Comparing nutrient intake and quality of life during the post-surgical recovery period in malnourished adults given either an oral nutritional supplement with dietary counselling or receiving dietary counselling alone

Oral supplements can be crucial postoperative care by supporting recovery, providing essential nutrients, and promoting overall health. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing, tissue repair, and immune function after surgery. To compare the effects of Flex Compact an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) taken with dietary counselling vs. dietary counselling alone among malnourished adults in laparoscopic post-surgical recovery period on Energy consumption and Protein consumption. The secondary Objective is to compare the effects of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) taken with dietary counselling vs. dietary counselling alone on total colorie intake, Serum Total Protein, Serum Albumin: Globulin (A/G) ratio, Quality of Life and Change in BMI. The Energy, protein and total food intake will be assessed at baseline, weeks 4, 8 and 12 using a 3-day recall food diary distributed by study personnel. Blood drawn at baseline and at the end of the study will be used to assess serum protein and ratio of serum albumin to globulin. Quality of life will be assessed at baseline, weeks 4, 8 and 12 using SF-36 questionnaire.  Compliance will be calculated as the amount of ONS consumed in proportion to prescribed calories and Safety will be assessed at baseline and at each visit until the end of the study.