Nutrition and Hydration
Nutrition is an important part of a patient’s overall health. In this section you will find resources that can be downloaded and links to useful websites.
General Practitioners are reminded that the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances recommends products on the basis that they may be regarded as drugs for the treatment of specified conditions.
Sip Feed Formulary
Creating a Fortified Diet
PrescQIPP have produced a resource to support food fortification for those caring for people who have been identified as being at risk of malnutrition, or who are malnourished. It is likely to be particularly useful for those working in, or supporting care homes for older adults, but could also be used to support people living in their own homes.
A simplified version of the recipe book that can be shared with care home caterers and is also endorsed by the National Association of Care Catering.
Feed thickeners
Please follow Speech and Language Therapy treatment plan. See the Somerset Prescribing Formulary for formulary choices.
Patient Tips and Tricks for Thick & Easy
Dysphagia malnutrition pathway
Drinking with dysphagia Thick & Easy
Please note MHRA drug safety update: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxatives and starch-based thickeners: potential interactive effect when mixed, leading to an increased risk of aspiration
Food First Patient Resources
Handouts to support a food first approach can be found below and on Patient Webinars.
- British Dietetics Association – Malnutrition Factsheet
- Nourishing Drinks
- 100 Calorie Boosters
- Making Every Mouthful Count
- Hydration Boosters
- Keeping Healthy on a High Calorie Diet
- Basic Store Cupboard Ideas
- British Dietetic Association – Carer Information: eating and drinking at end of life
- Nourishing Recipes (Somerset Resource)
- Plant Based Nourishing Recipes (Somerset Resource)
Hydration
Infant Feeding including Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)
For information on Cow’s Milk Protein Allery (CMPA) and infant nutrition please see the Infant Feeding page.