The Role of Foods for Special Medical Purposes: An infant perspective

Posted on: June 22, 2017 • Author: Martha Hughes

At any age, for a variety of reasons, an individual can experience periods when food alone, or modification of the diet, is not successful in meeting the body’s nutritional requirements. Foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs) are foods which have been formulated to help meet the nutritional or dietary needs of patients living with a disease, disorder or medical condition when this situation arises.

NEW RESEARCH: Exploring the optimal use of supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN): a study of underweight and overweight critically ill patients

Posted on: June 21, 2017

It is thought that patients in intensive care units (ICU) may benefit from additional calorie and protein delivery in the first week of care. However, data has shown surgical ICU patients to be more poorly fed than other ICU groups. In a previous international multicentre, observational study, significant results for an additional 1000kcals in those with a body mass index (BMI) of <25 or >35 were observed. This calorie increase was associated with an almost 50% reduction of 60-day mortality in these groups, independent of the route of delivery (either parenteral nutrition [EN] or enteral nutrition [PN]).

Changing the Perception of Parenteral Nutrition

Posted on: June 16, 2017 • Author: Harriet O'Neill on behalf of BSNA

The NCEPOD report – A Mixed Bag - gave pretty damning statistics with regard to parenteral nutrition (PN) care in the UK, suggesting only 19.5% of adult patients received “good practice” care and demonstrating that, at that time, only 40% of hospitals had a dedicated Nutrition Team.

The psychological impact of breastfeeding grief on new mothers

Posted on: May 26, 2017

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed a baby and is important for both mother and baby’s health and wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that babies are exclusively breastfed until six months of age, after which breastfeeding should be complemented with the appropriate introduction of solid foods until two years of age. However, a recent article has highlighted the emotional and psychological challenges faced by a mother who has been unable to breastfeed.

Coeliac Awareness Week 2017

Posted on: May 11, 2017

BSNA supports Coeliac Awareness Week 2017. As part of Coeliac Awareness Week, Coeliac UK is asking community pharmacies to talk with people who are regularly accessing prescription or over-the-counter treatments for irritable bowel syndrome or anaemias to prompt them to be tested for coeliac disease.

Cow's Milk Allergy Vs Lactose Intolerance

Posted on: April 24, 2017

BSNA explains the differences between cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance in light of Allergy Awareness Week 2017

Nutrition and Hydration Week 2017

Posted on: March 10, 2017

BSNA supports high quality, safe nutrition and hydration for all patients and welcomes Nutrition and Hydration Week 2017.

European Swallowing Awareness Day 2017

Posted on: March 03, 2017 • Author: Martha Hughes

The second European Swallowing Awareness Day is on Monday 6 March 2017, and is all about raising awareness of how swallowing difficulties can affect people’s lives and the importance of the support of speech and language therapists.