As people age, they need to be more careful with their diet and what they put into their bodies. Nutritional supplement drinks can be a great way for elderly adults to get the nutrients they need, but it’s important to be smart about how many and what kind of drinks you consume. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of nutritional supplement drinks for seniors, as well as the risks associated with overconsumption. We hope that this information will help elderly adults make informed decisions about their health!
Dangers of Nutritional Drinks
High Sugar Content
When elderly lose their appetites, caregivers typically offer countless preparations of “real” foods to try to revive their interest in eating and provide them with the calories and nutrients their bodies need. All too often, this approach does not work, so the last resort is sweet, easily consumed nutritional shakes. Check nutrition labels for both totals and added sugars, and skim ingredient lists to be sure a type of protein or fruit is listed first instead of sugar or corn syrup. Sugar content is especially problematic for diabetic seniors, so look for low-glycemic formulas developed specifically for people with diabetes, such as Glucerna or Boost Glucose Control.
Digestive Problems
Just giving a senior a bottle of Ensure for dinner isn’t enough. Overreliance on these drinks can cause digestive issues like diarrhea. Lactose intolerance increases with age as well, therefore any nutritional shake made from milk proteins may cause flatulence, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Look for formulas that comply with any existing dietary concerns and food sensitivities.
Older Adults Nutritional Needs
A low-fat, low-calorie diet is recommended for the general population to maintain a healthy weight, but the opposite is usually recommended for seniors—especially those who are frail or unintentionally losing weight. Sometimes I’ll see patients in their eighties and nineties who are losing weight and still restricting their calorie and fat intake. In many cases, it would be better for them to just eat a bowl of ice cream!
Keep in mind that eating three large meals each day can be overwhelming for seniors. Instead, encourage them to consume smaller, more frequent meals and snacks, even before bedtime. Petite portions are less intimidating for many older individuals.
Elders who have experienced weight loss should eat what they like—within reason. Don’t be afraid to incorporate eggs, cheese, peanut butter, and even treats like ice cream into their diet. There is usually no need for low-fat dairy products. If foods in liquid form are easier for them to consume, try making your healthy smoothies or shakes with wholesome, fresh ingredients. Seniors tend to prefer sweets as their senses of taste and smell are dull, but it is easy to “hide” high-calorie and nutrient-dense foods in smoothies and still have them taste sweet and delicious. Try adding a spoonful of nut butter, half an avocado, or a handful of spinach to a blended drink for a boost of nutrients.
Is it Right for Seniors?
If it is determined that a nutritional drink is right for a senior, it is still important to consult their doctor when deciding what type of supplement to use. There are a wide variety of pre-made options out there, and your loved one’s nutritional needs and taste preferences are important factors to consider. Weigh the following pros and cons before incorporating a drink or shake into an elder’s diet.
Some Side Effects Due To Medication
Meal replacement drinks often contain high (sometimes even excessive) amounts of vitamins and minerals that can cause dangerous drug interactions with a senior’s medications. Many older individuals take a regimen of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and perhaps vitamins and supplements, too. One study found that thirty-nine percent of seniors report taking five or more prescription medications in an average 30-day period. These complex medication regimens can be problematic on their own, producing dangerous adverse effects and possibly damaging otherwise functioning organs and systems.
The high levels of vitamins and minerals in nutritional drinks can add to this mix within the body and cause further complications, especially if a senior is consuming multiple drinks per day. For example, an eight-ounce nutritional drink can contain up to 40 percent of a senior’s daily requirement for vitamin K. This sounds healthy, but vitamin K can directly affect the efficacy of blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin).
Always read labels and make sure to speak with your doctor. This was you never put yourself in harm’s way.
