Collection: Nutrition

Oral nutrition supplements, such as ready-to-drink formulas likeFortisipand Ensure or powdered options like Sustagen, are taken by mouth and are designed to top up or replace meals when regular food intakeisn'tenough. Enteral nutrition, sometimes called tube feeding, delivers nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine via a feeding tube, and is used when someonecan'teat or swallow safely. Most people managing nutrition needs at home will start with oral supplements. Enteral nutrition is typically set up under the guidance of a dietitian or hospital team and requires specific equipment, including feeding tubes, pumps, and extension sets.

Nutritional supplements are used by a much wider group of people than most would expect. Older Australianswho'velost their appetite, people recovering from surgery or illness, those managing cancer treatment side effects, and individuals with conditions that affect swallowing or digestion are all common users. Carers who notice a loved one eating less than usual often turn to oral supplements as a practical way tomaintaintheir nutrition without forcing bigger meals. Paediatric supplements likePediasureare also available for children who needadditionalsupport. Ifyou'renot sure whether a supplement isappropriate, a GP or accredited practising dietitian can assess nutritional needs and recommend the right product.

Start with what the supplement needs to do. If the goal is to add calories and protein to a regular diet, a standard oral supplement likeFortisipor Ensure Plus is usually a good starting point. If someone needs concentrated nutrition in a smaller volume, because appetite isvery lowor fluid intake needs to be limited, a compact high-calorieoptionlikeFortisipCompact Protein is worth considering. For people with swallowing difficulties (a condition called dysphagia), thickened fluids or pre-thickened supplements may berequiredto keep eating and drinking safe. Flavour variety matters too: if someonehas todrink a supplement every day,they'llstick with it a lot better if theyactually enjoythe taste. We stock a wide range of flavours across most product lines.

A thickener is a product added to food or drinks to change their consistency, making them safer and easier to swallow for people with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Dysphagia can occuras a result ofstroke, neurological conditions, head and neck cancer, or general ageing. A speech pathologist typically assesses swallowing function and recommends a specific consistency level, such as mildly thick, moderately thick, or extremely thick, based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework used across Australia. Products like NestléThickenUpClear can be mixed into hot or cold drinks and most foods without significantly changing their appearance or flavour.

Yes, nutritional supplements can be funded under both the NDIS and Home Care Packages in Australia, depending on your individual plan and care needs. Under the NDIS, nutrition products are typically funded whenthey'vebeen recommended by a dietitian and are linked to a participant's disability-related needs. Through a Home Care Package, supplements are often covered as part of a nutrition support or daily living goal. Enteral nutrition products and equipment, including feeding pumps and tube feed formulas, are also commonly funded through both programs. Our team at Platinum Health Supply is experienced with NDIS and HCP orders and can help youidentifythe right products for your situation. Call us on 1300 60 44 99 to get started.