[Why don't patients take their nutritional supplements?].

Abstract

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are part of the nutritional support for malnourished patients. Although the terms "adherence" and "compliance" have different connotations, they tend to be interchangeable in literature and in the daily clinical practice. Adherence can be measured through objective and subjective methods. However, research results vary enormously due to the huge differences in design, measurement methodology, adherence definition, scope and type of patients. There are several factors that may have a detrimental effect on adherence to nutritional supplements and, therefore, compromise patients' nutritional condition. These factors are associated to the patient, the environment in which the supplement is taken, the supplement itself and the prescriber's role. Researches published to date show considerable limitations in terms of targets, quality and the period of time over which adherence is estimated. A global approach may help malnourished patients requiring a dietary prescription in the medium-long term improve their intake of nutritional supplements. It is essential to conduct further research with specific population groups, particularly with malnourished patients, evaluating not only the organoleptic properties of ONS but also the influence of all factors directly or indirectly affecting adherence to nutritional supplements.