What Happens When You Drink PediaSure as an Adult?

December 18, 2025 •

4 min read

Originally formulated for children between the ages of 2 and 13 to help with nutritional deficiencies and growth, PediaSure is often considered by adults seeking a boost in calories and nutrients. However, the outcomes of an adult drinking PediaSure can range from potential weight gain to less-than-ideal nutritional balance, especially when consumed without proper medical advice.

Quick Summary

Adults may drink PediaSure for weight gain or to fill nutritional gaps, but this high-calorie drink, designed for children, can lead to excessive sugar intake and an unbalanced diet. Alternatives are often more suitable.

Key Points

Designed for Kids: PediaSure is formulated specifically for children aged 2-13 and their rapid growth needs, not for adult metabolism.
Weight Gain Potential: For underweight adults, PediaSure's high caloric density can effectively support weight gain by increasing total calorie intake.
High in Sugar: Many PediaSure varieties are high in added sugars, which can lead to excessive sugar intake, weight gain, and dental issues for adults.
Nutritional Gaps vs. Balance: While it can fill some vitamin and mineral gaps, it is not a balanced meal replacement for adults and can lead to an unbalanced diet.
Better Alternatives Exist: For most adults, a healthier, more balanced approach involves a whole-foods diet, homemade shakes, or adult-specific nutritional supplements.
Consult a Professional: It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before using PediaSure regularly to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and goals.

PediaSure: Designed for Children's Needs

PediaSure was developed by Abbott, a multinational healthcare company, specifically to address the nutritional needs of growing children and picky eaters. Its formulations are packed with specific levels of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals tailored to support a child's rapid development, immune system, and catch-up growth. While its nutrient profile can seem appealing to adults with specific needs, it's crucial to understand that it is not optimized for an adult metabolism or nutritional requirements.

Nutritional Composition: A Breakdown

An 8-fl-oz serving of PediaSure Grow & Gain contains approximately 240 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 9 grams of total fat, alongside 27 different vitamins and minerals. This nutrient-dense formula is what makes it effective for children who need extra calories and micronutrients. However, a significant portion of its carbohydrate content comes from corn maltodextrin and sugar, which can contribute to a high sugar load in an adult's diet.

What Happens When Adults Drink PediaSure?

When an adult consumes PediaSure, several outcomes are possible, depending on their individual health status, dietary needs, and frequency of consumption.

Potential Benefits

Weight Gain: For underweight adults or those with a poor appetite due to illness, injury, or aging, PediaSure's high caloric density can be an effective tool for gaining weight. Increasing total daily calorie intake is the primary driver of weight gain, and PediaSure provides a concentrated, easy-to-consume source.
Filling Nutritional Gaps: PediaSure is fortified with a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin D, and iron, which can help address micronutrient deficiencies in adults who struggle to eat a balanced diet.
Appetite Stimulation: Some research suggests that liquid meal replacements or supplements can stimulate appetite and increase overall food consumption, which is beneficial for those struggling with poor appetite.

Potential Risks

Excessive Sugar Intake: Many PediaSure products contain added sugars to make them palatable for children. Regular consumption by adults can lead to an excessive intake of sugar, contributing to weight gain, dental problems, and potentially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Unbalanced Nutrition: PediaSure is not a balanced meal replacement for adults. It lacks the fiber and complex carbohydrates found in a whole-foods diet. Relying on it can create an unbalanced dietary pattern and may hinder the ability to consume a variety of foods.
Digestive Issues: Some individuals may experience digestive upset, including bloating or diarrhea, due to the high concentration of certain ingredients like milk proteins or other compounds.
Cost: PediaSure can be more expensive than creating homemade, high-calorie shakes with more nutritionally appropriate ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

PediaSure vs. Adult Nutritional Drinks


Feature	PediaSure (for kids)	Adult Nutritional Drinks (e.g., Ensure)
Target Age Group	1-13 years old	Adults 18+
Calorie & Nutrient Profile	Formulated for rapid growth in children	Varies; often less sugar, higher protein
Ingredients	Often higher in sugar and specific ingredients for pediatric growth	Tailored to adult nutrient needs, bone health, and muscle maintenance
Sugar Content	Can be high, flavored for children	Generally lower, with sugar alternatives
Fiber Content	Some versions have added fiber, but overall less	Many options with higher fiber content
Cost	Relatively expensive per serving	Comparable or slightly higher, with varied formulations

Choosing the Right Supplement

Before incorporating PediaSure into an adult diet, especially as a regular supplement, it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian. They can evaluate your nutritional needs, medical history, and weight goals to determine the most suitable approach. In many cases, adult-specific nutritional drinks like Ensure are a more appropriate choice, as they are formulated to meet the dietary requirements of adults, often with less sugar and different nutritional profiles.

For those seeking to gain weight or improve nutritional intake, a whole-foods-first approach is always best. This includes incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins into your regular diet. Homemade smoothies with protein powder, milk, and healthy fats can also be a more cost-effective and nutritionally balanced alternative to relying solely on a pre-packaged supplement like PediaSure.

Conclusion

While an adult drinking PediaSure is not inherently dangerous in the short term, it is not an ideal long-term solution for nutritional needs. It can assist with calorie and nutrient intake for weight gain, but its formulation is specifically for children and may contain excessive sugar for an adult diet. For ongoing nutritional support, healthier and more balanced alternatives exist that cater specifically to adult physiology. Always speak to a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your dietary supplement regimen.

Healthline provides an in-depth review of Pediasure for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, PediaSure can cause weight gain in adults because it is a calorie-dense drink. For adults who are underweight or have a poor appetite, consuming PediaSure can increase their total daily calorie intake, leading to weight gain.

PediaSure is not an ideal or balanced source of nutrition for adults. It is formulated for children's developmental needs and can be high in sugar for an adult diet. While it contains many vitamins and minerals, it may lack the fiber and complex carbohydrates necessary for a healthy adult diet.

The risks for an adult include excessive sugar intake, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Additionally, relying on PediaSure can result in an unbalanced diet that is low in fiber and whole-food nutrients, potentially leading to digestive problems.

PediaSure is formulated for children's growth, while Ensure is designed for adult nutritional needs. Ensure typically has a different balance of macronutrients, often with less sugar and more protein or fiber, depending on the variant, making it more suitable for adults.

No, PediaSure is not intended to be a meal replacement for adults. It is best used as a supplement in specific, medically supervised cases. For most adults, relying on it instead of whole foods would lead to an imbalanced diet.

No, PediaSure is highly unlikely to increase an adult's height. Height gain stops once a person has passed late puberty and their growth plates have closed. Proper nutrition can, however, help prevent age-related height loss.

Yes, healthier alternatives include a whole-foods diet rich in lean proteins, nuts, and healthy fats, or homemade shakes using nutrient-dense ingredients. These options offer better nutritional balance and less processed sugar than relying on PediaSure.