Who Shouldn't Drink Ensure Plus? Risks and Precautions

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturer information, Ensure Plus is not for individuals with galactosemia. Beyond this specific contraindication, many people with pre-existing health conditions or specific dietary needs should be cautious about drinking Ensure Plus without medical consultation. It is crucial to understand which factors might make this high-calorie nutritional supplement an unsuitable or even harmful choice.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at who should avoid Ensure Plus, with a focus on contraindications for individuals with specific metabolic disorders, allergies, and certain medical conditions requiring close dietary management. It outlines potential risks and emphasizes the importance of professional medical advice before use. The guide covers factors like high sugar content, medication interactions, and suitability for specific populations.

Key Points

Galactosemia: Individuals with this rare genetic disorder must not consume Ensure Plus due to its milk and soy ingredients.
Diabetes: Standard Ensure Plus is high in sugar and not recommended for diabetics; the Glucerna product line is a safer alternative.
Warfarin Users: The high vitamin K content can interfere with blood-thinning medication like warfarin, posing a clotting risk.
Allergies: Those with milk or soy allergies should avoid Ensure Plus to prevent severe allergic reactions.
Elderly Care: Over-reliance on Ensure Plus for seniors can cause digestive issues and may not provide sufficient fiber or micronutrients from whole foods.
Side Effects: Some users experience gastrointestinal upset like bloating, diarrhea, or nausea, which can be worse for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Galactosemia: A Primary Contraindication

The most critical and non-negotiable group of individuals who shouldn't drink Ensure Plus are those with galactosemia. Galactosemia is a rare, genetic metabolic disorder that impairs the body's ability to process galactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products. Since Ensure Plus contains milk and soy ingredients, it is inherently unsuitable for anyone with this condition, as it could lead to severe health complications.

Diabetes and High Sugar Content

For individuals with diabetes, the high sugar content in standard Ensure Plus formulations can be problematic. A single 8 fl oz serving can contain a significant amount of sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. For this reason, Ensure's manufacturer, Abbott Nutrition, created a separate product line called Glucerna, which is specifically designed for people with diabetes. Glucerna contains a blend of carbohydrates that are more slowly digested, helping to minimize the impact on blood sugar response. Any person with diabetes considering a nutritional supplement should consult their doctor or a registered dietitian to determine if Glucerna or another low-sugar option is a safer alternative to Ensure Plus.

Drug Interactions with Warfarin and Other Blood Thinners

Ensure Plus is fortified with numerous vitamins, including vitamin K. While this is generally beneficial, it poses a significant risk for those taking blood-thinning medication like warfarin (Coumadin). Vitamin K plays a crucial role in blood clotting, and high doses can interfere with the effectiveness of these medications, potentially leading to dangerous blood clots. Individuals on such medication should have their vitamin K intake carefully monitored by a healthcare provider and should avoid nutritional shakes that contain high levels of this vitamin.

Potential Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress from Ensure Plus, including constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. These symptoms are often mild and may subside over time, but for those with pre-existing digestive issues, it can exacerbate their condition. The ingredients, such as milk proteins and corn syrup, can be irritating for sensitive stomachs.

Individuals with Milk or Soy Allergies

Given its ingredient list, Ensure Plus is not suitable for individuals with known allergies to milk or soy. The product contains both milk protein concentrate and soy protein isolate, which are major food allergens. An allergic reaction could range from mild symptoms like hives or digestive upset to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. It is imperative for individuals with these allergies to check the label carefully and choose a dairy-free and soy-free alternative if needed.

Caution for the Elderly and Over-Reliance

While nutritional drinks are often used for the elderly to help combat malnutrition, over-reliance can lead to its own set of problems. Relying solely on a supplement like Ensure Plus, rather than consuming whole foods, can lead to digestive issues and may not provide the full spectrum of micronutrients and fiber found in a balanced diet. Caregivers should use Ensure Plus as a supplement between meals, not as a complete meal replacement, unless specifically instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional. Some older adults also find that nutritional shakes can cause digestive upset due to increased lactose intolerance with age.

Ensure Plus vs. Diabetic-Specific Formulas

Here is a comparison of standard Ensure Plus and a diabetic-friendly alternative like Glucerna:


Feature	Standard Ensure Plus	Diabetic-Specific Formula (Glucerna)
Target Audience	Individuals needing to gain weight or boost calorie intake.	People with diabetes or pre-diabetes managing blood sugar.
Sugar Content	High, can cause blood sugar spikes.	Formulated with slowly digested carbohydrates to minimize blood sugar response.
Carbohydrate Type	Contains corn maltodextrin and sugar.	Uses a specific blend of carbohydrates designed for better glucose control.
Usage with Diabetes	Not recommended; may require monitoring blood sugar levels after consumption.	Recommended as part of a diabetes management plan.
Manufacturer Advice	Consult a healthcare provider.	Consult a healthcare provider.

The Final Word on Precautions

While Ensure Plus offers a convenient way to get extra calories and nutrients, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Anyone with galactosemia must avoid it entirely. Those with diabetes should opt for a specific diabetic formula like Glucerna. Users on blood thinners, such as warfarin, must be extremely cautious due to the high vitamin K content and consult their doctor before use. Patients with severe gastrointestinal issues or known milk/soy allergies should also steer clear. For everyone else, particularly the elderly, it is best used as a supplement under medical supervision rather than a complete meal replacement. A registered dietitian can offer personalized dietary advice based on your medical history and nutritional needs.

Conclusion: Always Consult a Healthcare Professional

In conclusion, Ensure Plus is a targeted nutritional supplement, not a general beverage. Its high caloric and nutrient density make it beneficial for some but risky for others. The most critical takeaway is the necessity of consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating it into one's diet, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those on specific medications. A doctor can help weigh the benefits against the potential risks and recommend a more suitable nutritional strategy if needed. Never assume a product is right for you without a thorough medical review, particularly when dealing with serious health concerns. This prudent approach ensures you receive the nutritional support you need without compromising your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standard Ensure Plus is not recommended for people with diabetes due to its high sugar content, which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. It is advisable to use a diabetes-specific nutritional formula, such as Glucerna, after consulting a doctor.

Galactosemia is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process galactose. Ensure Plus contains milk and soy ingredients that have galactose, making it unsuitable and potentially dangerous for individuals with this condition.

No, Ensure Plus contains high levels of vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications like warfarin. Anyone on these medications should consult their healthcare provider before using Ensure Plus to avoid dangerous interactions.

Ensure Plus contains both milk and soy proteins and should be avoided if you have a known allergy to either ingredient. It is important to check the label for all allergens before consumption.

Over-reliance on Ensure Plus is not recommended, especially for the elderly. While it can be a useful supplement, it lacks the full range of fiber and micronutrients found in whole foods and can lead to digestive issues. It should be used to supplement meals, not replace them entirely.

Some individuals may experience side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea, particularly when first starting the supplement. These symptoms often subside, but a doctor should be consulted if they persist or are severe.

Yes, it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating Ensure Plus into your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions, allergies, or take other medications.