RESUMO
Disease related malnutrition has numerous financial and medical consequences and requires to be treated by a nutritional team. Sick patients will frequently need an artificial oral or enteral nutritional support. Prescribing oral nutritional supplements (ONS) with a real indication has to be associated to a bundle of measures to enhance compliance. The efficacy of ONS is supported by various publications. Enteral nutrition (EN) through a nasogastric tube is indicated when oral support has failed or when it is not feasible. The standard formulae are polymeric, have a normal energy density et contain fibres. The macro and micronutrients supply is easily controlled but the the need for free water also has to be managed. EN treatment is paid by the Swiss basic medical coverage insurance while ONS reimbursement is dependant on complementary private insurances.