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When to use
Dentistry and surgery on the face or jaw
There are many instances where even routine dental treatment can make eating difficult for a day or two. After more extensive dental or facial surgery, or where the jaw has been wired, liquid foods are essential for longer periods.
Complan is a useful standby in all case since it mixes to a delicious, easy-to-take drink with the nutritional value of a balanced meal.
Gastric and duodenal ulcers
Strict diets are not necessary for patients suffering from either gastric or duodenal ulcers. The usual advice is to encourage patients to eat ordinary foods, but avoiding particular items which trigger irritation. Milky, bland foods may be soothing and Complan is a useful addition to the diets of patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers, since it is fortified with vitamin C, which can help to ensure adequate daily intakes when other foods rich in vitamin C may be avoided. It also contains iron, necessary to help prevent anaemia. Many people find that eating little and often is preferable to traditional meal patterns and again Complan can be useful as a light meal since it is quick and easy to prepare.
Coeliac disease
Adults suffering from coeliac disease are at risk of undernutrition before diagnosis when dietary modifications have not been made. Complan may be used to boost nutrition when gluten-free diets are necessary and milk intolerance is not present.
Cystic fibrosis
Fat intake has traditionally been restricted in cystic fibrosis, but there is now evidence that young patients who consume normal fat intakes grow better. Provided that adequate doses of pancreatic enzymes are given, fat absorption is not adversely affected. Complan may be recommended as part of a food supplement programme - providing around 250kcal per serving. This is a useful addition when it is estimated that energy requirements of children with CF can be 30-50% higher than those of other children.
Gastrectomy
After gastrectomy the body has reduced capacity for food and patients are only able to manage small quantities at a time. Intakes of protein, energy, vitamin C, folic acid and zinc tend to be lower than desirable. Dietetic advice and encouragement can improve intakes and the use of supplementary foods may also be helpful. Complan may be used to enrich the diet.
Conditions in which the body has an increased need for energy and nutrients
Where nutritional requirements are elevated, for example in cases of traumatic injury, surgery, sepsis or sever burns, Complan provides a source of high-quality protein as well as necessary energy.
Trauma and surgery
A well-nourished individual has sufficient reserves to survive without food for lengthy periods. Ill or elderly patients may well have lower reserves to start with and in any case periods of more than a few days without food are undesirable since muscle function may diminish. Surgery or trauma imposes additional burdens on the body. To replace one kilogram of lost muscle, some 8,000 kcal (33.6 MJ) and 60g of nitrogen are required.
It is desirable that patients are well nourished prior to surgery and that they start eating again as soon as possible afterwards. Food supplements such as Complan can be used with advantage both pre-operatively and post-operatively.
Burns
The initial requirement is for the replacement of fluid losses, but burns patients lose large amounts of nitrogen as a result of their injury. Burns patients require very large amounts of energy for tissue repair and rapidly lose weight if their needs are not met.
Complan has a non-protein energy to nitrogen ratio of 113:1 and so may be used as a sip feed to enrich the diet.
NB Nutritional support will vary depending on the extent of the injury and very often tube feeding is necessary.
Fevers and infections
Fever or viral infections with accompanying loss of appetite can compromise nutritional status. Malnutrition has a deleterious effect on immune function. Liquid foods and food supplements can be of great assistance in maintaining nutrient intakes.
Complan can be of help to debilitated patients because it is easy to prepare and consume during periods where the appetite returns temporarily during the course of an illness.
Cancer
Patients with cancer may suffer from a variety of disabling conditions resulting in impaired nutrition. Some patients experience taste changes, which make familiar foods taste unpalatable. Others may have sore mouths as a result of oral infection or drug therapy. Cancer cachexia and loss of appetite are well documented.
Complan provides high levels of major vitamins and minerals, and it is a valuable source of energy, since it contains added vegetable oils and carbohydrate. Because it is free from dietary fibre, it may be of assistance to patients suffering from diarrhoea.
Where there is dysphagia due to stricture, and where oesophageal tubes have been placed, complete liquid diets such as Complan may be of benefit in addition to carefully prepared semi-solid foods.
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When not to use
Milk intolerance
Complan should not be used where there is milk intolerance, impaired protein metabolism or for infants below the age of 12 months except under medical supervision.
Low fat diet
Complan may be unsuitable for patients on low-fat diets.
Diabetes
Diabetics should consult their dietitians or doctor before including dietary supplements as part of their diet.
Complan is not an intravenous feed.
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