The power of peptides

THE POWER OF
PEPTIDES FOR
IMPROVED
TOLERANCE^*1

Don’t wait for symptoms of intolerance to escalate.

ON THIS PAGE

SYMPTOMS OF GASTROINTESTINAL INTOLERANCE THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF MALNUTRITION AND MALABSORPTION

THE POWER OF PEPTIDES WATCH THE SHORT VIDEO CLINICAL CONSENSUS CLINICAL EVIDENCE

SYMPTOMS OF GASTROINTESTINAL INTOLERANCE

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can occur both before and after initiation of oral nutrition supplements (ONS),^†‡2-4 with as many as 8.5% of patients experiencing symptoms prior to beginning nutritional support.^†2

Even without a formal GI diagnosis, patients may experience symptoms of GI intolerance, including:⁵

Diarrhoea

Nausea and
vomiting

Bloating and Cramping

Gas

Abdominal pain

It is important to identify these symptoms early, as they can spiral if patients are not given the right nutrition.⁶

Cancer

GI complications can be caused by both the disease and its treatments,⁷ with 1 in 2 oncology patients left with long-term GI side effects that affect quality of life.^{^}8

Frailty

GI disorders are particularly prevalent in older adults,⁹ with up to 57% of people aged over 65 reporting at least one GI symptom.¹⁰

Post Surgery

16% of patients experience chronic diarrhoea after abdominal surgery.¹¹

Neurological Conditions

40% of patients experience faecal incontinence immediately after a stroke.¹²

GI Disorders

10% of patients report GI symptoms as many as 5 years prior to diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.¹³

THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF MALNUTRITION AND MALABSORPTION

Disease-related malnutrition can impair gut function and nutrient absorption, creating a cycle of worsening malabsorption.¹⁴ However, outcomes can be improved in these patients with appropriate nutritional support.¹⁴

First line response with peptide-based ONS is an effective strategy when malabsorption is suspected.¹⁵

peptide icon THE POWER OF PEPTIDES

Peptide-based nutrition is recommended for patients at high risk of symptoms of GI intolerance^§5 and is proven to support nutrient absorption and reduce GI symptoms:^1,16-18

Peptides improve nitrogen absorption, retention and balance, supporting recovery.¹⁶

Peptides require less enzymatic action than whole proteins, enhancing absorption.¹⁷

MCTs in peptide-based feeds support rapid energy and better fat absorption.¹⁸

peptide icon WATCH THE SHORT PEPTIDE MODE OF ACTION VIDEO

peptide icon CLINICAL CONSENSUS

First-line response with a peptide-based feed is recommended for patients considered at high risk of GI symptoms, or as an alternative where a whole protein feed may not be tolerated.⁵

This consensus guide provides practical guidance on the identification and management of symptoms of GI intolerance in malnourished patients in the community.^§

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VITAL 1.5 KCAL

Vital 1.5kcal is designed specifically to support the nutritional needs of patients with disease-related malnutrition and malabsorption, or for those who experience symptoms of poor feed tolerance.

100% peptide-based
Highest percentage of fats as MCTs (64%) in a 1.5kcal/ml peptide-based ONS^¶
98% compliance in adults with impaired GI function^#19
Suitable for vegetarian,^◊ Halal and Kosher^~ diets
Available in 3 delicious flavours: café latte, mixed berry and vanilla

View Product

peptide icon CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Clinically proven to improve nutritional status and reduce GI symptoms in 12 weeks. ^*1

of patients had improvements in their nutritional status (‘MUST’ score)

of patients had improvements in symptoms of GI intolerance (no or improved pain)

Footnotes:

GI-Gastrointestinal

ONS-Oral nutritional supplement

`MUST’- Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool

^*In an observational study conducted across 19 medical sites in Spain, adults (≥18 years) with gastrointestinal (GI) impairment were prescribed Vital 1.5kcal as part of routine clinical practice. GI impairment was defined as compromised tolerance by the presence of symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, bloating, or early satiety. Over 12 weeks, patients experienced improvements in tolerance, including reduced GI symptoms, improved stool consistency, and a reduction in abdominal pain.

^†Data from a longitudinal GP database. 8.5% of patients had experienced at least one symptom (including vomiting, diarrhoea or nausea) during the two weeks before receiving their ONS prescription.

^‡Symptoms of GI intolerance included feelings of fullness/satiety, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhoea. ^{^}This study assessed oncology patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy.

^§All management strategies for malnourished patients with or without symptoms of GI intolerance should be developed by a multidisciplinary team and considered in accordance with local practice guidelines for screening, referrals and management.

^¶Vital 1.5kcal provides the highest proportion of fat as MCTs in the UK 1.5kcal/ml peptide-based ONS category, with 64% of total fat as MCTs, compared to 60% in Peptisip Energy HP and 50% in Survimed OPD 1.5kcal Drink.

#Vital 1.5kcal ONS was given to 35 adults twice a day for 16 days. The average proportion of product consumed was 98%.

◊Vitamin D is synthesised from cholesterol, extracted from the grease in wool sheared from live sheep. Mixed berry flavour contains E120 (cochineal) which some people may consider to be a meat product.

~Please note, mixed berry flavour is not suitable for Kosher diets.

References:

López-Medina JA et al. Nutrition 2022;102:111734.
Data on File. Abbott Laboratories Ltd, 2013 (Cegedim data).
Mello AT et al. Br J Nutr 2021;125(5):530-547.
Lidoriki I et al. J Am Coll Nutr 2020;39(7):650-656.
McCabe K et al, 2018:https://www.proconnect.abbott/content/dam/an/hcpproconnect/uk/en/resourcecontent/updated-pdfs/ Updated_Community_Consensus_Guide_2018.pdf Accessed June 202.
Jeejeebhoy KN & Duerksen DR. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2018;47(1):1-22.
Costello AM, 2024: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/gastrointestinal-complications-cancer treatment Accessed June 2025
Andreyev J. Gut 2005;54(8):1051-1054.
Dumic I et al. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019;2019:6757524.
Chaplin A et al. Br J Gen Pract. 2000 Oct;50(459):798-802.
Yde J et al. Int J Colorectal Dis 2018;33(6):683-694.
Harari D et al. Stroke 2003;34(1):144-150.
Blackwell J et al. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 2021;15(2):203-211.
Saunders J & Smith T. Clin Med 2010;10(6):624-627.
Diéguez Castillo C et al. Nutrients 2025;17(9):1426.
Brinson RR, et al. Nutr Clin Pract. 1989;4(6):211-12.
de Brito Ashurst I, et al. Nutrients. 2021;13:2362
Bach AC, Babayan VK. Am J Clin Nutr. 1982;36(5):950-62.
Nelson JL. Clin Nutr Exp 2019;28:123-130.

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