FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When will Nuvacal be available?
Nuvacal 1.3 and Nuvacal 1.6 will be available from November 2026.
Can I try Nuvacal first?
Yes. A sample pack can be requested for patients or clients, allowing healthcare professionals and users to experience how Nuvante fits into everyday enteral nutrition practice. Nuvacal must always be used under medical supervision.
How should I store and use Nuvacal after opening?
What is the minimum feeding tube diameter required to administer Nuvacal?
Can Nuvacal be administered using a feeding pump?
Yes, Nuvacal 1.3 and Nuvacal 1.6 can be administered using a feeding pump. Follow the instructions for use and the feeding regimen prescribed by the physician or dietitian.
What age groups is Nuvacal suitable for?
Is Nuvacal vegan and free from milk?
Can Nuvacal help with gastrointestinal symptoms?
The choice of tube-feeding formula can affect tolerance, but gastrointestinal symptoms may also have other causes, such as medication, the administration rate, fluid intake or an underlying condition. Nuvacal therefore cannot guarantee that these symptoms will resolve.
What is the relationship between dietary fibre and the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms living in the gut. Certain fibres can be broken down by gut bacteria and used as a source of nutrition. This process produces substances including short-chain fatty acids.
Responses to fibre vary between individuals and depend on the type of fibre. Nuvante intends to investigate how Nuvacal relates to changes in the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal tolerance. A beneficial change in specific gut bacteria resulting from the use of Nuvacal has not yet been established.
Which types of fibre does Nuvacal contain?
Both formulas contain added inulin and guar gum. The food ingredients used also contribute to the overall fibre composition. Nuvacal 1.3 contains 2.3 grams of fibre per 100 millilitres, while Nuvacal 1.6 contains 1.3 grams per 100 millilitres. Daily fibre intake depends on the amount of formula consumed by the patient.
What does a complete amino acid profile mean, and why is it important?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The body can produce some amino acids itself, while essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet. A complete amino acid profile provides all essential amino acids in appropriate proportions.
This is important for building and maintaining muscles and other tissues. In addition to the amino acid profile, the total amount of protein consumed each day also matters. The dietitian will assess whether the prescribed amount of Nuvacal 1.3 provides sufficient protein for the patient.
What is the difference between Nuvacal 1.3 and Nuvacal 1.6?
Nuvacal 1.3 is a plant-based, vegan tube-feeding formula providing approximately 1.3 kcal per millilitre. It contains ingredients including soya beans, green peas and soya protein isolate.
Nuvacal 1.6 provides approximately 1.6 kcal per millilitre and contains more protein per millilitre than Nuvacal 1.3. This formula contains milk protein. A higher energy density may be appropriate when more energy is required in a smaller volume.
How is Nuvacal produced?
Nuvacal is a formulated liquid food for special medical purposes. The ingredients are combined according to a standard formulation containing proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Why does Nuvante choose plant-based ingredients?
Plant-based ingredients offer various ways to formulate nutrition using proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibres from a range of sources. For example, Nuvacal 1.3 contains ingredients including soya beans and green peas. We select each ingredient based on its contribution to the product as a whole. Not every formula is entirely plant-based: Nuvacal 1.6 contains milk protein.
Is Nuvacal suitable for long-term use?
How is the food matrix reflected in Nuvacal?
Why does Nuvante focus on tolerance and tolerability?
When you depend on tube feeding, it is important that you can tolerate the prescribed amount. Symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation can make this more difficult and affect daily life. That is why we pay close attention to the composition and tolerability of our formulas. Individual responses to a formula may vary.
What makes Nuvante’s tube-feeding formulas different from other tube feeds?
Nuvacal tube-feeding formulas combine familiar food ingredients with carefully selected nutrients. Nuvacal 1.3 contains ingredients including soya beans, green peas and raisins, while Nuvacal 1.6 contains ingredients including raisins and courgette. Both formulas also contain proteins, oils, added fibres, vitamins and minerals. The exact composition varies by product, providing different options for different nutritional needs.
What is the food matrix?
The food matrix, also known as the nutritional matrix, refers to the structure of a food and the way its nutrients occur together within it. Examples include the proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibres found within a soya bean or pea. These relationships can affect how food is digested and how nutrients become available to the body. Preparation and processing can also alter the food matrix.
Where can I order Nuvacal?
For the Dutch market, please contact a specialist medical supplier for information about the availability and ordering of Nuvacal 1.3 and Nuvacal 1.6.
Can Nuvacal be used as a sole source of nutrition?
Yes, Nuvacal 1.3 and Nuvacal 1.6 are suitable as a sole source of nutrition. The physician or dietitian will determine which formula and daily amount meet your requirements for energy, protein and other nutrients. They will also assess how much additional water is required. Always use Nuvacal under medical supervision.
Does Nuvante collaborate with healthcare professionals?
Yes, we maintain close contact with dietitians, physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding the use of our formulas and their experiences in everyday practice. We are also working to build the scientific evidence base. The treating physician or dietitian remains responsible for providing personalised nutritional advice.