Polycose (Glucose polymers) For Caloric Deficit in Malnourished People

Polycose (Glucose polymers) is a readily digestible form of carbohydrates that are derived from hydrolyzed cornstarch.

Polycose (Glucose polymers) Uses:

  • Caloric supplement:

    • It is a simple carbohydrate that is utilized as a food and provides calories for persons who need more energy or who cannot satisfy their caloric needs through normal dietary consumption.
  • Glucose Tolerance Testing:

    • Glucose polymers may be used for diagnostic purposes in patients with diabetes mellitus. Glucose tolerance testing may be performed using glucose polymers. Studies have shown that compared to glucose, glucose polymers are less likely to be associated with nausea during the test.

Polycose (Glucose polymers) Caloric equivalent:

  • Calculate the additional calories required by the person and add the calculated amount to foods, beverages, or mix in water.
  • Caloric equivalents (U.S. household measures):

    • One level teaspoon (2 g): 8 calories
    • One level tablespoon (6 g): 23 calories
    • One-fourth cup (25 g): 95 calories
    • One-third cup (33 g): 125 calories
    • One-half cup (50 g): 190 calories
    • One cup (100 g): 380 calories

How to administer Glucose polymers?

Wash your hands before administering it. The final solution can be administered orally or through a nasogastric/ orogastric feeding tube. Mixing with liquids:

  • After adding the glucose polymers, pour the required or estimated volume of water or beverage into a container of the proper size, and mix in the powder.

Mixing with foods:

  • Additionally, glucose polymers can be added straight to dishes like mashed potatoes, porridge, gravy, or soup.

It is important to note that glucose polymers should be used to fulfill the caloric deficit. It should not be used as the only means of daily caloric requirements. A stable diet must contain adequate amounts of proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. One way of using glucose polymers without compromising the dietary balance of other nutrients is to add polycose to afternoon tea or snacks.

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