Understanding Oral Nutritional Supplements

Maintaining adequate nutrition can sometimes be challenging, particularly during illness, recovery or when appetite and food intake are reduced.

Oral nutritional supplements are specially formulated drinks or powders that provide additional energy, protein and other nutrients. They may help individuals meet their nutritional requirements when their usual diet is insufficient.

These products come in different formulations. The appropriate choice depends on the individual's nutritional needs, medical conditions and recommendations from their healthcare professional.

At Tong Hai Medical, we supply selected oral nutritional supplements and specialised nutrition products for customers in Singapore. Our retail store is located in Ang Mo Kio.

Looking for a nutritional supplement?

Share the brand, product name, formulation, flavour or packaging details with our team. We can assist with product information, pricing and availability.

Who May Need Oral Nutritional Supplements?

A healthcare professional may recommend oral nutritional supplements for individuals who are unable to meet their nutritional requirements through food alone.

Examples may include people experiencing:

• Reduced appetite or inadequate food intake
• Unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty meeting increased nutritional needs
• Illness or recovery requiring nutritional support
• Other conditions requiring an individualised nutrition plan

These supplements are generally intended to support nutritional intake, rather than automatically replace normal meals.

Some specialised formulas may be used differently under professional supervision. Always follow the recommended nutrition plan.

Understanding Different Nutritional Formulas

Not all nutritional supplements contain the same amount or balance of nutrients. Understanding the main categories can help customers identify the products recommended by their healthcare team.

Standard Nutritional Formulas

Standard oral nutritional formulas provide a combination of energy, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.

They may be used to supplement an individual's usual diet when additional nutritional intake is needed.

The nutritional content and recommended serving amounts vary between products.

High-Calorie Formulas

High-calorie formulas provide more energy in a given serving or volume than some standard formulations.

They may be useful when an individual requires additional calories but finds it difficult to consume larger volumes.

Products with different calorie concentrations are not necessarily interchangeable.

High-Protein Formulas

High-protein formulas provide additional protein to help meet increased protein requirements where clinically appropriate.

However, a higher protein content is not automatically suitable for everyone.

Individuals with certain medical conditions may require specific protein targets determined by their healthcare professional.

Diabetes-Specific Nutritional Formulas

Some nutritional formulas are designed with particular carbohydrate, fat and fibre compositions for people with diabetes.

These formulations may support nutritional management as part of an overall diabetes care plan.

They do not replace prescribed medication, blood glucose monitoring or dietary advice.

A diabetes-specific formula should not be considered automatically suitable for every individual with diabetes.

Renal Nutritional Formulas

Renal nutritional formulas are developed for particular nutritional requirements associated with kidney disease.

Their protein, energy, electrolyte and mineral compositions may differ substantially between products.

Nutritional requirements can also differ between individuals with chronic kidney disease who are not receiving dialysis and those undergoing dialysis.

Renal formulas should be selected according to the individual's kidney condition, treatment and dietitian's recommendations.

Ready-to-Drink or Powdered Supplements?

Ready-to-Drink Formulas

Ready-to-drink supplements are supplied in prepared liquid form, commonly in bottles or cartons.

They are convenient for individuals who prefer a prepared serving or have limited assistance with preparation.

Check the serving size, nutritional content, expiry date and storage instructions.

Powdered Formulas

Powdered supplements are prepared by mixing a measured quantity of powder with the specified amount of water.

The number of scoops, water volume and preparation method vary by product.

Use the manufacturer's measuring scoop and follow the exact mixing instructions. Do not independently increase or reduce the concentration.

Incorrect preparation can alter the intended nutritional composition and fluid concentration.

How to Compare Nutritional Supplement Labels

When comparing nutritional supplements, look beyond the brand name or flavour.

Important information includes:

• Energy: Calories or kilocalories (kcal) per serving or per 100 mL.
• Protein: Amount of protein provided per serving.
• Serving size: Bottle volume or prepared powder quantity.
• Carbohydrates and sugars: Their quantities and composition, where relevant.
• Fat and fibre: Types and quantities may differ between products.
• Vitamins and minerals: Including potassium, phosphorus and sodium when clinically relevant.
• Allergens: Check for ingredients such as milk or soy where applicable.

Some products display nutritional values per 100 mL, while others use a full serving or a specified quantity of powder.

Make sure comparisons use equivalent serving volumes or prepared quantities.

Preparation and Safe Storage

Correct preparation and storage help maintain product quality and reduce avoidable hygiene risks.

Preparing Powdered Supplements

• Wash hands before preparation.
• Use clean preparation equipment.
• Follow the manufacturer's water and powder measurements.
• Observe the specified water temperature.
• Use the prepared supplement within the recommended time.

Do not assume that different powdered products use the same scoop size or mixing ratio.

Storing Ready-to-Drink Supplements

Unopened products should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once opened, cover or reseal the product where appropriate and follow its specific refrigeration and consumption instructions.

Different formulas and packaging types may have different storage limits.

Swallowing Difficulties

Some individuals may require a modified drink consistency due to swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia.

The appropriate liquid thickness should follow a speech therapist's assessment.

Do not independently thicken, dilute or otherwise change a prescribed formula without appropriate advice.

What to Prepare When Purchasing or Reordering

To help Tong Hai Medical identify the required product, please provide the following details where available:

1. Brand and full product name
2. Specific formula or product variant
3. Powder or ready-to-drink format
4. Pack size or bottle volume
5. Flavour, if applicable
6. Quantity required
7. Manufacturer's product reference, if available

A clear photograph of the product packaging can help our team identify the correct formula.

If the product was recommended by a dietitian or doctor, please retain the specified formulation and preparation instructions.

Our team can assist with product information, pricing and availability. Changes to individual nutritional prescriptions should be discussed with the treating healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are oral nutritional supplements the same as ordinary milk?

No. Oral nutritional supplements are specially formulated products with defined nutritional compositions.

Their ingredients and nutrient concentrations may differ from ordinary milk or other beverages.

Can nutritional supplements replace regular meals?

Many oral nutritional supplements are used to provide additional nutrition alongside regular food.

Some formulas may be suitable for more extensive nutritional support, but complete meal replacement should only follow an appropriate professional nutrition plan.

Is a higher-calorie formula always better?

No. The appropriate calorie concentration depends on the individual's nutritional requirements, tolerance and medical condition.

Can a person with diabetes use standard nutritional formulas?

The appropriate formula depends on individual nutritional needs, blood glucose management and professional advice.

Do not assume that all standard formulas or all diabetes-specific formulas are interchangeable.

Are renal nutritional formulas suitable for everyone with kidney disease?

No. Nutritional requirements vary according to kidney function, dialysis status and other conditions.

The correct formula should follow the individual's medical and dietetic recommendations.

Can I prepare powdered supplements with extra powder?

Do not alter the manufacturer's recommended mixing concentration unless specifically instructed by the healthcare professional.

Can oral nutritional supplements be used for tube feeding?

Not automatically.

Some nutritional formulas are intended for oral consumption, while others may be suitable for enteral tube feeding.

Suitability for the feeding tube, delivery method and clinical requirements must be confirmed by the healthcare team.

Visit or Contact Tong Hai Medical

Tong Hai Medical – Retail Store & Experience Studio

625 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 9
#01-96 / #01-98
Singapore 560625

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed

WhatsApp: +65 9027 7888
Telephone: +65 6453 7075

Please share the required nutritional formula, product details or packaging information so our team can assist with your enquiry.

Healthcare information notice: This page provides general product information only and does not replace individual nutritional assessment or professional medical advice. The selection, amount, preparation and use of nutritional supplements should follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations of the treating healthcare professional.