Malnutrition is a serious health problem for older people and those with long-term illnesses. Nutrition drinks and supplements can help, but doctors, companies, and patients don’t always agree on the best ones to use. This review looks at what guidelines recommend, how governments regulate these products, and what’s actually happening in real life. It also explores new innovations like easier-to-eat formats and drinks with added healthy bacteria. The research shows that while these supplements are helpful, we need better ways to get people to use them consistently and make sure they match what patients actually want.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How oral nutritional supplements (special nutrition drinks and foods) are recommended, approved, and used for older adults who aren’t eating enough
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research and practices, not a study with human participants. It examined guidelines from doctors, government rules, and real-world use across different countries
  • Key finding: Nutrition supplements are helpful for fighting malnutrition in older adults, but many people don’t stick with them. New products like finger foods and drinks with added healthy bacteria show promise, and involving caregivers helps people use them better
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one struggles with eating enough, nutrition supplements may help. New options are becoming available that taste better and are easier to eat. Talk to a doctor about which type might work best, and remember that caregivers and family support makes a big difference in actually using these products

The Research Details

This was a review article, meaning researchers looked at and summarized what other studies and guidelines say about nutrition supplements for older adults. Instead of doing their own experiment, they gathered information from clinical guidelines (recommendations from doctors), government regulations (rules about what companies can sell), and current practices (what’s actually happening in hospitals and homes). They examined how these three areas work together and looked at new innovations that are being developed to make supplements more appealing and effective. The review also considered the role of caregivers and family members in helping older adults use these products.

Understanding how nutrition supplements are recommended, regulated, and actually used in real life is important because it shows where improvements can be made. By looking at all three areas together—what doctors recommend, what governments allow, and what people actually do—researchers can identify gaps and opportunities. This helps companies create better products and helps doctors give better advice to patients

As a review article, this research summarizes existing knowledge rather than testing something new. The strength comes from examining multiple sources and perspectives (guidelines, regulations, and real-world practice). However, readers should know this reflects what’s published and available, and the authors’ choices about which sources to include may influence the conclusions. The review appears current and comprehensive, but individual studies cited within it may vary in quality

What the Results Show

Malnutrition is a significant problem for older adults and people with chronic diseases, and oral nutritional supplements (drinks and special foods high in calories and protein) are an effective tool for managing it. However, the research shows a gap between what guidelines recommend and what actually happens in practice. Many older adults don’t stick with these supplements even when doctors recommend them, and some products end up being wasted. The review found that government reimbursement policies (whether insurance pays for these products) significantly affect whether people can access and use them. Additionally, patient preferences aren’t always considered when choosing which supplements to recommend, which contributes to poor adherence.

Recent innovations are making supplements more appealing and potentially more effective. These include products with different textures that are easier to eat, finger-food formats (like bars or bites instead of just drinks), and supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics (healthy bacteria and their food sources based on new microbiome research). The review also highlights that caregivers, family members, and other non-medical people play an important role in whether older adults actually use these supplements. When caregivers understand the importance and help encourage use, people are more likely to stick with the supplements. The research suggests that involving these non-medical stakeholders in decisions about nutrition care improves outcomes

This review builds on existing knowledge about malnutrition in older adults by taking a broader view. While previous research focused mainly on whether supplements work medically, this review emphasizes that real-world success depends on regulations, guidelines, patient preferences, and caregiver involvement working together. The inclusion of newer innovations like modified textures and microbiome-based products represents the latest thinking in the field. The emphasis on the gap between guidelines and actual practice is an important contribution that acknowledges previous research may have overlooked practical barriers

As a review article, this research is limited by what’s already been published and available. The authors had to choose which sources to include, which may have influenced the conclusions. The review doesn’t provide specific numbers about how many people benefit or how much adherence improves with new products, since it’s summarizing rather than conducting new experiments. Additionally, practices and regulations vary significantly between countries, so recommendations may not apply equally everywhere. The review also notes that more research is needed on some newer innovations, particularly regarding long-term effectiveness of products with probiotics and prebiotics

The Bottom Line

For older adults or those with chronic illnesses who aren’t eating enough: Talk to your doctor about whether nutrition supplements might help you (moderate confidence). If recommended, try different types to find one you actually like and will use consistently (practical advice). Work with caregivers or family members to establish a routine for using supplements (moderate confidence based on research showing caregiver involvement helps). Ask your doctor about newer options like finger-food formats or different flavors if standard drinks aren’t working for you (reasonable suggestion). Check whether your insurance covers these products, as cost is a real barrier (practical consideration)

Older adults who struggle to eat enough or maintain weight should pay attention to this research. People with chronic illnesses like cancer, COPD, or digestive disorders may benefit. Caregivers and family members of older adults should care about this because they influence whether supplements actually get used. Healthcare providers should care because the research highlights gaps between what they recommend and what patients actually do. People should NOT assume supplements replace regular food or medical treatment—they’re meant to help when regular eating isn’t enough

Benefits from nutrition supplements typically appear over weeks to months, not days. You might notice improved energy or better weight maintenance within 4-6 weeks of consistent use. However, this depends on using the supplements regularly as recommended. If you’re not seeing improvement after 6-8 weeks, talk to your doctor about trying a different product or investigating other reasons for poor nutrition

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily supplement intake (type, amount, and time consumed) and weekly weight. Also note any side effects or taste preferences to identify which products you’re most likely to use consistently
  • Set a daily reminder for supplement consumption at the same time each day (like with breakfast or lunch). Start with one supplement type for at least 2 weeks before switching to find what works best for you. If using multiple supplements, create a simple checklist to mark off each one consumed
  • Weekly: Check weight and note energy levels. Monthly: Review which supplements you actually used versus which you skipped, and identify barriers (taste, texture, cost, forgetting). Quarterly: Share this data with your doctor to adjust recommendations based on what’s actually working for you

This review summarizes research about nutrition supplements for older adults and people with chronic illnesses, but it is not medical advice. Malnutrition is a serious health condition that requires professional evaluation. Before starting any nutrition supplement, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian, especially if you take medications, have allergies, or have specific health conditions. This information is educational and should not replace personalized medical advice from qualified healthcare providers. Results and recommendations may vary based on individual health status, medications, and other factors.