A Closer Look at Ensure Plus
Ensure Plus is a ready-to-drink nutritional supplement formulated by Abbott Nutrition to provide concentrated calories and protein for individuals who need to gain or maintain a healthy weight. It is commonly recommended for those with malnutrition, at nutritional risk, or experiencing involuntary weight loss due to illness or surgery. The product provides complete and balanced nutrition in a single, convenient shake. By examining its core ingredients, we can better understand how it provides its targeted support for overall health and recovery.
Core Macronutrient Blend
The foundation of Ensure Plus lies in its carefully balanced combination of macronutrients, sourced to provide energy and building blocks for the body. This blend includes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, with specific types selected for their nutritional properties.
- Carbohydrates: The primary source of calories in Ensure Plus is its carbohydrate blend, which often includes corn maltodextrin and sugar or corn syrup. These provide readily available energy to support bodily functions and weight gain goals.
- Proteins: Ensure Plus typically contains a dual-protein source, utilizing both milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate. This combination offers high-quality, complete protein with all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall tissue maintenance. In some versions, like Ensure Plus Advance, a triple-protein complex of whey, casein, and soy is used.
- Fats: The fats in Ensure Plus come from a blend of vegetable oils, most notably canola and corn oil. Canola oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
One of the key features of Ensure Plus is its extensive micronutrient profile, with each shake typically containing around 27 essential vitamins and minerals. This helps to bridge nutritional gaps in a person's diet and supports various bodily functions, including immune health and bone strength.
Here is a list of some of the key vitamins and minerals commonly found in Ensure Plus:
- Vitamins: Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, B-vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, B6, B12), Folic Acid, Biotin, and Choline.
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Iodine, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Chromium, Molybdenum, Potassium, and Chloride.
Other Functional Ingredients
Beyond the primary macronutrients and micronutrients, Ensure Plus also contains other ingredients that contribute to its texture, flavor, and shelf-stability. These include:
- Flavorings and Sweeteners: Natural and artificial flavors, along with sugar or corn syrup, provide the taste profile.
- Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Ingredients like soy lecithin, carrageenan, cellulose gel, and cellulose gum are used to create a smooth, consistent texture and prevent separation.
- Water: The liquid base of the shake is simply water.
Comparison: Ensure Plus vs. Ensure Original
Understanding the differences between Ensure Plus and other Ensure products helps in making an informed dietary choice. Ensure Plus is designed to be more calorie- and protein-dense than the standard Ensure Original, making it more suitable for individuals with higher nutritional needs.
| Feature | Ensure Plus (Standard) | Ensure Original (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per serving (8 fl oz) | ~350 kcal | ~250 kcal |
| Protein per serving (8 fl oz) | 16 g | 9 g |
| Energy Density | 1.5 kcal/mL | 1.0 kcal/mL |
| Primary Use Case | Weight gain, higher nutritional needs, fluid restrictions | Standard nutritional gaps, general wellness |
| Omega-3s (ALA) | Good source (650 mg/8 fl oz) | Lower amount |
Potential Benefits and Suitability
The specific ingredients in Ensure Plus provide several benefits for targeted populations:
- Weight Management: The higher calorie and protein content supports individuals trying to gain or maintain weight.
- Immune Support: The inclusion of vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, and antioxidants helps support the normal function of the immune system.
- Bone Health: The combination of calcium and vitamin D contributes to improved bone strength.
- Recovery from Illness/Surgery: The concentrated nutrition can aid in recovery, especially for those with low appetite.
- Dietary Compatibility: Ensure Plus is gluten-free and suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance (not for those with galactosemia).
It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially when using a nutritional supplement as a meal replacement or for specific health conditions. For more information, you can visit the official Abbott Nutrition Ensure Plus product page.
Conclusion
What does Ensure Plus contain? Essentially, it is a complete, balanced nutritional shake packed with concentrated calories, a high-quality protein blend, and a wide spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. It is specifically engineered to meet the needs of individuals requiring additional nutrition for weight gain or to support recovery. By providing a dense mix of energy and vital nutrients, it serves as a powerful supplement to a regular diet, helping users to bridge dietary gaps and support their overall health goals.
