Get to know liquid food for additional nutrition for the sick & bull; hello healthy

Complete and balanced nutrition can support the performance of every organ in our body. Nutrition also plays an important role as a source of energy in building and maintaining the body's immune system. In people who are sick and the elderly, it is often found that they have difficulty eating conditions, so that other alternatives are needed as additional nutrition, for example from giving liquid food.

For that, let's get to know the various benefits of liquid food so that their nutrition can be fulfilled optimally.

Liquid food as a nutritional enhancer for the sick and the elderly

Liquid food is one way that can be chosen to provide adequate nutrition for patients, such as stroke patients and cancer patients2. Generally, they have difficulty swallowing solid food, this is due to the nervous system being unable to work normally3. Meanwhile, cancer patients often experience loss of appetite as a result of the chemo-radiotherapy treatment they are undergoing8.

If this difficult eating condition is not treated immediately, it can have an impact on the risk of malnutrition, because the nutrients in the body are not fulfilled optimally. This can result in increased weakness, infection and complications, as well as a longer healing process due to nutritional deficiencies9,10.

Loss of appetite is also often experienced by the elderly, because they have difficulty chewing accompanied by decreased body health. In the elderly, this nutrient is equally important to support the performance of their organs in order to keep them functioning properly.

Actually, nutrition is easily obtained from healthy foods, such as a variety of vegetables and fruit, milk, chicken or beef, fish, and others.

However, this is different from the condition of healthy people who can easily eat all kinds of solid foods. Patients who are sick and the elderly need to be aware of their condition because it is quite difficult to process solid foods.

Liquid feeding recommendations

Therefore, to optimize the complete and balanced absorption of nutrients, currently liquid feeding is recommended. This liquid food product is readily available in the market and is very easy to find.

Liquid food is useful to help meet the lost nutrients and increase calories in the body as a substitute for solid food.

Calories and a variety of nutrients in it can provide energy supplies to optimize organ function, thus supporting patients and the elderly in physical activity properly. Without sufficient calories, the body will not have sufficient energy to carry out the functions of its organs.

Various liquid food products intended for the sick and also the elderly are designed practically to be ready to drink with delicious flavors, such as vanilla and tropical fruit, making it easier for patients and the elderly to consume them. That way, complete and balanced nutrition can enter their bodies.

The difference between liquid and milk foods

The fulfillment of nutrients obtained from liquid food is different from milk. Liquid food is formulated with specific ingredients for people with certain disease conditions and the elderly.

Milk in general contains high protein, fat, carbohydrates, various vitamins and minerals. Milk has good benefits for the body as a whole. But typically, dairy products focus on improving bone health by promoting the benefits of calcium5.

Unlike milk, liquid food is usually enriched with certain and specific nutrients needed, such as the content of EPA (eicosapentanoic acid or eicosapentanoic acid) which is an omega-3 from fish oil, and some are equipped with 14 vitamins and 15 minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are often used to increase body mass and as anti-inflammatory in cancer patients. EPA consumption in liquid foods can be an alternative to increase appetite so that it helps maintain the patient's body weight.

In addition, according to the journal Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, EPA as an omega-3 fatty acid also has properties immunomodulators, namely increasing the body's immune system work by warding off pathogens that cause infection6. That way, the consumption of liquid foods containing EPA in the sick and the elderly can maintain their immune system.

In providing liquid food, it is better to choose products that do not contain lactose. Because some people may have allergies or lactose intolerance. So that the provision of liquid food can be received by the body optimally, without causing allergic reactions.

Liquid food is different from solid, mashed food

Now you know the differences in the content and benefits of milk and liquid food. It should also be noted that the definition of liquid food is not the same as solid food that is mashed or blended. This puree solid food can help patients with certain conditions and the elderly in providing intake into their bodies.

For patients who are unconscious or have certain disease conditions so that they cannot eat by mouth, NGT feeding (Nasogastric Tube) or sonde11 can be given to ensure the fulfillment of calories and protein while the digestive system is still functioning.

However, giving this refined solid food also has various drawbacks. For example, it takes a variety of types of food to fulfill optimal nutrition and the possibility of NGT tube blockage. Apart from that, the disadvantages also include the high volume of provision needed to meet energy needs.

Another method that can be done is to replace the mashed solid food with ready-to-consume liquid food.

The liquid food products available in the market have been adapted and fortified with complete and balanced nutrition to meet the daily nutritional needs of the sick and the elderly. These liquid foods can be an excellent alternative to prevent malnutrition and avoid congestion in NGT.

For optimal fulfillment of nutrition in the body, you can read the rules for using liquid food products to be consumed. Then you can consult a doctor. May you and your family always be in good health!

Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.