SPC ProVital — Easy Nutrition for Life

Over the next several decades, population ageing is projected to have major implications for Australia, with potential to impact health and well-being. The need for products and services that promote healthy living and positive ageing is becoming increasingly important.

Australian food manufacturer, SPC, maker of SPC ProVital, is committed to providing delicious and expertly formulated products designed to address specific health requirements and support Australia’s ageing population. Particularly, the SPC ProVital Puree range is suitable for those on a Level 4 Pureed Diet and has been developed to address specific health requirements particularly for those experiencing swallowing difficulties.

What is Dysphagia?

Dysphagia, a disorder where you may experience difficulty swallowing food and/or drinking fluids, can occur for a number of reasons. It is often caused by age-related conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease and dementia. If you have trouble swallowing food and fluids, you may be at risk of poor nutrition and dehydration. A speech pathologist may have recommended changes to the textures of foods or drinks¹.

IDDSI Implementation

Implemented in Australia in May this year, The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) is being rolled out globally with terminology and definitions to describe texture modified foods and thickened liquids. This standardisation is relevant for individuals with dysphagia of all ages, in all care settings, and for all cultures. IDDSI will provide greater clarity and compliance, ultimately delivering improved nutrition and safety for individuals with dysphagia.

The IDDSI framework consists of eight levels (0–7) and includes both foods and liquids. Drinks are measured from Levels 0–4 and foods are measured from levels 3–7.

The SPC ProVital Puree range of delicious, nutritious, and expertly formulated fruit-based products, has been developed to address specific health requirements. The range has been designed and rigorously tested to meet the strict guidelines of IDDSI Food & Drinks Classification for Level 4 Pureed foods and comes in a variety of flavours to negate menu fatigue.

Product Innovation – Accessibility

Accessibility is also key to increase ease of opening, thereby reducing patient frustration and improving access to nutrition. Using guidelines from Arthritis Australia for consumers with fine motor difficulties, SPC ProVital Fruit portion-controlled cups achieved the highest possible accessibility rating of +8; meaning it is universally easy to use and that 95% of the population can easily open this packaging. The Australian Institute of Packaging also recognised accessible packaging as contributing to reducing food waste².

SPC believes that positive nutritional food choices support the health and longevity of patients and it allows them to receive the most out of their meals. With ongoing innovation, SPC ProVital is determined to give Australia’s ageing population choice, taste and nutrition every day and every meal occasion.

Key features of SPC’s ProVital Range include:

• Easy-open packaging
• Made from 100% Australian fruit
• No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives
• 1 serve of fruit as per healthcare guidelines

References

1. Swallowing Fact Sheet. Speech Pathology Australia. Available @ www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
2. June 2016: SPC ProVital easy-open cup won Food Service category in the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) / World Packaging Organisation (WPO) Save Food Packaging Awards. This new award recognises companies which are developing innovative and sustainable packaging that minimises food losses and food waste.

SPC and ProVital are registered trade marks of Shepparton Partners Collective Pty Ltd.