Ensure Plus is sold as a meal supplement, snack and meal replacement drink. The drink has 24 vitamin and mineral additives, as well as other ingredients that give it bulk and flavor, according to the National Library of Medicine. Understanding the main ingredients of Ensure Plus and talking with a doctor can help individuals decide if Ensure Plus is a good choice for their needs.
Corn Syrup
One of the primary ingredients in Ensure Plus, according to the National Library of Medicine, is corn syrup. This ingredient is used to bulk out the drink, provide a smooth texture for the liquid, give the drink some of its calories and extend the shelf life of the product. Although corn syrup is a common sweetener, research about the healthiness of this ingredient is mixed, according to MayoClinic.com. Some studies link it to increased levels of obesity, while other studies state that it is no more or less healthy than other sweeteners. Consumers worried about corn syrup can talk with their doctors and limit its presence in their diets.
Vitamin C
Ensure Plus contains 50 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Medline Plus notes that since the body does not produce its own vitamin C, it is necessary to obtain it from other sources. However, individuals should watch their overall levels of vitamin C consumption from Ensure Plus and other sources to ensure that their daily dosage levels do not exceed 2,000 mg/day. Medline Plus reports that toxicity from vitamin C is rare, but exceeding 2,000 mg/day may cause stomach upset.
Soy
Ensure Plus contains 13 g of protein per serving, according to the ingredients list on file with the National Library of Medicine. This protein comes from the soy protein isolate that is added to the drink. While this plant protein base allows the drink to be kosher and vegetarian, the soy in the drink can cause heightened estrogen levels and has been linked to various kinds of cancer, according to Dr. Mercola at Mercola.com. Individuals should consult with their doctors to determine if soy proteins are right for them as a health choice.
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