When Doctors Recommend Boost
Doctors and registered dietitians often recommend Boost to help patients meet specific nutritional goals that are difficult to achieve through diet alone. The recommendation is based on a patient's clinical needs, not as a casual, day-to-day beverage choice.
Common medical reasons for a Boost recommendation include:
- Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition: For individuals who are not getting enough calories or nutrients from their regular diet, a supplement can fill the nutritional gaps and support overall health.
- Unintended weight loss: Patients experiencing significant or unwanted weight loss, especially common in older adults or those with chronic illness, may need the extra calories and protein found in products like Boost Plus.
- Recovery from illness or surgery: The body needs additional nutrients to heal and rebuild tissue after a major medical event. Boost provides a convenient and concentrated source of protein, vitamins, and calories.
- Loss of appetite: Conditions that cause a reduced appetite can lead to poor nutritional intake. A nutritional drink is often easier to consume than a full meal when appetite is low.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia): For patients who struggle with solid foods due to dental issues, illness, or neurological conditions, a liquid nutritional supplement can be a lifeline for meeting daily needs.
- Managing specific health conditions: Specialized Boost products exist for managing conditions like diabetes (Boost Glucose Control) or side effects from cancer treatment (Boost Soothe).
The Role of a Prescription for OTC Supplements
Boost is sold over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies, supermarkets, and online, so a prescription is not necessary to purchase it. However, a doctor's prescription can be crucial for two key reasons:
- Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, may cover the cost of nutritional supplements like Boost if deemed medically necessary by a physician. A prescription provides the necessary documentation to submit a claim. Without one, the patient is responsible for the full out-of-pocket cost, which can be significant for regular use.
- Dietitian and Medical Guidance: The process of getting a prescription often involves a referral to a dietitian or a thorough medical evaluation. This ensures that Boost is the most appropriate supplement for the patient's condition and that it is used correctly as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Boost for Cancer Patients
Cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, can significantly impact a patient's nutritional status. Doctors and dietitians regularly incorporate nutritional supplements into cancer care to manage treatment-related side effects and prevent malnutrition.
Nestlé Health Science offers a product called Boost Soothe, specifically formulated for cancer patients experiencing oral discomfort, taste changes, and loss of appetite. It is a mild, clear protein drink designed to be refreshing and to avoid the metallic aftertaste sometimes associated with other supplements.
Common nutritional challenges during cancer treatment that Boost can help with include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Clear, cold liquids like Boost Soothe are often easier to tolerate.
- Taste and smell changes: The simple, clean flavors of specialized supplements can be more palatable when other foods seem unappealing.
- Loss of appetite: Small, frequent servings of a nutrient-dense supplement help ensure adequate calorie and protein intake.
- Difficulty swallowing: Liquid supplements are an important tool when chewing and swallowing become difficult.
Comparison: Boost vs. Alternatives
Boost is just one of many nutritional supplements on the market. The right choice depends on the patient's specific nutritional goals. Here is a comparison of some popular options:
| Feature | Boost Original | Ensure Original | Premier Protein Shake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories (per serving) | ~240 kcal | ~220 kcal | ~160 kcal |
| Protein (per serving) | 10 g | 9 g | 30 g |
| Vitamins & Minerals | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Best For | General nutritional supplementation, filling gaps in diet. | Similar to Boost, general nutritional support. | Higher protein needs, weight management, or muscle health. |
| Specialized Formulas | Plus (high calorie), Glucose Control (diabetes), Soothe (cancer), etc. | Plus (high calorie), Enlive (high protein), etc. | High Protein, Clear Protein, etc. |
| Common Availability | Over-the-counter. | Over-the-counter. | Over-the-counter. |
Choosing the Right Medical Supplement
Selecting the correct nutritional supplement for medical needs requires careful consideration and, ideally, consultation with a healthcare professional. Beyond brand, several factors influence the best choice:
- Specific nutritional goals: A patient needing to gain weight will benefit from a high-calorie supplement like Boost Plus, while someone managing diabetes will need Boost Glucose Control.
- Ingredient profile: Check the label for key macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals). A dietitian can help assess specific deficiencies.
- Tolerances and allergens: Most Boost products are suitable for lactose intolerance, but not for individuals with galactosemia. Patients should be aware of potential allergens like milk or soy.
- Taste and palatability: A supplement is only effective if the patient will actually drink it. Taste is a major factor in adherence, so trying different flavors may be necessary.
Consulting a doctor or registered dietitian is a critical step in navigating medical nutrition. They can determine if a supplement is appropriate, recommend the best product, and help ensure any insurance benefits are obtained.
Conclusion
While you won't walk into a doctor's office and leave with a bottle of Boost, a doctor can certainly prescribe Boost in a medical context by recommending it as part of a treatment plan. This recommendation is often based on addressing malnutrition, poor appetite, recovery needs, or managing chronic conditions. The prescription itself facilitates insurance coverage, which is vital for patients requiring long-term nutritional support. By working with a healthcare team, patients can determine if Boost or an alternative is the right choice for their specific medical needs, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition to support their health journey.
For more information on selecting supplements, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides authoritative resources. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides useful information for medical professionals and consumers alike on understanding and choosing dietary supplements.
