ONS – What Are Oral Dietary Supplements
Emilia Szymańska
2026-03-22
7 min. read
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Diet forms a crucial component in the treatment process for many ailments, and maintaining adequate nutrition is one of the most important priorities. However, there are instances where this is no longer achievable through the use of traditional products. In such cases, medical nutrition, including oral dietary supplements, provides a helpful solution. What do they consist of, in which circumstances should they be employed, and are they available for general sale?
Definition of Oral Nutritional Supplements According to ESPEN Guidelines
In accordance with the formal definition established by the *European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism* (commonly abbreviated as ESPEN), **oral nutritional supplements** (referred to as ONS, derived from *Oral Nutrition Supplements*) constitute specialized formulations available in multiple physical states—ranging from liquids of varying viscosities to semi-solid creams or powdered substances intended for reconstitution. Their principal objective is to supplement the body’s daily requirements for energy and essential nutrients, encompassing both macronutrients and micronutrients.
Depending on the specific formulation, these products may be presented in a ready-to-consume format—such as pre-packaged beverages in bottles or pouches—or serve as a base for preparing nutrient-dense solutions at home. Alternatively, they can be incorporated as enhancers into conventional meals or beverages to augment their caloric and nutritional density.
ONS are categorized under **foods for special medical purposes** (FSMP), indicating that their administration is subject to rigorous medical supervision. They are primarily intended for patients whose capacity to adequately ingest, digest, or absorb food—or specific nutrients—is compromised, whether due to chronic illnesses, acute clinical conditions, or postoperative complications. Furthermore, ONS are employed in scenarios where a standard diet proves insufficient to meet the elevated metabolic demands of the body, a circumstance frequently observed in diverse somatic disorders (reference: Cederholm et al., publication from 2017).
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