Medical Nutrition: Health Starts With Nutrition

As one of the world’s leading specialists in medical nutrition therapy, Fresenius Kabi is committed to providing the best possible support for patients and healthcare professionals alike. 

We know nutrition is inseparably linked to health and well-being – that’s why we’ve been working hard to find nutritional solutions for over 60 years. We focus on the particular challenges for vulnerable groups and those with serious illnesses, such as digestive tract diseases and cancer. We also offer solutions for surgery, intensive care, oncology, paediatric care, and geriatric care, aiming to facilitate tailor-made solutions for every specific nutritional need.

 

patient smiling with nurse

We’ve been at the forefront of developing and providing high-quality medical nutrition, also called clinical nutrition. Our dedication is based on extensive research, years of experience, and a deep commitment to our patients.

Innovation and efficiency help us make high-quality nutrition available to an ever-growing number of people. We’re constantly in touch with medical nutrition associations, and we incorporate the latest medical and scientific insights into product development and concepts.
 

Malnutrition: a global issue

Malnutrition can affect everyone, including*:

  • 1 in 3 patients in care homes
  • 1 in 3 older people living independently
  • 1 in 4 patients in hospitals
  • 1 in 5 children admitted to hospital
  • 1 in 3 cancer patients

Oncology, intensive care, nephrology, surgery, paediatrics, geriatrics, and nursing: malnutrition is relevant in numerous medical fields and poses a significant challenge in hospital and nursing environments. Patients who are already debilitated or ill are at increased risk of malnutrition, and the effects can be severe, leading to longer hospital stays, delayed recovery processes, and increased complication rates.

*Statistics from Medical Nutrition Industry

Approximately 40 % of hospital patients worldwide are malnourished1

In Africa, hospital malnutrition risk is reported to be between 23 % and 74 % with malnutrition prevalence between 8 % and 85 %2

Malnutrition costs an estimated €170 billion a year to European countries3

In Latin America disease related malnutrition has a high prevalance (40 % to 60 %) with an increase of > 60 % in costs 4

Clinical nutrition is effective in treating malnutrition and avoiding associated costs5

More than 50 % of patients in hospital don’t eat their entire meal6

Medical nutrition: more than just food

We offer optimal solutions for both enteral and parenteral nutrition that meet the highest quality standards so that healthcare professionals can make the right medical nutrition decision according to the patient’s individual needs, medical diagnosis, and treatment goals.

Enteral nutrition: special formulations for special needs

Enteral nutrition refers to the delivery of nutrients through the digestive tract, either orally or using special feeding tubes. This form of nutrition can be used for all patients with insufficient oral intake, such as in cases of lack of appetite and weight loss, additional energy and nutrient requirements due to illness, or difficulty eating like after a stroke. Our enteral nutrition products contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to meet individual needs.

Fresubin®

Fresubin is a range of effective and reliable nutritional products that closes the nutritional gap between daily food intake and the body’s needs. The range includes ready-to-drink beverages, dessert-style supplements, powders, and tube feeds. Our product formulas are designed to meet patients’ individual needs.

325 units of Fresubin clinical nutrition are consumed every minute worldwide*.

* Global data on file

Parenteral nutrition: ensuring sufficient nutrition

Some critically and chronically ill patients are unable to absorb or utilise sufficient nutrients through their digestive tract and must be fed parenterally via a central venous or peripheral catheter. The nutrients are administered directly into the bloodstream via an intravenous infusion. This special blend of amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals bypasses the gastrointestinal tract altogether.

We’re the global market leader in parenteral nutrition. Thanks to our experience, we can support healthcare professionals with our comprehensive portfolio, from single components and 3 chamber bags to compounded bags for complete nutrition and easy application.

We know and understand the needs of both the healthcare profession and the patients and try to accompany their daily routine with our products in the best possible way. Learn more about how we support enteral and parenteral nutrition with a sophisticated portfolio of pumps and disposables.

Healthcare Porfessional with Clipboard

Medical nutrition support at home

When medical nutrition becomes a permanent condition, it can also be an out-of-hospital treatment thanks to our products. This is a big plus for patients: they can be discharged from the hospital earlier without their care being jeopardised. We accompany healthcare professionals and patients in their care and have adapted our accessories to the different needs so that they can also be used by patients and caregivers at home or in nursing homes.

1. Barker LA, et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2011;8:514–27.
2. Visser J, et al. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024 Jun 22;63:121-132

3. Medical Nutrition Industry

4. Correia MITD, et al. Clinical Nutrition 36 (2017) 958-967

5. Tappenden KA, et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2013;37:482-497
6. Kent-Smith L, et al. Can J Diet Pract Res. 2016 Mar;77(1):25-29