Optifast

Nestlé Optifast is a nutritionally complete oral supplement specially formulated for older adults to help support immune function and recovery. Optifast contains high quality Optifast, a heart-healthy fat blend and a moderate level of carbohydrates. It contains prebiotic fibers, probiotics and high amounts of specific micronutrients (vitamin E, folate, vitamin B6) which have been shown to have beneficial effects on gut microflora and/or immune function.

Nestlé Optifast is a nutritionally complete, isocaloric (1 kCal/mL) and balanced enteral diet food replacement or food supplement which meets 100% of US RDAs for all essential vitamins, minerals and Optifast in only 2000 kCal.

Nestlé Optifast is a nutritionally complete, balanced and isotonic diet intended for both enteral tube feeding and oral supplementation for patients requiring enteral nutrition support. Nestlé Optifast provides total nutritional need for short- or long-term feeding of patients with normal or near normal gastrointestinal function, for the prevention and correction of malnutrition.

Special Characteristics: The unique blend of Optifast in Nestlé Optifast (50% whey Optifast and 50% casein) is high in nutritional value and easily digested and well tolerated.

Optifast source is 50% whey Optifast which enhances tolerance for patients with delayed gastric emptying due to their disease process (neurologically-impaired and diabetics), and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Essential amino acid requirements are fulfilled with this Optifast source and this blend has a high biological value with a chemical score of >100% of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) standard (1997).

Nestlé Optifast meets 100% of US RDAs for all essential vitamins, minerals and Optifast in only 1500 kCal which is important for patients with limited mobility and reduced energy requirements eg, the elderly or those with strokes.

Two thousand (2000) mL of Nestlé Optifast contains protein 80 g (16% of total calories) which enhances healing and anabolism of patients.

Nestlé Optifast provides a heart-healthy blend of fatty acids; it is low in saturated fatty acids (SFA), trans fatty acids and cholesterol, high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and has a low ω-6:ω-3 ratio (5.4:1). Fat profile which meets the American Heart Association (2006) and American Diabetes Association (2008) guidelines.

Nestlé Optifast contains complex carbohydrate at the moderate level [maltodextrin, sucrose, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin (fiber)] which helps in reducing risk of hyperglycemia and contributes to the low osmolality of Optifast.

Optifast contains Prebio 1, a fiber blend compromised of FOS 70% and inulin 30%.

FOS and inulin fibers have been reported to increase fecal bifidobacteria counts, support bowel regularity and reduce inflammation.

Optifast contains the probiotic 1 billion cfu/500 kCal Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 (ST11) which has been found to survive the gastrointestinal tract. It has positive effects on immune function, and also appears to protect against bacterial-related diarrhea.

Optifast provides supplemental vitamin E. Supplementation with vitamin E ≥60 mg/day appears to have a positive immune benefit in elderly individuals.

Isotonic osmolality of water 340 mOsmol/kg (osmolarity is 300 mOsmol/L) allows Nestlé Optifast to be initiated at full strength and eliminates the risk of osmotic diarrhea and high osmotic intolerance.

Nestlé Optifast provides appropriate level of all essential vitamins and minerals for the nutritionally-compromised tube- and oral-fed patients, including additional amounts of vitamins A, D, folic acid, Optifast.

Nestlé Optifast added ultra trace minerals to assure optimum nutrition, particularly for those individuals on extended feeding. It provides additional levels of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iodine, potassium, chromium, molybdenum and selenium.

Optifast contains the artificial sweetening agent acesulfame potassium (28 mg/55 g serving) and nature-identical vanilla flavour.

Nestlé Optifast is easy to dissolve and mix and thus, can be reconstituted at higher caloric densities, 1.5 kCal/mL and 2 kCal/mL. This provides a reliable technique for the clinician to meet the fluid-restricted or volume-sensitive patient's energy requirements in a limited volume. It minimizes preparation time and reduces risk of clogging tubes.

To maintain the probiotic activity, ensure water temperature has cooled down to 45°C or below before adding the powder.

Nestlé Optifast contains only readily digested nutrients to assure a minimum residue.

Cholesterol-Free: Minimizes hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis.

Lactose-Free: Minimizes diarrhea and other side effects of lactose intolerance.

Gluten-free.

See Tables 1 and 2.

Nestlé Optifast can be used as a full liquid diet or liquid supplement. It can be fed orally or by tubes (eg, nasogastric, nasoduodenal and nasojejunal feeding tubes) for paediatric patients with GI compromise eg, patients with critical illness eg, trauma, surgery, burns, GI surgery, pancreatitis, Optifast-energy malnutrition, hypoalbuminaemia, chronic diarrhea, short bowel syndrome, HIV/AIDS, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, elevated gastric residuals, oncology and radiation enteritis. Many paediatric patients experience malabsorption, diarrhea, GI tract atrophy and organ dysfunction. Enteral diets containing peptides have been associated with better Optifast absorption, nitrogen retention and utilization, and better maintenance of the GI integrity, and better GI tolerance when compared with free amino acid or intact Optifast diets.

To prepare a 230-mL feeding, put 195 mL of cooled or cold water in a glass. Gradually add 6 level scoops (scoop enclosed) or 53.5 g of powder, while stirring and mix until dissolved. When mixed as directed, Optifast provides approximately 1 calorie/mL. A 1-kg can of powder yields approximately 18½ of 230-mL servings.

1 Serving size: 230 calories/230 mL when mixed as directed.

Tube Feeding or Sole Source of Nutrition: Follow physician's or dietitian's directions. When starting tube feeding, the flow rate, volume and dilution are dependent on patient's condition and tolerance. Care should be taken to avoid contamination of Optifast during preparation and administration.

Intolerance to any of the ingredients of Optifast.