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.
Diabetic Diet Resources
See our Diabetes page for information and resources around low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diets.
Feed Thickeners
Please follow Speech and Language Therapy treatment plan. See the Somerset Prescribing Formulary for formulary choices.
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
- 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
Information for people who maybe at risk of dehydration
NHS Somerset Keeping Hydrated leaflet for preventing urinary tract infections
Staying hydrated is important for our health and wellbeing leaflet.
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.
Iron deficiency anaemia
MUST Pathway
Renal Patients
Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency
Metformin and reduced vitamin B12 levels: new advice for monitoring patients at risk MHRA June 2020
RUH- B12 advice on investigation management
BSH- Guidance for B12 replacement
NICE CKS Management of anaemia – vitamin B12 and folate deficiency
IM Hydroxocobalamin 1mg/1ml every 2-3 months is recommended as first line where treatment is required.
If I.M not possible then we would recommend the higher dose of oral cyanobalamin 1mg.
Please see the NHS Somerset formulary 9.1 – Anaemias for formulary options available.