shake cannot legally be described as ‘nutritionally complete’.

Are either Fortisip or Ensure® ‘nutritionally complete’?
The micronutrient levels of both Fortisip® and Ensure Plus® fall within the ranges stated in the FSMP Directive; therefore both can legally be described as ‘nutritionally complete’. However, neither product provides the recommended daily intake of vitamins in 2 servings a day.

What is the difference between Complan Shake and Complan?
Complan is a retail product range, available to anyone off the shelf. Complan Shake is available to patients on prescription from their doctor, and has an enhanced vitamin and mineral profile, which means that two servings provide 100% RNI of essential vitamins. The table below shows the micronutrients that differ between the two products:

Complan Retail – per 57g sachet
Vitamin A 200 µg
Vitamin D 2.5 µg
Niacin 9.0 mg
Vitamin B 12 0.5 µg
Biotin 75 µg
Iodine 35 µg

Complan Shake– per 57g
Vitamin A 300 µg
Vitamin D 5 µg
Niacin 6.8 mg
Vitamin B 12 0.75 µg
Biotin 18 µg
Iodine 50 µg

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MEDICAL/DIET-RELATED QUERIES

Is Complan Shake safe for patients with health conditions or allergies?

Diabetics:
Yes, but as there are many variations in the dietary needs of people with diabetes; we feel that the decision as to whether or not a patient should take Complan Shake lies with the Doctor or Dietitian. Please refer to the table below for a breakdown of the sugars in Complan Shake:

Carbohydrate in Complan Shake ( g per 100g powder, approximately)

 

Total Carbohydrate

Poly-saccharides

Total Sugars

Lactose

Sucrose

Maltose

Glucose

Vanilla

61.2

15.2

46.0

37.1

6.0

2.7

0.2

Strawberry

61.5

14.9

46.6

36.7

7.0

2.7

0.2

Chocolate

59.5

12.1

47.4

34.7

6.6

2.3

3.8

Banana

61.3

15.8

45.5

36.6

6.0

2.7

0.2

Original

61.7

21.8

39.9

36.4

-

3.2

0.3


Carbohydrate in Complan Shake ( g per 57g serving, approximately)

 

Total Carbohydrate

Poly-saccharides

Total Sugars

Lactose

Sucrose

Maltose

Glucose

Vanilla

34.9

8.7

26.2

21.2

3.4

1.5

0.1

Strawberry

35.1

8.6

26.5

20.9

4.0

1.5

0.1

Chocolate

33.9

6.9

27.0

19.8

3.8

1.3

2.1

Banana

34.9

9.0

25.9

20.9

3.4

1.5

0.1

Original

35.2

12.5

22.7

20.7

-

1.8

0.2

when mixed with 200ml whole milk, there is an additional 9.3g of carbohydrate and 9.3g of lactose per serving.

Renal patients:
Normally, Complan Shake powder is reconstituted will 200ml of whole milk. For renal patients, this could present a number of problems. The amount of fluid may be too much; and the protein (15.6g), phosphate (450mg) and potassium (700mg) levels could be too high. As an alternative, renal patients should drink Complan with water and NOT milk but this decision should be made by a dietitian or doctor on an individual basis.
Liver disease:
Yes, Complan Shake may offer support for malnutrition caused by liver disease.
Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance:
Complan Shake is suitable for anyone on a gluten-free diet.
Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel disease:
Complan should be useful in all of these conditions.
Iodine sensitivity:
The iodine content is 50 micrograms (µg) per serving. Patients would have to be extremely sensitive to iodine (and avoiding a lot of common foodstuffs) for there to be a problem.
Nut allergies:
Complan Shake is made in a nut-free factory and contains no nuts; hence it is safe for anyone with this type of allergy.
Is Complan Shake safe for pregnant and nursing mothers?
Yes. Government advice is that pregnant women need to avoid excessive vitamin A, and should not have a daily intake of more than 3000µg. One serving of Complan Shake contains 300µg of vitamin A (370µg if made with whole milk), putting it well within the recommended limit.
Patients on Warfarin
The levels of vitamin K in foods like liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower are much higher than in a serving of Complan Shake. At the level it is present in Complan Shake, vitamin K should not interfere with Warfarin; however, doctors may want to verify that the vitamin K levels in the rest the patient’s are not too high.
Patients on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Yes, the tyramine levels are negligible.

Is Complan Shake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes.

Can people who follow halal or kosher diets drink Complan Shake?
Yes, on the basis that none of the ingredients are derived from pork. However, it has not been officially approved by any of the bodies that certify kosher or halal status.

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HOW TO USE COMPLAN SHAKE

Can Complan Shake be administered via a ‘PEG-feed’?
We would not recommend that Complan Shake be used as a tube feed and given via a PEG. PEG liquid feeds come in sterile, pre-mixed bags that can be hung for a 24-hour period. All non-sterile powders, when reconstituted, can be hung for only 4 hours before risk of contamination. The reconstitution process itself would also need to be performed in sterile conditions.
In addition, the osmolality of Complan Shake is higher than sterile liquid feeds, which could lead to a greater likelihood of intolerance.

Can electrolytes be added to Complan Shake?
If absolutely necessary, based on a patient’s particular dietary need, but there are already electrolytes present in Complan Shake.

Can Complan Shake be used to fortify food?
Yes – it is a particularly suitable replacement for milk in breakfast cereals, sauces, custards and other desserts.

How much Complan Shake can a patient safely have?
This depends entirely on the rest of the patient’s diet. If a patient cannot, or will not, consume adequate food, using up to eight sachets a day (if mixed with water) would offer 1,500 - 2,000 kcal, without reaching undesirable levels of any nutrient. However, as Complan Shake cannot legally be called ‘nutritionally complete’, its use as a sole source of nutrition would need to be at the discretion of the clinician or dietitian.
If the patient is still eating a normal diet (1,500 - 2,000 kcal per day from normal food), there is a risk of obesity if large volumes of Complan (more than 2 sachets a day) are taken, in addition to a normal diet, without an increase in exercise to match.

What is the volume when reconstituted with 200mls liquid?
A 57g serving of Complan Shake adds about 40ml to the water or milk it is mixed with, giving a final volume of about 240ml.

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NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

How much lactose is in Complan Shake?

 

g per 100g powder, approximately

g per 57g serving, approximately

Vanilla

37.1

21.2

Strawberry

36.7

20.9

Chocolate

34.7

19.8

Banana

36.6

20.9

Original

36.4

20.7

When mixed with 200ml whole milk, there is an additional 9.3g of lactose per serving.

How many calories does Complan Shake provide when mixed with milk?
When mixed with 200ml whole milk, Complan Shake provides 387 calories, with semi-skimmed milk 340 calories and with skimmed milk 310 calories (this varies slightly between flavours).

Does Complan Shake contain MSG (monosodium glutamate) or any preservatives and artificial flavourings?
There are no preservatives, MSG or any other flavour enhancers in Complan Shake.
There are nature-identical flavourings, which means that although they are manufactured, they are identical to those that occur in nature.

Does Complan Shake contain any fluoride?
We do not add any fluoride, but fluoride naturally occurs in the milk base.

What kinds of carbohydrates and oils are used in Complan Shake?
The oil in Complan is palm olein oil, a 'fraction' of palm oil. It is a vegetable oil, which provides a suitable level of essential fatty acids and is more stable than other very liquid oils (e.g. soy oil can go rancid very quickly).
The carbohydrates are a blend of lactose, maltodextrin and glucose syrup, with some sucrose and dextrose in some flavours.
Maltodextrin (derived from maize) is not as sweet as lactose or sucrose, so balances the flavours. It may also give a feeling of fullness to the consumer.

Why is skimmed milk used for the powder and not whole milk?
Skimmed milk allows us to replace the butterfat of whole milk with a nutritionally more suitable vegetable oil that has a lower saturated fat content.

Could you please give me details of the protein type (whey / casein) used in Complan Shake?
The protein in most Complan Shake flavours comes from unmodified cows' milk, and is therefore about 78% casein and 22% whey.
The Chocolate flavour varies very slightly as there is a small additional amount of protein from the cocoa powder.

Is the skimmed milk homogenised?
The oil, which is added to the skimmed milk, is homogenised into the liquid before drying.

Does Complan Shake contain any genetically modified soy protein ingredients?
No.

What is the amino acid composition of Complan Shake?

*

g amino acid per 100g protein (Nx6.38)

g amino acid per 57g serving Complan Shake mixed with water

g amino acid per serving (57g) Complan Shake mixed with 200ml whole milk

Isoleucine

5.5

0.48

0.88

Leucine

10.0

0.88

1.59

Lysine

8.0

0.70

1.27

Methionine

2.8

0.25

0.45

Cystine

0.9

0.08

0.14

Phenylalanine

5.3

0.47

0.84

Tyrosine

4.4

0.39

0.70

Threonine

4.9

0.43

0.78

Tryptophan

1.4

0.12

0.22

Valine

7.2

0.63

1.15

Arginine

3.9

0.34

0.62

Histidine

3.0

0.26

0.48

Alanine

3.8

0.33

0.61

Aspartic acid

8.3

0.73

1.32

Glutamic acid

22.6

1.98

3.60

Glycine

2.2

0.19

0.35

Proline

9.2

0.81

1.47

Serine

5.8

0.51

0.92

*Chocolate flavour is slightly different

What is the fatty acid composition of Complan Shake?

 

g per 100g total fatty acids

g per serving (57g) mixed with water

g per serving (57g) mixed with 200ml whole milk

 

 

 

 

 

Lauric

C12:0

0.2

trace

0.3

Myristic

C14:0

1.0

0.1

0.9

Palmitic

C16:0

39.8

3.2

5.4

Stearic

C18:0

4.4

0.4

1.2

Other saturated

 

0.5

0.1

1.3

 

 

 

 

 

Palmitoleic

C16:1

0.2

trace

0.1

Oleic

C18:1

42.5

3.4

5.1

Other monounsaturated

 

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

Linoleic

C18:2

11.2

0.9

1.1

Linolenic

C18:3

0.2

trace

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

Total saturated

45.9

3.9

9.1

Total monounsaturated

42.7

3.4

5.5

Total polyunsaturated

11.4

1.0

1.2

*Chocolate flavour is slightly different


The phosphorus levels in Complan Shake are higher than the FSMP guidelines; is this something to be concerned about?
The report on Dietary Reference Values (COMA Report 41) suggests that the maximum tolerable daily intake of phosphorus should be set at 70mg per kg bodyweight – roughly 4.5g per day for a 65kg man. A patient would have to drink 10 servings of Complan Shake (reconstituted in whole milk) to reach this level. This level of consumption would also supply 3870kcal (much higher than typical daily requirements) and lead to very high intake of many other vitamins and minerals. If taken as prescribed, the phosphorus (or any other vitamin/mineral) levels are well within safety parameters.

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3. NON-UK ENQUIRIES

TRADE QUERIES
Who do we contact regarding distribution or commercial sales of Complan and/or Casilan products?
Please contact Reynaldo Marquez (rmarquez@complan.com) for any information relating to commercial sales and distribution.

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CUSTOMER QUERIES
Is Complan sold in the CARIBBEAN?
Yes, Complan is available widely in the English speaking Caribbean. Please contact Reynaldo Marquez (rmarquez@complan.com) for location-specific information.

Is Complan available in the AMERICAS?
Outside USA and Canada:
Please contact Reynaldo Marquez (rmarquez@complan.com) for further location-specific information.
In the USA:
Complan is available in limited locations in the US, mostly on the East Coast, though national delivery shouldn't be a problem. Please contact our Brooklyn based distributor, Verman Bedessee (verman@bedessee.com) (Tel: +1 718 272 1300), as he should be able to help you get hold of Complan.
The product/flavour options for the USA are:
(Natural) Original 450g
Vanilla 450g
Chocolate 450g
Strawberry 450g
Please email him your full address or zip code so he can check shipping costs, and let him know what flavours/quantity you are interested in.
In Canada:
Complan is available in limited locations in Canada, though national delivery shouldn't be a problem. Please contact our Toronto based distributor, Rayman Bedessee (rayman@bedessee.com), as he should be able to help you get hold of Complan.

Is Complan available in AUSTRALIA?
Unfortunately Complan is not currently available for direct purchase in Australia.
Our New Zealand colleague, Melanie Taylor (Melanie.taylor@nz.hjheinz.com), has listed the Complan products with a New Zealand online pharmacy supplier, Net Pharmacy (http://www.netpharmacy.co.nz/111.html?search=complan). You can try source the products from there.

Is Complan available in NEW ZEALAND?
Please contact Melanie Taylor (Melanie.taylor@nz.hjheinz.com), in New Zealand. She can help you source Complan products over there.

Is Complan available in INDIA?
Please contact jessica.patel@in.hjheinz.com for more information on Complan in India.

Is Complan available in PAKISTAN?
Please contact Maarit Hill (maarit.hill@uk.hjheinz.com) or Kate Dutton (kate.dutton@uk.hjheinz.com) regarding Complan in this country.

Is Complan available in NIGERIA?
Please contact Roger Jalland (roger@jhmafrica.com) or Maarit Hill (maarit.hill@uk.hjheinz.com) regarding queries about Complan in Nigeria.

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*Correct at 24/02/2010

 

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