What is Ensure Plus Advance Used For? A Comprehensive Guide

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 5% of older adults are affected by malnutrition, a condition that can be effectively managed with the right nutritional support. Ensure Plus Advance is an oral nutritional supplement specifically designed to combat disease-related malnutrition and muscle loss in at-risk patients, particularly those over 65.

Quick Summary

This guide details the uses of Ensure Plus Advance, a high-protein nutritional supplement enriched with HMB and Vitamin D for adults needing to address malnutrition, muscle loss, and support recovery after illness or surgery.

Key Points

High-Protein Formula: Delivers 20 grams of high-quality protein per bottle to help build and repair muscle tissue, crucial for strength and recovery.
Supports Muscle Preservation: Contains CaHMB (Calcium $\beta$-hydroxy-$\beta$-methylbutyrate) to help protect against muscle loss, especially in older adults and those with limited mobility.
Aids in Recovery: Designed for dietary management of disease-related malnutrition, promoting faster healing and recovery after illness or surgery.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Provides essential nutrients like Vitamin D, calcium, and FOS to support bone health, immune function, and digestive health.
High Calorie and Energy Dense: Delivers 330 nutritious calories per serving, helping those with a poor appetite or involuntary weight loss to maintain a healthy weight.
Medically Supervised Use: As a food for special medical purposes, it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

What is Ensure Plus Advance?

Ensure Plus Advance is a ready-to-drink, high-energy oral nutritional supplement (ONS) formulated to provide comprehensive and balanced nutrition. It is distinguished from other Ensure products by its inclusion of Calcium $\beta$-hydroxy-$\beta$-methylbutyrate (CaHMB), a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, which is clinically shown to preserve and build muscle mass. The supplement is designed for individuals who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and muscle loss, such as older adults, patients recovering from surgery, or those with chronic diseases.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Ensure Plus Advance’s effectiveness comes from its specialized formula. A single 220ml bottle provides:

High-Quality Protein (20g): Essential for muscle tissue building, growth, and repair.
Calcium $\beta$-hydroxy-$\beta$-methylbutyrate (CaHMB): Protects and helps rebuild muscle mass, counteracting age-related muscle decline.
Vitamin D (500 IU): Supports normal muscle function, immune health, and bone strength by aiding calcium absorption.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): A type of dietary fiber that promotes the growth of good bacteria and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Energy (330 kcal): Provides concentrated calories to help patients gain or maintain a healthy weight, especially when they have poor appetite.

Who Should Use Ensure Plus Advance?

Ensure Plus Advance is typically recommended by a healthcare professional for specific conditions. It is not a general wellness drink but a targeted nutritional intervention. Key candidates include:

Older Adults (over 65): Particularly those who are frail, have lost significant muscle mass, or have a low BMI.
Malnourished or At-Risk Individuals: Patients who are unable to meet their daily nutritional needs through regular food intake alone.
Post-Surgery Recovery: Supports healing and helps rebuild muscle strength after surgical procedures.
Chronic Disease Management: Can be used by patients with conditions that impact nutritional status, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, or congestive heart failure.
Immobility: Helps prevent muscle loss in patients who are immobilized for a period due to illness or injury.
Poor Wound Healing: Provides the necessary protein and nutrients to support the body's healing processes.

How to Use Ensure Plus Advance

The frequency of consumption is typically based on individual needs and determined by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to follow their advice. For maximum benefit and enjoyment, the supplement is best served chilled. The liquid is ready-to-drink, requiring no preparation. Unused portions should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours of opening. Ensure Plus Advance is suitable for people with diabetes, provided routine blood glucose checks are performed.

Ensure Plus Advance vs. Ensure Plus: A Comparison


Feature	Ensure Plus Advance	Ensure Plus
Primary Use	Targets malnutrition and muscle loss, especially in older adults.	Broad nutritional support for weight management and general recovery.
HMB Content	Yes (1.5g per 220ml bottle).	No.
Protein Per Serving	Higher (20g per 220ml).	Lower (approx. 14.8g per 237ml).
Vitamin D	Higher (500 IU per 220ml).	Standard content.
Calories	Higher concentration (1.5 kcal/ml, 330 kcal per 220ml).	High concentration (1.5 kcal/ml, approx. 350 kcal per 237ml).
Dietary Fiber	Yes, contains Fructooligosaccharides (FOS).	Some versions have fiber; others, like the regular shake, do not.

Precautions and Considerations

While beneficial for many, Ensure Plus Advance is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used for intravenous (parenteral) feeding and is not intended for people with galactosaemia. It is also not typically recommended for children under 1 year of age, and caution should be exercised for those under 6. Patients with existing health conditions should always consult a doctor or dietitian before use to ensure it is appropriate for their specific dietary and health needs. This is particularly important for patients with liver or kidney disease. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Conclusion

Ensure Plus Advance is a targeted, high-energy nutritional supplement designed to address the specific needs of individuals experiencing malnutrition and muscle loss, particularly older adults and those recovering from illness or surgery. Its unique formulation, including high protein, HMB, and Vitamin D, supports muscle health, promotes weight gain, and aids in recovery. As a medical food, its use should always be directed and supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure it is the right choice for an individual’s unique health situation. For further reading, you can visit the official Abbott Ensure website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ensure Plus Advance contains a higher level of protein and additional ingredients like CaHMB and more Vitamin D, specifically targeting muscle health and preventing muscle loss in malnourished or at-risk individuals.

Ensure Plus Advance is typically used as a nutritional supplement to be taken with or between meals. While it is nutritionally complete, its use as a meal replacement or sole source of nutrition should be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Yes, it is specifically formulated for older adults, particularly those over 65 who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition and muscle loss.

The appropriate number of servings per day can vary depending on individual needs. Always follow the advice of your healthcare professional.

Ensure Plus Advance is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any supplement, individual reactions can occur. It is important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider and not to use if you have galactosaemia.

Yes, Ensure Plus Advance is suitable for people with diabetes, but it is recommended to monitor blood glucose levels and seek guidance from a doctor or dietitian on its incorporation into a diet.

Yes, Ensure Plus Advance can be heated to make a warm drink, but it should not be boiled. It should be consumed within one hour after heating.

Ensure Plus Advance is gluten-free and suitable for people with lactose intolerance.