Complan with Milk or Water? A Guide to Nourishing Drinks for Older Adults

Eating well during winter can be challenging for older adults, particularly when a reduced appetite or recovery from illness makes regular meals harder to manage. Nourishing drinks can help supplement everyday food intake, and Complan is one option worth understanding.

But is Complan with milk more nourishing than with water, and how does it compare with other drinks? Here's what to know about preparation, nutritional benefits and when to seek advice about poor appetite or unexplained weight loss.

What Is Complan? Understanding Its Role in Older Adults' Nutrition

Complan is a nutritional drink designed to supplement the usual diet. Depending on the formulation, it provides energy, protein, vitamins and minerals, making it an option for adults who find it difficult to get enough nutrients from everyday meals.

Who may benefit from Complan?

Complan may be worth considering for adults who:

• Struggle to finish regular meals because of a reduced appetite.

• Prefer smaller meals and snacks throughout the day.

• Need a convenient way to supplement their usual diet.

Complan is not a replacement for a varied, balanced diet, and suitability depends on individual nutritional needs. Check the product's ingredients, allergens and preparation instructions before use.

If you are unsure whether Complan is suitable for your needs, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice. 

Complan with Milk or Water: What's the Difference?

Whether you prepare Complan with milk or water can affect the nutritional content of your drink. The right option depends on the specific product, your dietary needs and whether you need additional energy and protein.

Complan with milk

If the product instructions allow it, preparing Complan with milk can provide more energy and protein than using water alone. Milk also contributes nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12, making it a useful option for adults who tolerate dairy and need to supplement their usual diet.

Complan with water

Water may be suitable if you prefer a lighter drink or need to avoid dairy. However, it does not contribute the extra energy, protein and nutrients provided by milk.

How to prepare Complan

Always follow the preparation instructions on the packaging. Measure the recommended quantity of liquid and powder, mix as directed, and follow the manufacturer's guidance on serving and storage.

Avoid adding extra powder or changing the recommended proportions to increase nutritional intake. If you need additional energy or protein, a pharmacist, GP or dietitian can help you consider suitable options.

Tip: Check the nutritional information for the prepared serving, as the final energy and protein content will depend on the formulation, liquid and quantities used.

Poor Appetite in Winter and After Illness: Common Causes

A reduced appetite can make it harder for older adults to get enough energy and nutrients from their usual diet. During winter, changes in daily routines, reduced activity or difficulties shopping and preparing meals may make eating well more challenging.

Illness can also affect appetite. During an infection or recovery, tiredness, nausea and changes in taste may make food less appealing, even when the body needs adequate nourishment.

Other possible causes include:

• Dental problems, poorly fitting dentures or difficulty chewing.

• Difficulty swallowing food or drinks.

• Side effects of certain medicines.

• Digestive problems, including constipation.

• Low mood, loneliness or changes in routine.

• Underlying health conditions.

For more information, read our guide to tiredness and low energy.

Complan vs Other Nourishing Drinks: Key Differences Compared

Alternatives to Complan include homemade nourishing drinks, fortified milk and ready-to-drink nutritional supplements. Each option differs in nutritional content, preparation and suitability for individual needs.

Which nourishing drink should you choose?

Compare the energy and protein provided per prepared serving, along with ingredients, dietary suitability, taste and ease of preparation.

If someone is losing weight or struggling to eat enough, a GP or dietitian can advise whether a standard nourishing drink or a specialised oral nutritional supplement is appropriate.

How to Add More Calories and Protein to Everyday Meals

When appetite is low, larger portions can feel overwhelming. Adding nourishing ingredients to familiar foods is one way to increase energy and protein intake without significantly increasing portion sizes.

Enrich familiar foods

Simple adjustments can make everyday meals and snacks more nourishing:

• Porridge: Prepare with milk instead of water, if suitable, and add yoghurt or nut butter.

• Mashed potatoes: Mix in milk or cheese for extra protein and energy.

• Soups: Add lentils, beans, milk or grated cheese, depending on the recipe.

• Yoghurt: Choose a higher-protein variety and serve with soft fruit.

• Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide protein and can be served as a small meal or snack.

• Homemade milkshakes: Blend milk with yoghurt and fruit for a convenient, energy-containing snack.

Adapt these suggestions to individual preferences, allergies and dietary requirements. Anyone with swallowing difficulties may need advice on suitable food and drink textures.

Use nourishing drinks between meals

For older adults with a reduced appetite, a nourishing drink may be easier to manage between meals, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon. If Complan is suitable, follow the preparation and serving instructions on the packaging.

Remember hydration

Regular fluid intake remains important during winter. Water, milk and other suitable drinks can contribute to hydration, although individual needs vary.

People who have been advised to restrict fluids or certain nutrients should follow their healthcare professional's guidance. If someone is consistently eating or drinking very little, seek medical advice.

When to Speak to a GP About Poor Appetite or Unexplained Weight Loss

A temporary loss of appetite can occur during an illness, but persistent changes should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing or winter.

Unintentional weight loss and reduced food intake can have several causes, including medical conditions, medication side effects and difficulties eating. Identifying the cause helps determine what support is appropriate.

When to seek medical advice

Speak to a GP if an older adult:

• Loses weight without trying.

• Has a persistent reduction in appetite or regularly eats much less than usual.

• Experiences ongoing digestive symptoms, pain or difficulty chewing.

• Has difficulty swallowing food or drinks.

• Develops increasing weakness or struggles with everyday activities.

• Does not regain their usual appetite after an illness.

Seek urgent medical attention if someone cannot swallow safely, shows signs of significant dehydration or experiences sudden confusion or severe deterioration.

A GP can assess possible underlying causes and review medicines. If further nutritional support is needed, a registered dietitian can help determine the most suitable approach, which may include a specialised oral nutritional supplement.

Supporting Winter Nutrition with Ballyduff Pharmacy

Complan and other nourishing drinks can help supplement everyday food intake when appetite is low, but the right choice depends on individual nutritional needs. If poor appetite or unexplained weight loss persists, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Explore the Ballyduff Pharmacy Energy & Vitality collection to find relevant products, or read our guide to vitamin D during winter in Ireland.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about appetite, weight loss or nutritional intake.