The term "Vital" is used by several different companies to brand a variety of nutritional and food products. This can cause significant confusion when trying to determine the caloric content of a specific product. From Abbott's therapeutic nutritional drinks for medical use to popular collagen peptides and organic greens powders, the calorie count can range from a handful of calories to several hundred per serving.
Calories in Vital Nutritional Shakes
Abbott Nutrition produces a line of therapeutic nutritional supplements under the Vital® brand name. These are often used for individuals with malabsorption issues or specific dietary needs, requiring higher caloric density. The calorie count is clearly labeled and varies by product type and serving size.
Abbott Vital 1.5 Cal
This product is a peptide-based, calorically dense nutritional supplement. A standard 8 fl oz (237 mL) serving of Vital® 1.5 Cal contains 355 calories. It is designed for supplemental or sole-source nutrition, with a concentrated 1.5 calories per milliliter.
Abbott Vital 1.5kcal
A similar high-calorie, peptide-based formula often available in different regions. A 200 ml serving of Vital® 1.5kcal provides 300 calories. It is a complete and balanced drink with 28 vitamins and minerals.
Abbott Vital 1.0 Cal
For those needing a less calorically dense option, Vital® 1.0 Cal provides 237 calories per 8 fl oz (237 mL) serving. Like other Abbott Vital products, it is peptide-based for improved absorption.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Calories
Vital Proteins offers a highly popular line of wellness products, with their collagen peptides being a flagship item. The caloric content is notably lower than the nutritional shakes from Abbott.
Per serving, typically two scoops, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides contain approximately 70 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is primarily protein, with 18g per serving and 0g of carbohydrates and fat. This makes it a protein-focused supplement rather than a complete meal replacement.
Vital Greens and Superfood Powders
Another category of products using the "Vital" name includes green powders and superfood blends. These are generally very low in calories, focusing on micronutrients from whole-food sources. Again, the calorie count varies slightly by specific product and brand.
- Vital Super Greens: One popular product, like the one from Amazon, contains just 10 calories per serving. It's a blend of spirulina and other organic greens.
- Vital All-in-One: A 10g serving of this supplement has 33 calories.
- Vital Greens: A different blend can contain 36 calories per 10g serving.
The low-calorie nature of these products makes them popular for people looking to boost their vitamin and mineral intake without adding significant calories to their diet.
Zero and Low-Calorie Vital Drinks
Some beverage brands also use the name "Vital" to denote a low-calorie or functional drink. For example, some infused waters and drink concentrates can be zero-calorie or very low-calorie. Brands like Bodylab24 and Fitnesshotline offer these options, which are distinct from the other Vital product categories.
Calorie Comparison: A Quick Reference Table
To help clarify the differences, here is a quick comparison of the calories per serving for several products using the "Vital" name.
| Product Name | Product Type | Calories per Serving | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vital® 1.5 Cal (Abbott) | Nutritional Shake | 355 kcal (8 fl oz) | Therapeutic nutrition, high calorie |
| Vital® 1.5kcal (Abbott) | Nutritional Shake | 300 kcal (200 ml) | Therapeutic nutrition, high calorie |
| Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides | Collagen Powder | 70 kcal (2 scoops) | Protein supplement for skin, joint, hair health |
| Vital Super Greens | Green Superfood Powder | 10 kcal (1 scoop) | Micronutrient and vitamin boost |
| Vital All-in-One (Vital Greens) | Superfood Powder | 33 kcal (10g) | Daily vitamin and mineral supplement |
| VITAL Sparkling Vitamin Water | Flavored Water | 0 kcal (330ml can) | Hydration and vitamin boost, zero sugar |
How to Choose the Right "Vital" Product
When selecting a product, the most important step is to read the label carefully to identify the manufacturer and the specific product type. Your choice should align with your dietary goals:
- For high-calorie nutritional needs, such as medical recovery or weight gain, Abbott's Vital® shakes are the intended product. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
- For a protein boost with minimal carbs or fat, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides are a suitable choice.
- To increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and superfoods while keeping calories low, look for Vital Greens or Vital Super Greens powders.
- For a zero-calorie, flavored drink, brands like VITAL produce flavored waters with added vitamins.
Remember that the brand name alone is not enough information to know the caloric content. Always verify the specific product and its nutritional facts. An excellent resource for checking nutritional data is the product manufacturer's own website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of calories in "Vital" is entirely dependent on the product you are referencing. It is not a standardized product, but rather a name used by several brands across different categories. High-calorie nutritional shakes from Abbott are very different from low-calorie greens powders or protein-focused collagen supplements. To find the correct calorie information, you must identify the specific product and check its nutritional label, keeping your personal dietary needs in mind.
