By Shannin Prather
October 2021 | 2021 Fall Newsletter
Poor nutrition due to lack of nutrients is a common issue among older adults. When appetites decrease it can be difficult to encourage ourselves to eat. As an alternative, many people turn to nutritional supplement drinks, such as Boost or Ensure, as a replacement for meals. However, these drinks are not a complete source of nutrition.
There are a variety of conditions that could cause decreased appetite, such as ulcers, thyroid disease, dementia, difficulty swallowing, depression, dulled senses of smell and taste, and even ill-fitting dentures. Rather than immediately turning to a supplement, talk with your doctor to address any underlying problems.
If foods in liquid form are easier to consume, try making your own smoothies with wholesome, fresh ingredients like real fruits and vegetables. Try adding a spoonful of nut butter, half an avocado, or a handful of spinach to a blended drink for a boost of nutrients and healthy fats.
If it is determined that nutritional drinks are needed, check nutrition labels to ensure the drink will address your specific needs and consult with your doctor when deciding what type of supplement to use. There are several potential benefits to adding nutritional drink supplements to your diet, such as:
- High calorie count to help slow unintended weight loss. Supplemental nutrition made up of a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat may be the easiest way to take in calories
- Ready-made and easy to consume. For those who have swallowing difficulties or find food to be less appealing, these drinks may help you get the needed calories and vitamins
Despite these benefits, there are some concerns to be aware of, such as:
- High sugar content. Check nutrition labels for both “total” and “added” sugars. Check to see if a protein or fruit is listed first on the nutrition label, instead of sugar or corn syrup
- Digestive upset. Unless balanced with solid food, relying on these supplemental drinks can cause digestive issues like diarrhea
- Medication interactions. Nutritional drinks often contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that can negatively interact with prescription medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before deciding on a nutritional drink supplement
- Supplements are not the same as whole foods. Drinks that are fortified with minerals, vitamins, and supplements still do not contain all the nutrients that whole foods provide
Supplementing with a nutrition drink as a snack or single meal is not harmful to your body, but finding real foods to make up most of your diet can lead to the best source of nutrition and overall well-being.
Poor nutrition due to lack of nutrients is a common issue among older adults. When appetites decrease it can be difficult to encourage ourselves to eat. As an alternative, many people turn to nutritional supplement drinks, such as Boost or Ensure, as a replacement for meals. However, these drinks are not a complete source of nutrition.
There are a variety of conditions that could cause decreased appetite, such as ulcers, thyroid disease, dementia, difficulty swallowing, depression, dulled senses of smell and taste, and even ill-fitting dentures. Rather than immediately turning to a supplement, talk with your doctor to address any underlying problems.
If foods in liquid form are easier to consume, try making your own smoothies with wholesome, fresh ingredients like real fruits and vegetables. Try adding a spoonful of nut butter, half an avocado, or a handful of spinach to a blended drink for a boost of nutrients and healthy fats.
If it is determined that nutritional drinks are needed, check nutrition labels to ensure the drink will address your specific needs and consult with your doctor when deciding what type of supplement to use. There are several potential benefits to adding nutritional drink supplements to your diet, such as:
- High calorie count to help slow unintended weight loss. Supplemental nutrition made up of a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat may be the easiest way to take in calories
- Ready-made and easy to consume. For those who have swallowing difficulties or find food to be less appealing, these drinks may help you get the needed calories and vitamins
Despite these benefits, there are some concerns to be aware of, such as:
- High sugar content. Check nutrition labels for both “total” and “added” sugars. Check to see if a protein or fruit is listed first on the nutrition label, instead of sugar or corn syrup
- Digestive upset. Unless balanced with solid food, relying on these supplemental drinks can cause digestive issues like diarrhea
- Medication interactions. Nutritional drinks often contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that can negatively interact with prescription medication. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before deciding on a nutritional drink supplement
- Supplements are not the same as whole foods. Drinks that are fortified with minerals, vitamins, and supplements still do not contain all the nutrients that whole foods provide
Supplementing with a nutrition drink as a snack or single meal is not harmful to your body, but finding real foods to make up most of your diet can lead to the best source of nutrition and overall well-being.