| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Quick Links
1. Buying Complan products
2. Usage and medical conditions
3. Nutritional breakdown
4. Product problems
5. Complan Shake
6. Requests
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1. Buying Complan products
Where can I buy Complan products?
Complan is available in a number of different shops and pharmacists. Check the How to buy section for more information.
Can I buy in bulk to get a discount?
Complan does not offer bulk discounts. You should contact your local independent pharmacist, who may be able to offer you a special price on a large volume.
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2. Usage and medical conditions
Is Complan suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all Complan flavours are suitable for vegetarians.
Is Complan suitable for diabetics?
Diabetics should always consult their dietitian or doctor before including any dietary supplements as part of their diet.
For information, the sugar levels in Complan are as follows: |
| g per 57g serving when made with water |
|
Original |
Strawberry |
Chocolate |
Vanilla |
| Lactose |
15.5 |
15.6 |
15 |
16 |
| Dextrose |
0.2 |
0.1 |
2.1 |
0.1 |
| Maltose |
1 |
0.7 |
0.3 |
0.7 |
| Sucrose |
1.7 |
5.8 |
9.2 |
5.1 |
| Total sugars |
18.4 |
22.2 |
26.6 |
21.9 |
| Total carbohydrate |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
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| g per 57g serving when mixed with 200ml whole milk |
| |
Original |
Strawberry |
Chocolate |
Vanilla |
| Lactose |
24.9 |
25 |
24.4 |
25.4 |
| Dextrose |
0.2 |
0.1 |
2.1 |
0.1 |
| Maltose |
1 |
0.7 |
0.3 |
0.7 |
| Sucrose |
1.7 |
5.8 |
9.2 |
5.1 |
| Total sugars |
27.8 |
31.6 |
36 |
31.3 |
| Total carbohydrate |
42 |
42 |
42 |
42 |
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The sugar levels in Complan may be slightly high for a diabetic and it should therefore be sipped slowly to avoid a rapid rise in blood sugar.
One or two servings per day are unlikely to upset the blood glucose level, but blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly and hypoglycaemic agents or insulin adjusted accordingly.
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Is Complan suitable for people with renal problems?
The protein content of Complan is quite high, as is the phosphorus level. Both protein and phosphorus can cause difficulties for renal patients. Complan is reconstituted in 200ml of water which may be too much fluid for some renal patients.
You should always seek advice from a renal dietitian or doctor before using Complan.
I have been told to have a build-up drink such as Complan. Can you recommend any drinks that will help build me up?
Complan is designed for exactly that purpose.
Can Complan be used for slimming?
Yes, Complan can be used to lose weight. Replacing occasional meals with Complan is a good way of reducing calorie intake while still getting good nutrition. One serving of Complan mixed with water provides around 250 calories, 11g of protein, and only 8g of fat, as well as being fortified with a full range of vitamins and minerals.
We would always recommend that any weight loss is planned and managed as part of a controlled programme.
Will vitamin K interfere with warfarin or blood pressure tablets?
There are 26µg (micrograms) of vitamin K per 57g serving of Complan.
The levels of vitamin K in products like liver, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower are much higher than in a serving of Complan.
At the level present in Complan, vitamin K should not interfere with warfarin, but obviously we do not know the constituents of the rest of your diet. If you are in any doubt, please speak to your doctor or consultant.
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3. Nutritional breakdown
How much lactose is in Complan?
Made with water there is 15g of lactose per serving, from the skimmed milk ingredient. Made with whole milk there is about 25g per serving.
What is the breakdown of sugars in Complan? |
| g per 100g powder |
| |
Original |
Strawberry |
Chocolate |
Vanilla |
| Lactose |
27.3 |
27.4 |
26.2 |
28 |
| Dextrose* |
0.3 |
0.2 |
3.7 |
0.2 |
| Maltose* |
1.7 |
1.2 |
0.5 |
1.2 |
| Sucrose |
3 |
10.1 |
16.2 |
9 |
| Total sugars |
32.3 |
38.9 |
46.6 |
38.4 |
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| g per 57g serving |
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Original |
Strawberry |
Chocolate |
Vanilla |
| Lactose |
15.5 |
15.6 |
15.0 |
16.0 |
| Dextrose* |
0.2 |
0.1 |
2.1 |
0.1 |
| Maltose* |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.3 |
0.7 |
| Sucrose |
1.7 |
5.8 |
9.2 |
5.1 |
| Total sugars |
18.4 |
22.2 |
26.6 |
21.9 |
*Maltose and glucose are present in maltodextrin
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Lactose is an ingredient and is present in skimmed milk.
Is Complan nut free?
Yes, Complan is made in a nut-free factory
I have gluten intolerance. Can I have Complan?
All varieties of Complan are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Is Complan suitable for pregnant and nursing mothers?
Yes, the vitamin A content per serving is only 25% of the recommended daily allowance for women, reflecting government advice that pregnant women need to avoid excessive vitamin A intake.
The upper limit of vitamin A for pregnant women is 3,000 micrograms (ug) per day. One serving of Complan contains 200 micrograms. Provided that you are not having other foods with very high levels of vitamin A (eg liver) then Complan is not a problem.
How many calories does Complan provide when mixed with milk?
A serving (57g) of Complan, when mixed with 200ml of whole milk provides 380 calories, 340 calories with semi-skimmed milk, and 320 calories with skimmed milk.
I have a protein condition, can I have Complan?
Anyone with a serious protein condition should be receiving regular advice from their doctor or dietitian about the type of foods they should be eating or drinking, and this would include whether or not milky drinks were acceptable. If you can drink a glass of milk, then Complan should be fine for you. But as always, consult your dietitian or doctor.
What kinds of carbohydrates and vegetable oil are used in Complan products?
The vegetable oil in Complan is palm olein oil, a 'fraction' of palm oil. Palm olein oil provides a suitable level of essential fatty acids and is more stable than some other very liquid oils (eg soy oil will go rancid very quickly). The carbohydrate is a blend of 46% lactose, 49% maltodextrin and 5% sucrose.
Lactose is milk sugar and is added as part of the milk, but there may be problems with intolerance for some people so the addition of maltodextrin (derived from maize) reduces this concern. Maltodextrin is not as sweet as lactose or sucrose so balances the flavours. It may also give a feeling of fullness to the consumer.
I get stomach discomfort after drinking Complan
Do you get the same sort of discomfort when you drink a glass of milk?
If so, the stomach discomfort may be due to lactose intolerance.
If it is a real problem, it might be eased by taking a little food with the Complan (for example, a biscuit) which would also help to build you up, or splitting the drink into two and leaving a couple of hours between drinking each half. But if it doesn't get any better you should consult a doctor or healthcare professional.
Can you use Complan if you have a history of anaemia?
Assuming that the anaemia referred to is straightforward iron-deficiency anaemia, then a regular intake of Complan can be of benefit in adding a significant amount of iron to the diet, as well as vitamin C, which helps the absorption of iron into the body.
Complan will also help in cases of anaemia caused by folic acid or vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the underlying cause of the anaemia needs to be established, and treated, if possible, as well.
Can I have Complan if I suffer from gout?
People who have gout are usually advised to avoid foods with high levels of purines (eg sweetbreads, anchovies, sardines, liver, beef, kidneys, brains, meat and yeast extracts (eg Bovril and Marmite), herring, mackerel or scallops). There should be no need to avoid Complan.
Could you please give me details of the protein type (whey/casein) used in Complan?
The protein in Complan comes from unmodified cows' milk and is therefore about 78% casein and 22% whey.
Chocolate flavour Complan is very slightly - but not materially - different, because there is a small contribution of protein from cocoa powder.
What is the amino acid composition of Complan? |
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g per 100g
protein |
g per 100g
Complan |
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| Isoleucine |
5.5 |
1.1 |
| Leucine |
10 |
2 |
| Lysine |
8 |
1.6 |
| Methionine |
2.8 |
0.56 |
| Cystine |
0.9 |
0.18 |
| Phenylalanine |
5.3 |
1.06 |
| Tyrosine |
4.4 |
0.88 |
| Threonine |
4.9 |
0.98 |
| Tryptophan |
1.4 |
0.28 |
| Valine |
7.2 |
1.44 |
| Arginine |
3.9 |
0.78 |
| Histidine |
3 |
0.6 |
| Alanine |
3.8 |
0.76 |
| Aspartic acid |
8.3 |
1.66 |
| Glutamic acid |
22.6 |
4.52 |
| Glycine |
2.2 |
0.44 |
| Proline |
9.2 |
1.84 |
| Serine |
5.8 |
1.16 |
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The figures are those for original, strawberry, and vanilla flavours. Chocolate is slightly different.
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What is the fatty acid composition of Complan?
| Fatty acid |
g per 100g
total fatty acids |
per 100 g
Complan |
| Lauric |
0.2 |
trace |
| Myristic |
1 |
0.1 |
| Palmitic |
39.8 |
5.3 |
| Stearic |
4.4 |
0.6 |
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| Other saturated |
0.5 |
0.1 |
| Palmitoleic |
0.2 |
trace |
| Oleic |
42.5 |
5.7 |
| Linoleic |
11.2 |
1.5 |
| Linolenic |
0.2 |
trace |
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| Total saturated |
45.9 |
6.2 |
| Total monounsaturated |
42.7 |
5.7 |
| Total polyunsaturated |
11.4 |
1.5 |
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Can someone who is sensitive to iodine use Complan powder, since it contains potassium iodate?
The iodine content is 35micrograms (µg) per serving. You would have to be extremely sensitive to iodine (and avoiding a lot of common foodstuffs) for there to be a problem. But if in doubt you should contact your doctor or dietitian.
Is there any monosodiumglutamate in Complan?
There is no MSG - or any other flavour enhancer - in Complan.
How much Complan can I safely have?
This partly depends on what else you are eating.
Complan was designed so that it could be used as a sole diet at 1,500-2,000 kcal per day (ie up to eight sachets if made up with water) without reaching undesirable levels of any nutrient.
However, if you are still eating a normal diet (1,500-2,000 kcal per day from normal food) there is a risk of obesity if large volumes of Complan (more than sachets a day) are taken in addition to a normal diet without an increase in exercise to match.
How many should I have?
This really depends on why you are having the product. If it is replacing all your diet then you will need more than if you are just using it as a supplement to normal food. If using it as a supplement to a diet then one to two sachets per days is fine. If it is replacing a large part of your diet then you should ask your doctor, dietitian or nurse for advice.
Is it suitable for my children?
Complan should be used with caution in children under six years old. It is not suitable for infants under 12 months except under medical supervision.
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4. Product problems
I have found something in the sachet
The Complan factory has numerous metal detectors and weight balances which should ensure that no foreign bodies can fall into the packs or sachets. If you think you have found something in a sachet which should not be there, please send it to us with the panel from the bottom of the box (which has the production codes on), which will help us to investigate this incident fully.
Complan has turned the cup brown - what is it doing to my insides?
If left unwashed, a cup which has contained Complan may have some brown residue.
Complan contains iron and in certain circumstances this can react with organic compounds, which are then absorbed into ceramic materials.
These stains can be removed using a proprietary cleaner (such as a Stain Devil) which contains EDTA. This forms a chelate with the iron making it soluble.
The seal on sachet is faulty
Thank you for brining this to our attention. Please send the faulty packaging to us and we will make sure that the factory investigates.
I had an allergic reaction to Complan. What known allergies do you have?
Complan is not suitable for people with cows' milk intolerance or galactosaemia (difficulty in processing protein).
Please do not have any more Complan in the short term and consult a doctor or nurse who will be able to advise you properly. |
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5. Complan Shake
What is Complan Shake?
Complan Shake is a prescription product. Like Complan it is a powdered nutritional drink that can be made with milk or water. See the section on Complan Shake.
My friend gets Complan on prescription from her doctor. Can I?
Whether you are eligible to receive Complan Shake on prescription is a decision for your doctor or district nurse. We recommend you discuss it with them.
Information about Complan Shake is available to doctors and dietitians in the relevant section of their medicine directories and also online at www.complannutrition.com.
For what conditions can Complan Shake be prescribed?
See the section on When to use Complan Shake
What is difference between Complan Shake and Complan?
Complan Shake has an enhanced vitamin and mineral profile. It is available to patients on prescription from their doctor.
Complan is a retail product which must be bought.
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6. Requests
What information can you send me about Complan?
We can send you a guide to complete nourishment. This is designed for healthcare professionals, but contains some interesting information for consumers too. We also have a daily meal planner with tips for good nutrition and recipe cards. |
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Product overview