What is an over-the-counter (OTC) alternative to Jevity (peptide-based oral nutritional supplement)?

OTC Alternatives to Jevity

Standard polymeric oral nutritional supplements like Ensure Plus are the most practical over-the-counter alternatives to Jevity, as they provide similar nutritional composition and can be consumed orally without requiring medical supervision. 1

Understanding Jevity and Its OTC Equivalents

Jevity is a polymeric enteral nutrition formula typically used for tube feeding, but the 2024 AGA guidelines explicitly state that "traditional EN support products consumed orally, such as Jevity" can be used alongside other polymeric oral supplements like Ensure Plus 1. This confirms that standard OTC nutritional supplements can serve similar nutritional purposes when consumed orally.

Recommended OTC Alternatives

For general nutritional supplementation:

• Ensure Plus (Abbott Nutrition) - explicitly mentioned as interchangeable with Jevity for oral consumption in inflammatory bowel disease management 1
• Kate Farms - another polymeric oral supplement option that can provide similar nutritional support 1
• Other standard polymeric formulations available OTC that are nutritionally complete and well-tolerated 1

For patients with diabetes requiring better glycemic control:

• Glucerna may be preferable to standard formulas, as it can provide better postprandial glucose control and potentially reduce the need for insulin or other glucose-lowering medications 2

Key Considerations When Selecting OTC Alternatives

Nutritional Completeness

• Choose products that are nutritionally complete if they will serve as a significant portion of daily caloric intake 1
• Ensure the product is calorically individualized to meet the patient's specific energy needs 1
• Standard polymeric formulations are generally well-tolerated and do not require elemental formulas unless specifically indicated 1

Clinical Context Matters

For malnutrition or weight loss:

• OTC oral nutritional supplements should be offered when patients cannot meet nutritional requirements through usual and enriched foods despite adequate supervision 1
• These supplements provide concentrated energy and nutrients in forms that are easier to consume than whole foods 1

For cancer patients:

• Nutritional counseling should be the first-line approach, with OTC supplements added when an enriched diet alone is insufficient 1
• Supplements are indicated when patients consume less than 50% of requirements for more than one week, or 50-75% for more than two weeks 1

Important Caveats

What OTC supplements CANNOT do:

• They should NOT be used to correct cognitive impairment or prevent cognitive decline in dementia patients 1
• There is no clear evidence that nutrition supplements (herbs, botanicals, high-dose vitamins) are effective for weight loss or obesity management 1
• Avoid any restrictive diets or products that limit energy intake in malnourished patients 1

Practical Implementation

Monitoring after switching formulas:

• For diabetic patients switching from Jevity to Glucerna, monitor blood glucose levels closely and adjust diabetes medications as needed 2
• Implement a gradual transition between formulas to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 2

Product selection priorities:

• Select products with nutritional balance appropriate for the patient's condition 1
• Consider fiber content if constipation or diarrhea is a concern 1
• Vary products to reduce "product fatigue," especially important for long-term use 1

When OTC options are insufficient:

• If oral intake remains inadequate despite OTC supplements and counseling, medical nutrition therapy with prescription enteral formulas or parenteral nutrition may be necessary 1