Protifar

Protifar is available as a white, unflavoured powder, packaged in 225 g boxes, in a protective atmosphere to ensure product stability and preserve nutritional value. 

The product is easily reconstituted in cold water, forming a homogeneous paste that can then be mixed into food or drinks without altering the taste. 

Protifar powder is intended for the dietary management of hypoproteinemia and clinical situations where protein intake is insufficient. It is recommended for patients:

• who have intestinal malabsorption, protein loss syndromes or enteropathies;
• who are in periods of postoperative convalescence, after burns, trauma or severe infections;
• with accelerated muscle loss (sarcopenia), age-related frailty or cachexia.

In particular, Protifar protein consumption is recommended when protein requirements cannot be met from regular foods.

The daily dose of Protifar protein powder should be determined individually, depending on the patient's age, weight, general condition and the recommendations of their doctor or dietitian.

As a general guideline, one scoop (2.5 g) contains 2.2 g of protein. Depending on requirements, one or more scoops can be added to food or drink until the desired protein intake is achieved. Protifar can be used in enteral nutrition, but should not be administered intravenously.

Nutricia Protifar is contraindicated in the following situations:

• congenital galactosaemia, due to the dairy origin of the protein;
• children under 3 years of age, whose protein metabolism differs and requires specific formulas;
• use as a sole source of nutrition, as it does not contain sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, essential fats, fibre, vitamins or minerals.

The product should only be used under medical supervision to avoid nutritional imbalances.

A major advantage of Protifar is its lack of flavour and taste, which allows it to be easily incorporated into almost any type of food – sweet, savoury or neutral. This facilitates patient compliance and integration into the daily diet, even for those with taste sensitivities.

The product is gluten-free, making it safe for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. 

Protifar is generally well tolerated. However, in some cases, mild reactions such as bloating, flatulence or abdominal discomfort may occur at the beginning of use, especially in patients with slow protein digestion.

Severe adverse reactions are extremely rare. If symptoms of hypersensitivity (skin rash, itching, oedema) occur, administration should be discontinued and medical advice sought.

As a protein supplement, Protifar does not interact directly with other medicines or foods.

In restrictive diets, your doctor may adjust your electrolyte or fluid intake based on the protein content of the product.

Since Protifar contains no added sugars, significant fats or fibre, it can be integrated without restriction into low-calorie, low-sodium and low-carbohydrate diets.

Excessive consumption of Protifar can lead to protein overload, manifested by:

• nausea, diarrhoea, intense thirst,
• increased serum urea and creatinine, especially in patients with impaired renal function,
• metabolic acidosis in rare cases.

Overdose should be corrected by discontinuing administration and rebalancing electrolytes under medical supervision.

Protifar should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Keep the box tightly closed and, once opened, consume the contents within 4 weeks. The product is packaged in a protective atmosphere to maintain protein quality.

• PubMed, Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of protein supplements - micronutrient fortification in promoting health and well-being in healthy adults - a randomised placebo-controlled trial
• MDPI, Effectiveness of high-protein, high-energy-density oral supplements in malnourished patients using AI-assisted muscle ultrasonography morphofunctional assessment
• WHO, Protein and energy supplementation in older people at risk of malnutrition
• Taylor&Francis, Management of disease-associated malnutrition: a real-world experience with a concentrated, high-protein, high-energy oral nutritional supplement