High Calorie Supplements
What are high calorie supplements?
High calorie supplements provide calories, protein, vitamins and minerals in addition to what you normally eat. There are many commercial products available in grocery stores or pharmacies or you can make your own. They can help patients living with inflammatory bowl disease (IBD) increase their calorie and nutrient intake to maintain and improve their health.
Why do IBD patients need high calorie supplements?
Many patients living with IBD suffer from a lack of nutrient intake. This may mean that they are either not eating enough calories, protein, or other nutrients or they are not absorbing some of what they have eaten. This is particularly true for patients who are experiencing symptoms of IBD, or are in a “flare up.”
You may need to consider a high calorie supplement if you:
- Are underweight
- Have unintentional weight loss
- Lack appetite
- Avoid eating
- Have food intolerances
- Are in a “flare up”
Asking for help:
Ask your dietitian if a high calorie supplement may be right for you.
Types of Liquid High Calorie Supplements
Brand | Nutrients | Flavours |
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Ensure (235 mL Bottle) |
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Ensure Plus (235 mL Bottle) |
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Ensure High Protein (235 mL Bottle) |
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Boost (240 mL Bottle) |
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Boost Plus (240 mL Bottle) |
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Boost High Protein (240 mL Bottle) |
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Carnation Instant Breakfast (325 mL Bottle) |
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Other Commercial Supplements
Brand | Nutrients | Flavours |
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Boost High Protein Powder |
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Carnation Instant Breakfast Powder |
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Ensure Pudding |
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Make Your Own High Calorie Supplement
Technique | Ingredients | |
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Version 1 |
In a blender, blend: |
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Version 2 |
In a blender, blend: |
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These are not complete meal replacements, but they are a quick and tasty source of calories and nutrients. You can substitute lactose free or items that contain soya (soya milk, soya ice cream). You can add whey protein powder to shakes to increase the protein. Experiment with a variety of different fruits, juices or syrups!
Top Tips for Increasing Calories in Your Diet
Product | Kcal* | Practical Tips |
---|---|---|
Butter or Non-Hydrogenated Margarine |
1 Tbsp ~ 100 kcal |
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Regular Mayonnaise |
1 Tbsp ~ 58 kcal |
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Regular Sour Cream |
1 Tbsp ~ 26 kcal |
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Iced Cream or Whipped Cream |
1/2 Cup ~ 145 kcal |
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Dried Fruit, Nuts or Seeds |
1/4 Cup ~ 209 kcal |
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Honey, Jam or Jelly |
1 Tbsp ~ 65 kcal |
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Table Cream |
1 Tbsp ~ 31 kcal |
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*kcal can vary by product, please look at label information for actual product information
References
- Abbott Nutrition Canada. (2010). Ensure products. Retrieved December 15, 2010 from http://www.abbottnutrition.ca/adp_ani_an_dotca/url/content/en_CA/40.10:10/general_content/General_Content_0000174.htm
- Carnation. (n.d.) Instant breakfast products. Retrieved December 15, 2010 from http://carnationbreakfastessentials.com/ Products/Default.aspx
- Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. (2010). Food for thought: Diet, nutrition and inflammatory bowel disease. Retrieved October 30, 2010 from http://www.ccfc.ca/English/info/brochures/FoodForThought.pdf
- Gassull, M. A. & Cabre, E. (2001). Nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 4, 561-569.
- Hartman, C., Eliakim, R. & Shamir, R. (2009). Nutritional status and nutritional therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 15(21), 2570-2578.
- Health Canada. (2009). Canadian nutrient file. Retrieved December 15, 2010 from http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/cnf-fce/index-eng.jsp
- Lucendo, A. J. & De Rezende, L. C. (2009). Importance of nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 15(17), 2081—2088.
- Nelms, M., Sucher, K. P., Lacey, K. & Long Roth, S. (2011). Nutrition therapy & pathophysiology (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning
- Nestle Healthcare Nutrition Inc. (2008). Boost products. Retrieved October 30, 2010 from http://www.boost.com/products/ ourproducts_boostdrink.aspx
- Razack, R. & Seidner, D. L. (2007). Nutrition in inflammatory bowel disease. Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, 23, 400-405.
- Sachar, D. B. & Walfish, A. E. (2007). Crohn’s disease. Retrieved October 30, 2010 from http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ ch018/ch018b.html
- Sachar, D. B. & Walfish, A. E. (2007). Inflammatory bowel disease. Retrieved October 30, 2010 from http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ch018/ch018a.html
- Sachar, D. B. & Walfish, A. E. (2007). Ulcerative colitis. Retrieved October 30, 2010 from http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec02/ ch018/ch018c.html
- Swinton, N. & MacDonald N. (n.d.). McGill cancer nutrition rehabilitation program: A nutrition guide for patients, families and friends. Retrieve December 15, 2010 from http://www.mcgill.ca/files/cnr/NutritionGuide.pdf
Handout designed by Leah Edmonds, College of Pharmacy & Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan.
Funding for this project provided by the Interprofessional Health Collaborative of S askatchewan and the Saskatoon Health Region.