BM05
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to evaluate the gastrointestinal tolerance and acceptability of a high energy, high protein, oral nutritional supplement in adults with or at risk of malnutrition
IRAS ID
367678
Contact name
Thozhukat Sathyapalan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Abbott Nutrition
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Disease-related malnutrition continues to be a pervasive problem across the health care continuum. Research has shown that malnutrition impacts 30-50% of adult patients in the hospital setting, and recent studies have shown that between 30-60% of community-dwelling older adults are either malnourished or at risk of malnutritio. Patients with or at risk for malnutrition often suffer from negative health outcomes including increased infection and complication rates, increased length of stay, increased loss of muscle strength and functionality, and increased risk of hospital readmission.
Good nutritional care is a vital part of patient management and includes nutritional screening, provision of appetizing and nutritious food, nutritional support and monitoring. ONS are one of a spectrum of nutritional support strategies that can be used to tackle malnutrition in patients who can consume normal food, but not enough to meet nutritional requirements. High protein, high energy ONS offer an alternative to ready-to-drink ONS and can provide additional variety to improve nutritional status and support compliance.
ONS have proven nutritional, functional, clinical and economic benefits in both hospitals and the community setting in a wide variety of patient groups. Studies show that ONS increase energy and protein intakes in both hospital and community patients without reducing spontaneous intake from food.
The current study is designed to evaluate the GI tolerance and acceptability (palatability and compliance) of a high protein, high energy ONS for adult patients with or at risk of malnutrition. These data are required to support a reimbursement submission in the UK to allow for community NHS prescription. The protocol follows the guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0159
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion