By Dr. Wong Ting Xuan (IMU University), Koh Bi Qi (Dietitian, Cengild G.I Medical Center)
During the journey of cancer diagnosis, patients are often overwhelmed by substantial information through various channels, making decision making challenging. One of the most frequently asked questions would be “Do I need an oral nutrition supplement?” and “Which one is suitable for me?”
Before we dive into the answers, let’s take a moment to understand what oral nutrition supplements really are. Oral nutrition supplements commonly are nutrient-rich beverages that provide extra calories and protein to help you maintain your weight, muscle strength, and energy—especially when eating regular meals becomes difficult. In short, they are not a must-have for everyone, but a helpful option when food alone is not enough.
To better meet patients’ needs, oral nutrition supplements now come in various forms, such as powders or ready-to-drink options and are made with different nutrient compositions. With so many choices available, understanding how to select the most suitable ONS can help you take an active role in supporting your recovery and rebuilding your health.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you decide when and how to use an oral nutrition supplement.
Step 1: Understand When You Might Need an Oral Nutrition Supplement
Before rushing into a bulk purchase of oral nutrition supplements, it’s important to first understand whether your body truly needs them. A clinical dietitian can help determine this need through a thorough assessment of your dietary intake, medical condition, treatment phases, and relevant biochemical results. In many cases, oral nutrition supplements are recommended for patients who are unable to meet their calorie and protein requirements through food alone.
For some individuals, however, oral intake may be severely affected due to physical or medical challenges such as having trouble swallowing, feeling full too quickly, or the body not digesting or absorbing nutrients well. In these situations, oral nutrition supplements may become a main source of nutrition to help meet daily requirements and maintain health.
Step 2: Choose the Right Oral Nutrition Supplement for Your Needs
If an oral nutrition supplement is recommended as part of the treatment plan, the next step is to find one that matches your personal needs and health goals. Not all oral nutrition supplements are the same — some are higher in protein to help rebuild muscle, some provide extra calories to support weight gain, some enriched with omega-3 fatty acids to help maintain weight, while others include added fibre or nutrients to improve digestion.
When a dietitian advises oral nutrition supplements, it is common practice to suggest a few suitable brands based on your nutritional requirements and financial situation. Many well-known brands available in pharmacies or hospitals have been supported by research and long-standing clinical use. However, some can be costly, especially if taken over a long period. Your dietitian can help you balance both effectiveness and affordability
Ideally, an oral nutrition supplement should be balanced and complete in nutrition, meaning it provides an appropriate ratio of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, along with essential vitamins and minerals. These products are specially formulated with a controlled consistency and osmolarity at the same time to meet with the daily requirement.
In addition to complete and balanced supplements, modular products are also available. These contain single nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, or fat alone, and can be added to your meals or drinks to meet specific needs. Choosing the right oral nutrition supplement not only helps you meet your nutritional goals but also makes your recovery journey more manageable and sustainable.
Step 3: Be Smart About Other Supplements You See in Stores
It is common to come across many nutrition products on pharmacy shelves or online stores that claim to boost energy, improve immunity, or speed up recovery. While these products may look appealing, not all of them are suitable for people who are recovering from cancer or managing specific health conditions. Some may lack complete nutrition, while others might contain ingredients that interfere with medications or cancer treatment (as known as ‘drug-nutrient interactions’) causing unwanted side effects.
In addition, novelty supplements such as plant, fruit, or vegetable extracts are becoming increasingly common among cancer patients. However, it is important to understand that many of these products are supported mainly by user testimonials rather than strong scientific evidence. This means their safety and effectiveness are not always guaranteed.
Before trying any new supplement containing herbal or traditional ingredients, always read the nutrition label carefully and discuss it with your healthcare providers including dietitian, oncologist, pharmacist. They can help you determine whether the product is safe, effective, and appropriate for your condition.
Final Thoughts: Make Informed Choices for Better Nutrition Support
Oral nutrition supplements can be an important part of recovery, especially when eating enough through regular meals becomes difficult. The best results come when choices are guided by a clinical dietitian, who can tailor recommendations based on your health condition, treatment plan, and nutrition needs.
Before buying or consuming any product, take time to understand its purpose, ingredients, and safety from the healthcare professionals. You can find a registered dietitian in most hospitals, health clinics and cancer care centres. This mindful approach not only helps you get the most benefit from your nutrition support but also protects you from unnecessary risks. With the right guidance and informed choices, nutrition can become a powerful ally in your journey toward better strength, recovery, and quality of life.
About the Authors:
Koh Bi Qi
Ms. KOH is a registered dietitian at Cengild G.I. Medical Centre. She obtained her training and qualification from the International Medical University (IMU) and is a member of the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association. In addition to her professional practice, she contributes actively to community health initiatives through her involvement with nongovernmental organisations, including Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Malaysia (CORUM).
Dr. Wong Ting Xuan
Dr. Wong is a Lecturer and Registered Dietitian at IMU University. Her research focuses on clinical nutrition and cancer, particularly in supporting patients with malnutrition and muscle loss. She is passionate about helping individuals understand how good nutrition can aid recovery, improve strength, and enhance quality of life after cancer.