Milly Gaines
Nutritional drinks are a convenient way to boost your health, but are they really necessary for a complete diet? Boost and Ensure are two popular brands that offer a range of products, including shakes, powders, puddings, and snack bars. With claims of providing balanced nutrition and helping with weight management, these supplements seem like an appealing solution for those with busy lifestyles or specific dietary needs. However, the actual benefits of these drinks are questionable, and their cost can add up over time. While some people might find them helpful, especially those with medical conditions or unique nutritional requirements, it's important to prioritize whole foods and a balanced diet whenever possible. Consulting with a healthcare professional or nutritionist is the best way to determine if supplements like Boost are right for you and, if so, how many per day is safe and effective for your individual needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended daily consumption | Up to 2 bottles per day |
| Calories | 240 calories per bottle (Regular Boost) |
| Protein | 9-30 grams of protein per bottle |
| Sugar | 20 grams of added sugar per bottle |
| Vitamins and Minerals | 26 vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins C, D, K1, B12, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, Folic Acid, etc. |
| Usage | Consumed with meals, as a snack or mini-meal |
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What You'll Learn
Two bottles per day
BOOST® drinks are designed to be consumed either with meals or as a snack or mini-meal, and may be consumed more than once a day. The general guideline is up to two bottles per day, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional. This is to ensure that you may enjoy a variety of other choices in your diet.
BOOST® Original drinks contain 240 calories per serving and provide over 20% of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI). They are also available under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Each person's health and nutrition needs are different, and a healthcare professional can advise on your nutritional requirements.
BOOST® Original drinks contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium phosphate, potassium citrate, calcium carbonate, sodium ascorbate, choline bitartrate, calcium phosphate, ferrous sulphate, zinc sulphate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulphate, vitamin A palmitate, copper sulphate, folic acid, potassium iodide, vitamin K1, biotin, and vitamin D3. The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
BOOST® also offers other products with varying nutritional compositions, such as BOOST® Very High Calorie, which provides 530 calories per 8 fl oz serving and combines high calories with 22 grams of high-quality protein to help gain or maintain weight. It also contains 26 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, which are key nutrients for immune support. BOOST® VHC drinks are great as a high-calorie, high-protein snack or with a meal to help meet daily nutritional needs.
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High-calorie, high-protein
For those looking to gain weight, consuming more calories than your body burns is necessary. This is known as creating a daily calorie surplus, and it can be achieved healthily by increasing your intake of macronutrients, including carbs, proteins, and fats.
BOOST® offers a range of nutritional drinks, including BOOST® Original and BOOST® Very High Calorie (VHC) drinks. BOOST® Original drinks can be consumed with meals, as a snack, or as a mini-meal, and a general guideline suggests consuming up to two bottles per day to allow for a varied diet. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
On the other hand, BOOST® VHC drinks are specifically designed for those struggling to gain or maintain their weight. These drinks provide 530 nutrient-rich calories per 8 fl oz serving, combining high calories with 22 grams of high-quality protein. This makes BOOST® VHC drinks an excellent choice for a high-calorie, high-protein snack or meal addition to meet your daily nutritional needs.
The BOOST® VHC nutritional drinks contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including potassium citrate, calcium citrate, magnesium chloride, sodium ascorbate, and more. These drinks can be enjoyed chilled over ice for those who prefer a less thick consistency.
While BOOST® drinks can be a helpful addition to your diet, it is important to remember that a balanced diet includes a variety of whole foods that provide essential nutrients. Additionally, regular exercise and, in some cases, specific supplements may also be recommended by healthcare professionals to support weight gain or maintenance goals.
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Micronutrients
Vitamins are necessary for energy production, immune function, blood clotting, and other processes. For instance, vitamin B9, also known as folate, is required for DNA synthesis and supports cell growth and repair. Research has also linked adequate vitamin A and C intake with a lower risk of certain types of cancer. On the other hand, minerals play a crucial role in growth, bone health, fluid balance, and various other functions. For example, calcium is essential for strong bones and muscle function. A lack of calcium in the diet can lead to osteoporosis, as the body will break down bone structures to maintain blood calcium levels. Iron is another important mineral, with deficiency being common among preschool children, menstruating women, and vegans.
The body cannot produce micronutrients, so they must be obtained through diet. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods is generally sufficient to meet micronutrient requirements. However, certain populations are at risk of deficiencies. For example, vegans and vegetarians may have lower vitamin B12 levels due to their avoidance of animal products. Similarly, elderly individuals are at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to decreased absorption with age. Selenium is another micronutrient to keep an eye on, as both low and high levels can be detrimental to health. Selenium deficiency has been linked to impaired immune function, cognitive decline, and increased mortality.
While micronutrient deficiencies are preventable, they are still prevalent worldwide, affecting over 2 billion people. It is important to be mindful of potential deficiencies and consult with a healthcare professional to ensure adequate intake.
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Weight gain
One popular method for weight gain is to increase your daily calorie intake. This can be done by consuming larger portions or opting for calorie-rich foods. For healthy weight gain, it is generally recommended to consume an additional 300 to 500 calories per day. This can be achieved through frequent, smaller meals throughout the day, ensuring you never feel overly full.
There are many calorie-dense foods that can support your weight gain journey. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, and peanuts, are excellent sources of healthy fats and calories. Dried fruits, such as raisins, dates, and prunes, are also calorie-dense options. For those who can tolerate dairy, whole milk, full-fat yogurt, cheese, and cream are great additions to your diet.
In addition to calorie-dense foods, protein plays a crucial role in weight gain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends adults consume 50 grams of protein daily, although this may vary based on individual factors. Protein supplements, such as whey protein, can be beneficial if you struggle to meet your protein needs through diet alone. Combining protein supplementation with resistance training can further enhance your results, promoting lean body mass gains.
Carbohydrates are another important component of a weight gain diet. Experts recommend that 45% to 65% of your daily calories come from carbs. Rice, for example, is a versatile staple that can be combined with proteins and fats to create varied meals.
Finally, consider incorporating healthy drinks and supplements to support your weight gain goals. BOOST® drinks, for example, offer a range of options with additional calories and protein, such as BOOST® VHC, which provides 530 nutrient-rich calories per 8 fl oz serving. These drinks can be a convenient way to boost your calorie and nutrient intake, especially if you struggle with a low appetite or have difficulty chewing solid food.
Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that your weight gain journey is safe and aligned with your individual needs.
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Nutritional value
Nutritional drinks are marketed as a way to boost your health. BOOST® nutritional drinks, for example, are advertised as a way to "get more out of life with essential nutrients".
BOOST® Original nutritional drinks provide 240 nutrient-rich calories with B-vitamins to help convert food to energy. They also contain vitamins C and D, zinc, iron, and selenium, which are key nutrients for immune support. The drinks are suitable for those who are lactose intolerant (but not for those with galactosemia). They can be consumed with meals, or as a snack or mini-meal, and a general guideline is to consume up to two bottles per day, unless otherwise directed by a healthcare professional.
BOOST® also offers a Very High Calorie (VHC) nutritional drink, which is their highest-calorie drink with 530 nutrient-rich calories per 8 fl oz serving. This drink is designed to help individuals gain or maintain weight, providing 22 g of high-quality protein, along with 26 vitamins and minerals.
The number of nutrients provided by BOOST® drinks depends on the specific product. For example, BOOST® Creamy Strawberry contains 10 g of protein, while BOOST® Original drinks contain 20 g of protein.
It is important to note that the value of nutritional drinks is questionable, and their cost can add up. Eating real food that is as close as possible to its natural state is generally recommended for optimum health. Additionally, micronutrient deficiencies can be addressed through diet, as they can be caused by a lack of both macro- and micronutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
A general guideline is up to two or three bottles per day so that you may enjoy a variety of other choices in your diet. However, you should always consult a healthcare professional, as each person's health and nutrition needs are different.
Boost drinks provide 530 calories per 8 fl oz serving, 22 grams of protein, and 26 vitamins and minerals. They also contain vitamins C, D, zinc, iron, and selenium, which are key nutrients for immune support.
Boost drinks contain a significant amount of added sugar, with 20 grams per bottle in the Regular Boost variety. They may also be costly in the long term, with online prices of around $2 per bottle. Additionally, as an ultra-refined food, they should be limited rather than depended on as a primary source of nutrition.
