Evaluating a plant-based oral nutritional supplement using Faba bean isolate: A sustainable and allergen-free alternative for clinical nutrition
Published Date: 01st October 2025
Publication Authors: Burnett. S
Abstract:
Rationale: Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are essential in managing disease-related malnutrition (DRM), yet many formulations rely on dairy-based proteins. While there has been a recent surge in plant-based ONS innovation, the protein sources used (pea and soy) still pose allergen risks and environmental concerns. Faba bean presents an interesting and sustainable alternative plant-based protein source that has not yet been studied in a clinical nutrition setting for the dietary management of DRM.
Method(s): n=15 adult patients with or at risk of DRM (mean age: 48 years; BMI: 19.3 kg/m2) received at least 200ml (range: 200-600ml) of a vegan suitable, faba bean-based, ready-to-drink, 1.5kcal/ml ONS (Actagain Plant-Powered, AYMES) for 7-days. Compliance, palatability, gastrointestinal (GI) tolerance and safety were assessed at baseline (day 0) and at the intervention endpoint (day 7).
Result(s): Compliance to Actagain Plant-Powered was good versus dietetic prescription (66-90%), palatability was excellent and GI tolerance remained stable with no adverse or serious adverse events reported.
Conclusion(s): Actagain Plant-Powered, offers a nutritionally viable, palatable, well-tolerated alternative to dairy and other plant-based formulations. The sourcing and processing of faba beans offer a more sustainable alternative to dairy, pea, and soy, demonstrating greater efficiency in land and water use while producing lower greenhouse gas emissions. Actagain Plant-Powered is presented in Tetra Pak, using 63% plant-based renewable materials and 4 x less plastic compared to HDPE, further reducing carbon emissions by 11%. The absence of common allergens expands the applicability of Actagain Plant-Powered in clinical settings, addressing dietary restrictions and ethical consumer preferences.
Green, B.; Burnett, S.; Et al. (2025). Evaluating a plant-based oral nutritional supplement using Faba bean isolate: A sustainable and allergen-free alternative for clinical nutrition. Clinical Nutrition. 69(.), p.900. [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2025.07.253 [Accessed 10 October 2025].