Frequently Asked Questions

Patients on dialysis have unique nutritional needs – high protein to help maintain muscle, low sodium to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention, and reduced electrolytes (sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium) to help manage imbalances affecting your heart and bones.  An oral nutritional supplement, such as NOVASOURCE® Renal nutritionally complete formula, is designed to help you meet your specific nutrient needs.  Ask your doctor or Registered Dietitian if NOVASOURCE® Renal is right for you.

No, not all nutrition drinks are the same.  They have different nutrients depending on who they are meant for. NOVASOURCE® Renal nutritionally complete formula is designed to help meet the specific needs of patients on dialysis.*

NOVASOURCE® Renal provides the same types of nutrients found in a wide variety of foods. NOVASOURCE® Renal formula should be used when you are unable to eat enough of the right foods to meet your nutrient requirements. If you have a poor appetite and can’t eat enough healthy meals or snacks, NOVASOURCE® Renal formula can help fill in the gaps to provide calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals to help manage nutrient imbalances.

You should ask your MD or RD for their opinion on the benefits of adding NOVASOURCE® Renal formula to your diet. Because NOVASOURCE® Renal is for dialysis patients, it is meant to be used under medical supervision. If you want to know if NSR is right for you, print out this fact sheet and share it with your MD or RD.  NOVASOURCE® Renal can help you meet your nutrient needs and stay within the guidelines of your kidney diet. Be sure to also discuss any special dietary needs, allergies, or other restrictions with your doctor or Registered Dietitian.

Your doctor or Registered Dietitian will determine how many servings of NOVASOURCE® Renal formula to have each day.  The number of servings per day depends on the amount of fluid you are allowed each day and how many calories and grams of protein you need each day to stay well nourished.  Since it contains 475 calories and 22 g of protein in 8 fl oz, typically one to two servings per day is recommended, but remember to ask your doctor or Registered Dietitian how much is right for you.

In general, NOVASOURCE® Renal may be consumed with meals, or as a snack between meals, or as a mini-meal. NOVASOURCE® Renal can also be used in recipes. Click here for ideas.

NOVASOURCE® Renal may be stored unopened at room temperature. Do not freeze. Remember to shake well before opening.  Best if served chilled.  Once opened, unused portions should be tightly covered and refrigerated.  Use within 24 hours of opening.

No. You should ask your doctor or Registered Dietitian if Novasource® Renal is right for you.

NOVASOURCE® Renal is available in vanilla, strawberry and café mocha.

You have several options:

1. Your doctor may provide NOVASOURCE® Renal directly to you at the dialysis center or recommend a pharmacy or home care company.  
2. Home delivery is available from the Nestlé Nutrition Store www.NestleNutritionStore.com or by calling 1-888-240-2713.   
3. Purchase online at Amazon.com.  

• Because this product is intended to be used under medical supervision, be sure to consult with your doctor or Registered Dietitian prior to purchasing to make sure this product is right for you.

Most insurance companies do not cover NOVASOURCE® Renal; however, an increasing number of dialysis centers provide the product free of charge to those patients who may be at-risk for malnutrition or who are malnourished.  Be sure to ask if NOVASOURCE® Renal is provided at your dialysis center.

NOVASOURCE® Renal is appropriate for the following special diets:

• Dialysis diets
• Lactose intolerance*
• Gluten-free
• Low-residue
• Kosher 

^{*This product is not for individuals with galactosemia.}

You should not consume NOVASOURCE® Renal if you are not on dialysis and follow a low protein diet. NOVASOURCE® Renal is also not appropriate if you have an allergy to milk protein or soy protein.  

NOVASOURCE® Renal  is formulated for adults ages 13 and older as approved by a healthcare professional with expertise in renal disease (i.e. nephrologist or renal dietitian).

Galactosemia is diagnosed at birth, so if you have it, you know it.  Galactosemia is a genetic metabolic disorder. People with this condition are unable to metabolize galactose, which is one of the two molecules (glucose and galactose) that make up lactose or "milk sugar". These individuals must therefore eliminate all lactose from their diets. Nestlé Health Science products that are labeled as "suitable for lactose intolerance" may contain a small amount of lactose and, therefore, would not be appropriate for individuals with galactosemia.

Lactose intolerance is very different than galactosemia.  Lactose intolerance means that you do not have enough of the enzyme, “lactase”, to digest lactose.  The result is gas, cramping, loose stools, and other stomach upset. NOVASOURCE® Renal formula is suitable for lactose intolerance.  It may contain a very small amount of lactose, but it is far less than the amount that would cause any stomach upset.

For more information about a specialized kidney diet that’s right for you, ask your doctor or Registered Dietitian.  Other resources can be found at:

National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/