At present, all the other liquid FSMPs in China are electrolyte drinks or liquid infant formula for premature or low birth weight babies.
Known as Nutren Novasource GI, the liquid protein-based total nutritional formula comes in a 250ml bottle and was officially launched during a nutrition academic summit held in Shanghai.
Containing the highly fermentable soluble dietary fibre, galactomannan which has partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG) as the main component, the product could prevent and improve diarrhoea and gastrointestinal intolerance.
Other key ingredients include vitamins A, D, C, E, K1, the B vitamins, linoleic acid (LA), alpha linoleic acid (ALA), and minerals.
According to information found on China’s official Special Food Information Query website, the product could be consumed by individuals who experience digestive discomfort or require nutrition supplement due to metabolic problems.
It is also meant for individuals above 10 years old.
Although it can be consumed directly, tube-feeding is also an option. The product has a shelf life of 12 months.
“As a world-renowned nutrition health company, Nestle Health Science possesses FSMPs that provides total nutrition throughout the different life stages.
“This is also how Nestle shows its full support for ‘China 2030’ and is also a way to redefine health management and recovery,” said Cecily Gu, regional business head, Greater China Region at the event.
A 500ml version of the product was launched in China last October but is meant for enteral feeding – where the product is supplied directly into the GI tract.
It is meant for patients who are critically ill or are undernourished after a major surgery.
The products are developed and manufactured in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, where the company’s product innovation centre is also located.
FSMPs updates
There are 52 approved FSMPs in China, with an electrolyte formula from a Tibet firm being the latest to gain the recognition.
The product is meant for individuals who require electrolyte and water replacement due to diarrhoea.
Out of all approved FSMPs, 22 are locally manufactured, while the remaining 30 are imported products, according to data tabulated by China regulatory consultancy CIRS.
Overall, Nestle is leading the market with 11 approved FSMPs, followed by Abbott and local firm Synutra which have eight and five FSMPs approved respectively.