From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
The choice of nutritional supplement depends on the patient's specific condition, with Glucerna recommended for diabetes patients, Nepro for kidney patients, Pivot for immunocompromised patients, Vital for those with malnutrition, and Jevity for patients without specific conditions. When considering the differences between Glucerna, Jevity, Nepro, Pivot, and Vital for nutritional supplementation, it's crucial to understand the unique formulation of each product and how it addresses the nutritional needs of patients with various health conditions.
- Glucerna is specifically designed for people with diabetes or glucose intolerance, containing slow-release carbohydrates, moderate fat, and protein to help manage blood sugar levels 1.
- Jevity is a standard, balanced formula suitable for most patients requiring tube feeding or oral supplementation, providing complete nutrition with moderate fiber content.
- Nepro is designed for patients with kidney disease, featuring higher calorie density, lower electrolytes (particularly potassium and phosphorus), and concentrated protein to support nutritional needs while accommodating renal restrictions 2, 3.
- Pivot is formulated for patients with compromised immune systems or metabolic stress, containing immune-enhancing nutrients like arginine and omega-3 fatty acids to support recovery.
- Vital is designed for patients with malnutrition or increased protein needs, offering high protein content with hydrolyzed (pre-digested) proteins for easier absorption. The most recent and highest quality study 3 supports the use of a renal-specific oral nutrition supplement like Nepro for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, as it helps maintain nutritional status and may delay renal function decline. Dosing typically starts at 1-2 servings daily, adjusted based on nutritional requirements, and these supplements can be consumed orally or administered through feeding tubes depending on the patient's ability to eat. It's also important to consider the patient's overall health status, as those with well-controlled diabetes and chronic kidney disease may experience improved nutritional outcomes with appropriate supplementation 4. In contrast, patients who start dialysis may experience a decline in nutritional status, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and adjustment of nutritional support 4. Overall, the selection of a nutritional supplement should be guided by the patient's specific health condition and nutritional needs, with the goal of optimizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.