Kashrut of a Nutritional Supplement During Medical Treatment
Question
Shalom to the honored Rabbi,
There is a patient suffering from a serious illness, may it not befall us, who is about to undergo surgery. The doctors instructed him to drink a medical nutritional beverage for a certain period before and after the surgery, in order to strengthen the immune system and assist in recovery and wound healing.
The product’s ingredients list includes fish oil, but it is not possible to obtain clear information regarding the type of fish from which the oil was produced, and therefore it is unknown whether it comes from a kosher fish or not. This is a product from abroad.
In such a case, when there is a significant medical need and a medical recommendation for the patient, may the use of this product be permitted?
Thank you very much to the honored Rabbi.
There is a patient suffering from a serious illness, may it not befall us, who is about to undergo surgery. The doctors instructed him to drink a medical nutritional beverage for a certain period before and after the surgery, in order to strengthen the immune system and assist in recovery and wound healing.
The product’s ingredients list includes fish oil, but it is not possible to obtain clear information regarding the type of fish from which the oil was produced, and therefore it is unknown whether it comes from a kosher fish or not. This is a product from abroad.
In such a case, when there is a significant medical need and a medical recommendation for the patient, may the use of this product be permitted?
Thank you very much to the honored Rabbi.
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah.
Certainly, he must take the food that will be beneficial for his treatment, in accordance with the law of a dangerously ill person, who is permitted and required to eat even non-kosher food.
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