Wikis
Oral nutritional supplements add formulated nutrition when ordinary food intake falls short, with products and outcomes that differ by clinical setting.
Oral nutritional supplements, often abbreviated ONS, are specially formulated foods or drinks used to increase energy, protein, micronutrient, or overall nutrient intake when an ordinary diet is insufficient to meet nutritional needs. They are commonly supplied as ready-to-drink liquids, puddings, or powders that are reconstituted before use .1
ONS are generally used as part of nutritional support for people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition but can still take nutrition by mouth. Formulations vary widely in energy density, protein content, fiber, micronutrients, texture, and disease-specific composition. They may supplement normal meals rather than replace them completely, depending on the person's nutritional requirements and clinical plan .1
The term should not be confused with dietary supplements such as vitamin tablets or with sports protein powders in general. ONS are designed to provide substantial nutritional value, often including multiple macronutrients and micronutrients in a defined formulation. Evidence for specific clinical outcomes varies by population and setting, so the term itself describes the nutritional product category rather than guaranteeing a particular benefit .1
From this collection
Older adults with a smaller appetite can use protein-dense familiar foods to support intake, with extra nutrition support when food alone falls short.
