A nutrition order is a prescription from your healthcare provider that tells you exactly what to eat, drink, or take as supplements. It might include special diets, texture changes for safe swallowing, nutritional supplements, or tube feeding instructions.

These orders help ensure you get the right nutrition to support your health, manage medical conditions, and aid in recovery.

Note: Only your healthcare providers can create or change nutrition orders to ensure they're medically appropriate for your condition.

 

What's in Your Nutrition Order

Basic information:

  • Status - Whether the order is active, completed, or cancelled
  • Date ordered - When your provider prescribed this
  • Related allergies - Your food allergies that affect this order
  • Healthcare visit - The appointment when this was ordered

Diet instructions (if applicable):

  • Diet type - Special diets like diabetic, heart-healthy, or soft foods
  • Texture changes - Pureed, minced, or thickened foods for safe swallowing
  • Nutrient changes - Specific amounts of protein, sodium, etc.
  • Liquid consistency - How thick your drinks should be
  • Meal timing - When and how often to eat

Supplements (if prescribed):

  • Type and brand - Specific supplements and products
  • Amount - How much to take
  • Schedule - When and how often to take them
  • Instructions - How to prepare or take them

Tube feeding (if needed):

  • Formula type - What kind of liquid nutrition
  • Schedule - When and how much to give
  • Rate - How fast to deliver the formula
  • Instructions - Step-by-step feeding directions

 

Common Types of Nutrition Orders

Special diets for medical conditions:

  • Diabetic diet - Controlled carbs and sugars
  • Heart-healthy diet - Low sodium and low fat
  • Kidney diet - Limited protein and certain minerals
  • Soft diet - Easy-to-chew foods
  • Clear liquids - Only clear fluids

Texture changes for safe swallowing:

  • Pureed foods - Smooth, no lumps
  • Minced foods - Finely chopped and moist
  • Thickened liquids - Drinks made thicker for safety

Nutritional supplements:

  • Protein drinks - Extra protein for healing
  • Meal replacement shakes - Complete nutrition in liquid form
  • Vitamins and minerals - Specific nutrients you need
  • High-calorie supplements - For weight gain

 

Following Your Nutrition Order

For special diets:

  • Follow the diet type exactly as prescribed
  • Use the right food textures for safe swallowing
  • Drink liquids at the prescribed thickness
  • Eat at the recommended times

For supplements:

  • Take the exact products and brands listed
  • Use the right amounts
  • Follow the schedule (with meals, between meals, etc.)
  • Prepare them as instructed

For tube feeding:

  • Use only the prescribed formula
  • Follow the exact schedule and amounts
  • Give at the right speed
  • Follow all safety instructions

Important reminders:

  • Don't change anything without asking your healthcare team
  • Report any problems or side effects
  • Ask questions if anything is unclear
  • Keep track of how you're feeling

Remember: Your nutrition order is designed specifically for your health needs. Following it helps ensure you get the best possible care.