Nutritional supplements from Abbott Nutrition include Glucerna for diabetes management, Ensure for increasing calories and essential nutrients, Similac infant supplements and EAS protein supplements. EAS protein bars, powders and shakes help provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but they can also cause side effects. Consult a nutritionist if you are considering a protein supplement.
EAS protein beverages come in single-serving, ready-to-drink bottles. Myoplex Strength Formula comes in 14-oz. bottles, and Myoplex Carb Control and Lite come in 11-oz. servings. Flavors include chocolate fudge, cookies and cream, strawberry, French vanilla and banana cream. EAS recommends using its protein drinks after a workout to aid muscle recovery, but they have less than the recommended 4 g of carbohydrates for each 1 g of protein for optimal recovery, according to Iowa State University. EAS protein drinks have up to 23 g of carbohydrates and 20 to 25 g of protein each.
Weight Gain
EAS protein drinks can cause weight gain if you do not monitor your calories. Weight gain occurs when you take in more calories than you burn. Myoplex Strength Formula has 210 calories, Myoplex Lite has 170 calories and Myoplex Carb Control has 150 calories. It is easy to take in too many calories when you consume calories from liquids because they are not as filling as calories from solid foods, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
You may experience gastrointestinal discomfort when you start drinking EAS protein shakes because they contain fiber. A high-fiber diet is healthy because it can lower your cholesterol levels, help regulate your blood sugar and reduce your risk for constipation, however, fiber can cause cramping and bloating when you increase your intake too fast, according to MayoClinic.com. EAS Myoplex provides 3 to 5 g of fiber per serving, or 12 to 20 percent of your daily value. Drink plenty of fluids and increase your fiber intake slowly to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.
Lower Diet Quality
EAS protein drinks are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, however, depending on them for your nutrient intake may make you less likely to eat nutrient-dense foods. For example, if you drink EAS instead of eating fatty fish for your protein, you will not get the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids fish provides. However, these beverages can help you meet your needs for specific nutrients in case you are not getting them from your regular diet. Inadequate intake of calcium or vitamin D can lead to weak bones, and EAS Myoplex Lite and Strength Formula protein shakes have at least 30 percent of the daily value for these nutrients.
References
- EAS: Myoplex Lite Ready-to-Drink
- EAS: Myoplex Carb Control Ready-to-Drink
- EAS: Myoplex Strength Formula Ready-to-Drink
- Iowa State University Extension: Eat to Compete: Training Diet
- Mayo Clinic: Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010; January 2010
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