Understanding Ensure Plus: What Is It?
Ensure Plus is a ready-to-drink oral nutritional supplement designed to provide concentrated calories and protein in a convenient format. It offers more calories and protein per serving than the standard Ensure Original, making it ideal for those with increased nutritional needs. Packed with 27 essential vitamins and minerals, including immune-supporting antioxidants, it serves as either a meal replacement or a supplementary drink. Its key ingredients include water, corn maltodextrin, sugar, milk protein concentrate, and a blend of vegetable oils. While beneficial for many, understanding its specific formulation and target audience is crucial for deciding if it's the right choice for you.
Who Is Ensure Plus For?
Ensure Plus is typically recommended and medically supervised for specific groups of adults who can benefit from its nutrient-dense formula. The primary users fall into a few key categories:
Individuals Experiencing Involuntary Weight Loss
For those losing weight unintentionally due to illness, treatment side effects, or decreased appetite, Ensure Plus provides a concentrated source of calories to help reverse this trend. The high-calorie content makes it easier to meet caloric needs without consuming large volumes of food.
People Recovering from Illness or Surgery
Recovery from a major medical event often increases the body's need for protein and calories to heal and rebuild tissue. Ensure Plus supplies these nutrients, along with immune-supporting vitamins and minerals, to aid in a faster and more robust recovery.
Adults with Malnutrition or Nutritional Risk
Whether due to poor appetite, chronic disease, or difficulties eating solid foods, individuals at nutritional risk can use Ensure Plus to fill nutritional gaps. It can serve as a supplemental source of nutrition to complement their regular meals.
Seniors Seeking Nutritional Support
Many seniors may have reduced appetites or issues with chewing and swallowing, putting them at risk for nutrient deficiencies. Ensure Plus provides an easy and effective way for seniors to get complete, balanced nutrition to maintain their strength and well-being.
Who Should Avoid Ensure Plus?
Despite its benefits, Ensure Plus is not suitable for everyone. Certain conditions and age groups must avoid it or use it with extreme caution and medical oversight.
People with Galactosemia
Ensure Plus is contraindicated for individuals with galactosemia, a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot process the sugar galactose. The product contains lactose, which breaks down into galactose and glucose, and consumption could be dangerous.
Children and Adolescents
This nutritional supplement is formulated for adults and is not recommended for children unless specifically advised and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Pediatric nutritional needs differ, and alternative products like PediaSure are designed for younger individuals.
Individuals on Specific Medications
Patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners like Warfarin, need to be cautious. Ensure products contain Vitamin K, which can interfere with the medication's effectiveness. It is vital to consult a doctor or pharmacist to discuss any potential drug-nutrient interactions.
People with Diabetes (Requires Medical Supervision)
Due to its sugar and carbohydrate content, individuals with diabetes should use Ensure Plus only under the supervision of a healthcare provider. While it is generally suitable for people with diabetes if blood glucose is monitored, Abbott Nutrition also offers a specialized product, Glucerna, for diabetes management.
Potential Side Effects of Ensure Plus
While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects, especially when first starting or increasing intake. Common side effects include:
- Mild nausea and vomiting: Can often be mitigated by consuming the shake slowly in smaller amounts.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: This can include bloating, gas, or constipation as the body adjusts to the higher nutrient and fiber content.
- Unintended weight gain: While often the intended outcome, consuming Ensure Plus without mindful caloric tracking can lead to excessive weight gain due to its high-calorie density.
Ensure Plus vs. Ensure Original
To understand the right choice, comparing Ensure Plus to the standard Ensure Original is helpful. Ensure Plus is designed for more intensive nutritional needs, while Ensure Original is for general nutritional support.
| Feature | Ensure Plus | Ensure Original |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 8 fl oz) | 350 | 250 |
| Protein (per 8 fl oz) | 16 g | 9 g |
| Primary Use | Weight gain, recovery, malnutrition | General nutrition, weight maintenance |
| Target Audience | Adults with higher energy needs | Health-conscious adults, general supplementation |
| Omega-3s (ALA) | 650 mg | 320 mg |
Conclusion
In summary, while Ensure Plus is a powerful nutritional supplement that offers significant benefits for adults needing extra calories, protein, and vitamins, it is not for everyone. It is particularly suitable for seniors, individuals recovering from illness, and those aiming for weight gain. However, individuals with galactosemia must avoid it, and children should not consume it unless directed by a doctor. As with any dietary change, consulting a healthcare provider is the best way to determine if Ensure Plus aligns with your specific health goals and needs. For more information, visit the official Abbott Nutrition website.
What to Discuss with a Healthcare Professional
Before adding Ensure Plus to your diet, consider discussing these points with your doctor or dietitian:
- Your specific health needs and goals (e.g., weight gain, recovery, nutritional support).
- Any existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or galactosemia.
- The risks of drug-nutrient interactions, especially if you take blood thinners.
- Whether an alternative product, like Ensure Original or a diabetic-specific formula, might be more appropriate for you.
- The potential for side effects and how to mitigate them.
