Dysphagia Toolkit 2022- Sysco Nutrition Services- EN
Swallowing Difficulties
What is Dysphagia?
• Difficulties with chewing and/or swallowing foods or fluids
• Occurs when the passage of food or fluids from the mouth to the stomach is delayed or hindered1
• Caused by mechanical obstruction (i.e. head and neck surgery) and/or poor motor function (i.e. stroke, head trauma, etc.)1
• Risk factors include aging and natural aging of the esophagus and greater risk of health conditions including Dementia, Parkinson's Disease and Strokes2
• Ongoing dysphagia can lead to choking, weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia3
Signs and Symptoms of Dysphagia:
• Poor mouth seal4
• Audible throat clearing4
• Coughing or changes in voice quality4
• Inability to tolerate mixed consistencies4
• Avoiding certain beverages4
• Prolonged fluid consumption4
• Significant weight changes due to decreased food and fluid consumption4
• Recurrent aspiration pneumonia5
Thickened Fluid Terminology
The following chart outlines the various terminology used to identify and describe fluid consistency or thickness.
Current
Terminology
IDDSI
Terminology
Regular Thin Fluids Thin (Level 0)
N/A Slightly Thick (Level 1)
Nectar Thick Fluids Mildly Thick (Level 2)
Honey Thick Fluids Moderately Thick (Level 3)
Pudding Thick Fluids Extremely Thick (Level 4)
Description
• Unmodified
• Flows like water2
• Can drink with any type of cup or straw2
• Commonly used in pediatrics2
• Thicker than Water2
• Requires more effort to consume than regular fluids2
• Flows off a spoon2
• Requires effort to consume through a straw2
• Able to sip from cup2
• Requires effort to consume through straw2
• Able to consume from a cup2
• Consume with a spoon2
• Cannot consume through a cup or straw2
Note: While the current, common terminology can be transitioned to IDDSI fluid levels, please ensure prepared products and recipes are re-evaluated during the adoption of any IDDSI fluid levels. Please always reference IDDSI.org for up to date information.
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)
What is the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)?
The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative includes “standardized terminology and descriptors for dysphagia diets that would meet the needs of individuals with dysphagia across the age span, across all care settings and across all cultures9.”
The IDDSI Framework & Testing Methods
The IDDSI Framework outlines the standardized terminology and descriptors for all diet texture and fluid consistencies. The framework consists of a continuum of 8 levels; Level 0-4 measures fluid consistency and Level 3-7 measure diet textures9.
Included in the IDDSI Framework are IDDSI Testing Methods: The Testing Methods are intended to confirm the flow or textural characteristics of a specific product at the time of testing9.
To learn more about the IDDSI Framework & Testing Methods, click here.
Sysco Synergy Tech Suite
Use integrated foodservice software to support you & elevate your level of care!
How Synergy Tech Suite®’s all-in-one foodservice technology can help you plan and deliver personalized diets and textures:
Sysco's Nutrition Services Team of Nutrition Services Consultants, including Registered Dietitians and Nutrition Managers, understand that delivering personalized care and adhering to frameworks like IDDSI can be challenging– especially when you already have enough of your plate. That's why Synergy Tech Suite® is dedicated to providing solutions that make the complex, simpler.
Here are just a few of the ways Synergy Tech Suite® technology can help make implementing IDDSI in your community that much easier:
• Create and manage IDDSI food textures and fluid consistency diet types
• Create Texture and Fluid modified recipes efficiently
• Create and manage Diet Order Tags specific to IDDSI levels so you can easily search recipes
• Comprehensive People Profiles and Connect Technology help keep your team up-to-date on any residents’ texture and diet requirements.
If you want to standardize and simplify your menu planning process as you implement IDDSI, or learn more about the benefits of end-to-end technology to resident safety and satisfaction contact support@mealsuite.com
Thickened Juices & Beverages
Sysco Imperial Thickened Juices and Beverages are specially formulated to provide hydration and vitamin C to your residents with dysphagia. The refreshing flavors and smooth consistency encourages consumption and each 4 fl oz serving provides 100% DV of vitamin C.
MODERATELY THiCK
NECTAR CONSISTENCY
MILDLY THICK NECTAR CONSISTENCY
Outstanding Quality and Convenience
• Each 4 fl oz serving provides 100% daily value of vitamin C
• Smooth consistency in every swallow
• Shelf stable; no refrigeration required until prior to serving
• Available in both bulk 46 fl oz and single serve 4 fl oz containers
NUTRITION AT A GLANCE
*These items are labeled according to U.S.A. labeling standards
†These items are labeled according to Canada labeling standards
SBFH203 03/2022
Thickened Coffee & Tea
Residents with swallowing difficulties can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea instantly with Sysco Imperial pre-portioned thickened beverage mix packets. Our single serve packets make it easy to serve these beverages any time of day. Plus the thickened coffee and tea are unsweetened and decaffeinated. Appropriate for most special diets, residents can still add small amounts of milk or cream to their favorite beverage to consume the way they like. Available in both level 2 mildly thick and level 3 moderately thick.
Convenient & Versatile
• Black tea and coffee can be served as is or with the addition of sweetener, cream or non-dairy creamer to suit every resident’s needs
• Decaffeinated tea and coffee to serve up any time of day
Easy on Staff & Budget
Safe Swallowing
• Color-coded packets for level 2 and level 3 prevent mix-ups
• Small amount of cream or milk can be added without changing consistency
• Smooth, lump free consistency
• Easy preparation, just add 6 fl oz of hot water, stir and serve
• Dry mix packet allows for easy storage
• Single serve packet fits easily on patient’s tray
• Economic alternative to preparing thickened coffee and tea in the kitchen
Instant Food Thickener
Whether you prefer to make your thickened beverages from scratch or serve ready-to-serve thickened juices, Lyons is your solution for thickened beverages. ReadyCare Instant Food Thickener makes it easy for you to provide thickened beverages and pureed foods to your patients with dysphagia. Simply add our specially formulated thickener to hot or cold foods or liquids and, within seconds, the proper consistency for safe swallowing is achieved.
Convenient
• One person can pre-thicken bulk pureed foods or beverages
• Thaw stable for advance preparation of pureed foods
• A variety of packets, cans, or case packs for individual or bulk preparation
Safe
• Provides proper food consistency to facilitate a safe swallow
• Can help maintain or improve patient hydration
• Doesn’t bind fluid and is easy to digest
For texture modified diets
Tasty hydration... all day long
EZ-ThickMC Thickened beverage mix is an instant preparation specially designed for texture modified diets.
Simply add EZ-Thick required amount of water to achieve desired beverage thickness. WITH OUR THICKENED BEVERAGE MIXES
AVAILABLE IN 4 REFRESHING FLAVOURS
Lemonade Limonade
• 15 calories / 15 mL
• Neutral taste
• Kosher
• Halal
• Suitable for use with IDDSI* framework
Nutrition Facts
Per 15 mL (4.5 g)
EZ-THICKTM can be easily incorporated into liquids and foods at different temperatures in order to obtain the recommended consistency.
How to use EZ-THICKTM in your daily routine:
1.Measure the recommended amount of EZ-THICKTM in order to achieve the desired consistency. Use level measuring spoon and / or cup for more accuracy.
2.Slowly add EZ-THICKTM to liquid and stir until completely dissolved. Liquid will thicken within 1-5 minutes. Stir or mix before serving.
Note: Product can be prepared using a blender at low speed for 60 seconds. Stir before serving. Does not alter taste.
For oral consumption only.
* Tests performed by Berthelet R&D. Small changes in thickness may occur with change in serving temperature. IDDSI Flow Test is recommended to check thickness prior to serving.
Desired Consistency per 125 mL serving**
** The required quantity of thickener is similar for all liquids but may vary for nutritional supplements.
Calories 15 Fat 0 g 0% Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 10 mg
Carbohydrate 4 g 1% 0% Protein 0 g
Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, fibre, sugars, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, or iron. Amount
Ingredients: Modified Corn Starch.
This product is only suitable for individuals over 3 years old.
Can be used in multiple hot and cold applications.
