I have included some information below about choosing the right kind of nutritional suppliment below that I feel will be of help to you, along with a link that will give you charts of the benefits of the different types of nutritional suppliments on the market, and the amount of protein and calorie content in each type. If you have a problem with your weight and a nutritional suppliment works for you, were you to stop taking it chances are that you would lose the weight again until your metabolism slows down some. People with a higher metabolism can have trouble keeping weight on which may be the case with you. Some people's metabolism changes as they get older and with some people they always have a high metaboism and have to work to keep the weight on.With most all of the nutritional suppliments listed on this chart such as Boost, or Carnation instant breakfast there are not any known short or long term side effects with them as long as you are not allergic to any of the ingrediants within them. It is always recommended that your physician be aware you are taking a nutritional suppliment of any kind so with whatever suppliment you choose I would make it a point to inform my physician. I hope this information will be helpful to you.

Good nutrition is very important. Sometimes eating foods alone is not enough to meet your nutritional needs. A variety of nutritional supplements are available to help you meet your calorie, protein and vitamin/mineral needs each day. However, there are so many products available; it can be confusing at times which product is right for you.

Reasons for using nutritional supplements
The best way to meet your nutritional needs is through eating a variety of foods from all of the food groups each day. The main reason why you should use a nutritional supplement is if you cannot meet your nutritional needs through eating foods alone. Other reasons you may need a nutritional supplement are:

• Building nutrition stores to prepare for surgery
• Healing after surgery
• Gaining weight
• Enhancing strength during cancer or cancer treatments
• Healing bone fractures
• Recovering from illness or infection
• Healing or preventing pressure sores
• Declining appetite after surgery or medical treatments
• Boosting energy and strength

How do you know if a nutritional supplement is right for you?
It is important to first talk to your physician about using nutritional supplements. People with certain diseases or medical conditions must use caution when using certain products or may require special nutritional supplements specifically created for their condition.

A dietitian is available to help you decide on a nutrition supplement that is right for you as well. Contact information is available on the back of this handout.

Different kinds of nutritional supplements
A nutritional supplement should be taken along with meals or between meals as a snack. There are many brands and varieties of supplements available. You might want to experiment with different supplements until you find your favorites.

Nutritional supplements are not just for drinking! Most nutritional supplement companies have complimentary recipe books available upon request. Call the company phone numbers or refer to their Web sites in the charts below for information on receiving a recipe book. The recipes allow you to use nutritional supplements in everyday cooking and baking to provide a boost in calories and nutrients.

Some examples include:

• One 8 fl. oz. can of supplement can replace 1/2 cup of milk or water in a recipe
• Add to soups, sauces, mashed potatoes and casseroles
• Add to cake, cookie, muffin and bread recipes
• Great for use in milkshakes, fruit smoothies or mixed with plain milk

There are other brands of nutritional supplements on the market besides the ones listed. It is important to read labels carefully before buying a product. If you are unsure if you should use a certain supplement, talk to your doctor or a dietitian before using.

For a list of recommended nutritional suppliments please visit:

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2600/2653.asp?index=9856