What is a BOOST nutritional drink?
BOOST is a brand of nutritional supplement shakes from Nestlé Health Science designed to help fill nutritional gaps, especially for older adults or those with increased dietary needs. They are marketed as a convenient source of calories, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals for individuals who may have a poor appetite, are recovering from illness, or have difficulty chewing or swallowing solid foods. While the advertising suggests broad health benefits, the drinks are intended to be a supplement to a balanced diet, not a replacement for whole foods.
The nutritional profile of BOOST
BOOST offers a range of products, each with a different nutritional focus, including protein content, calories, and sugar levels. For example, a standard 8 fl oz serving of BOOST Original provides 240 calories, 10 grams of protein, and a range of vitamins and minerals. Other varieties, like BOOST High Protein, contain 20 grams of protein, while BOOST Very High Calorie offers 530 calories for those needing to gain weight.
Most BOOST drinks are fortified with a wide array of vitamins and minerals to address common deficiencies. However, it's important to remember that these are processed products. While they provide concentrated nutrients, they lack the fiber, phytonutrients, and complexity of whole foods.
Who can benefit from BOOST?
BOOST can be a helpful tool for several specific groups, often under a doctor's supervision.
- Seniors: As people age, appetite can decrease and nutritional needs can change. BOOST can help prevent unintentional weight loss and ensure adequate intake of protein and micronutrients.
- Recovery from illness or surgery: The body requires more calories and nutrients for healing. When solid food is difficult to consume, a supplement drink can be an easy and palatable way to get necessary energy and protein.
- Individuals with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia): The smooth liquid consistency of BOOST makes it a suitable option for those who struggle with chewing or swallowing solid foods.
- Cancer patients: Tailored nutritional interventions are used to manage side effects, minimize weight loss, and improve treatment tolerance for cancer patients.
- People with diabetes: The brand offers a "Glucose Control" line designed to help manage blood sugar levels.
Potential downsides and considerations
While beneficial for certain populations, there are important factors to consider before adding BOOST to your daily routine.
- High sugar content: Many BOOST varieties, particularly the Original formula, have a significant amount of added sugar. For instance, BOOST Original contains 15 grams of added sugar per serving. High sugar intake can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Some low-sugar options are available, but they may use artificial sweeteners.
- Side effects: Some individuals report gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation or bloating, when first starting these supplements.
- Potential for weight gain: For healthy individuals who don't need extra calories, adding a BOOST shake to a regular diet can lead to unwanted weight gain. It should not be used as a simple snack without considering its caloric impact.
- Medication interactions: The high vitamin K content in some nutritional shakes can interfere with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin, making medical consultation crucial.
BOOST vs. Whole Foods and Homemade Alternatives
For healthy individuals, whole foods remain the superior source of nutrition. Here's a comparison:
| Feature | BOOST Nutritional Drink | Whole Food Diet | Homemade Smoothie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Source | Concentrated, processed ingredients, some artificial flavors. | Natural, unprocessed, includes beneficial fiber and phytonutrients. | Customizable with fresh, whole ingredients for optimal nutrition. |
| Sugar Content | Varies by product; some are high in added sugars. | Naturally occurring sugars, higher fiber content to regulate absorption. | Controlled by using natural sweeteners like fruit or small amounts of honey. |
| Convenience | Highly convenient, ready-to-drink format. | Requires preparation and planning, more time-consuming. | Requires a blender and fresh ingredients, but very quick to prepare. |
| Specific Needs | Tailored formulas for high protein, low calorie, or diabetes support. | Can be tailored to specific needs but requires careful meal planning. | Easily customizable to increase or decrease calories, protein, or other nutrients. |
| Cost | Can be expensive for daily consumption. | Can be cost-effective depending on choices, more affordable than supplements over time. | Often more cost-effective than pre-packaged drinks, especially in larger batches. |
Choosing the right BOOST product
BOOST offers numerous formulations, so it's important to select the right one for your specific needs.
- BOOST High Protein: For those needing more protein to maintain muscle mass.
- BOOST Plus®: Provides extra calories for those needing to gain or maintain weight.
- BOOST Glucose Control®: Designed for people managing blood sugar levels.
- BOOST Soothe®: A clear liquid drink formulated for individuals with taste changes or oral discomfort.
How to evaluate supplements
Before adding any supplement, including BOOST, to your routine, it is wise to consider several factors:
- Consult a healthcare professional: Discuss your health, medical history, and dietary needs with your doctor or a registered dietitian.
- Read the label carefully: Pay attention to the ingredient list, especially the sugar content, and check for any potential allergens like milk or soy.
- Prioritize whole foods: Use supplements to fill specific nutritional gaps, not as a shortcut to bypass a healthy, balanced diet.
Conclusion: Is BOOST good for you?
In short, whether BOOST is good for you depends entirely on your individual circumstances and health goals. For a healthy person with a balanced diet, it's not a magic health tonic and may contribute to unwanted sugar and calorie intake. However, for individuals who have a diagnosed nutritional deficiency, have trouble eating solid food, or need to gain weight, BOOST can be a valuable and doctor-recommended supplemental tool. The ultimate takeaway is that no pre-packaged drink can replace the benefits of whole, unprocessed foods. Any decision to incorporate a nutritional supplement should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your specific needs. For more context on supplement usage, refer to this Harvard Health article: Supplemental nutrition drinks: help or hype?.
