Supporting targeted clinical nutrition: Sternlife launches medical nutrition range for dysphagia and malnutrition

16 Sep 2019 --- Functional foods company SternLife has developed a new portfolio of six supplementary and seven nutritionally complete medical foods to tackle malnourishment and dysphagia. The products are suitable for nutritional therapies in hospitals, care homes and other medical facilities, the company says. The launch seeks to help companies establish or expand their private label clinical nutrition offerings. SternLife can assist with the process from concept and formulation development to production and advice on food legislation. The portfolio includes bars, powders and thickening agents.

A good supply of nutrients is a key factor in the care of most patients. However, patients are often unable to obtain everything they need from a regular diet. From there comes the need for a targeted clinical nutrition approach, based on well-conceived dietary treatment concepts. With its innovative range of customized products, SternLife supports suppliers who are unable to develop these themselves.

Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, may be caused by a variety of diseases, such as neurological disorders stroke, multiple sclerosis or dementia, but also by tumors. Dysphagia not only elevates the risk of aspirating fluids while swallowing but is also often associated with decreased appetite, increasing the risk of malnutrition and inadequate hydration.

“For the safe nutrition and adequate nutrient and liquid supply for patients with dysphagia, SternLife has developed consistency-adapted nutritionally complete foods (such as a nutritionally complete food in the form of a porridge) and a clear-soluble thickening agent. This instant thickener allows an easy and quick adjustment of the consistency according to the patient’s needs. It can be mixed lump-free in hot and cold drinks, is completely neutral in odor and taste and remains clear in solution. Since it is amylase-resistant, it also retains its consistency during swallowing. It is applicable for most patient groups as it is free of lactose, gluten and allergens,” Antje Wetzel, Head of Product Development at SternLife, tells NutritionInsight.

Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, may be caused by a variety of diseases, such as neurological disorders.“The clinical nutrition segment is a good fit for our expertise and our portfolio of bars and powder products. At SternLife we support our customers from the very first idea. We develop tailor-made formulations and produce products at our facilities in Germany, at a high standard. Our experience in nutrition also means we are able to give advice on packaging and food legislation, as well – from nutritional information to the necessary declarations,” Wetzel adds.   

A wide range of solutions
The clinical nutrition portfolio will comprise of seven nutritionally complete foods that can be used as a sole source of nutrition. All of these products are designed in accordance with current nutritional recommendations and packed with “free-from” benefits and convenient handling options to increase the patient’s compliance, the company notes. 

The range includes: 

• Instant powder (with a neutral taste with a high protein quality through the combination of milk, whey and egg protein).
• Plant-based instant powder (a vegan version of a nutritionally complete food, with a neutral taste. High in protein quality via the combination of pea, fava bean and rice protein)
• Porridge (an instant porridge, enriched with apple pieces and cinnamon).
• Rice pudding (an instant rice pudding, rounded off with vanilla flavor).
• Potato soup (an instant potato-leek soup to add a savory option to the medical food range).
• Soft bar (an indulgent candy bar, nutrient-dense and extra high in energy).
• Pure Oat bar (a cereal bar, with crunchy peanuts and caramel flavor).

In addition to this, SternLife offers a range of nutritionally incomplete supplements, which could be individually customized to meet the patient’s needs:

• Fiber supplement (combines soluble and insoluble fiber, low in FODMAP, gluten-free)
• Protein supplement, whey-based (protein content of 89 percent, free from soy, low in lactose)
• Protein supplement, plant-based (free from soy and other main allergens, high protein quality through the combination of pea, fava bean, rice and sunflower seed protein)
• Micronutrient supplement with protein (one portion meets the daily vitamin and mineral requirements and an additional amount of protein. High protein quality through the combination of milk, whey and egg protein.)
• Micronutrient supplement (one portion that meets general daily vitamin and mineral requirements)
• Clear-soluble thickening agent (easy to dissolve, with a neutral taste, remains clear in solution)

The company will showcase the products during CPhI Worldwide 2019, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, from November 5-7.

By Kristiana Lalou