Boost drink is a nutrient-rich beverage intended to be a healthful supplement to your diet. The manufacturer recommends using Boost as a snack between meals or a mini-meal, as it contains a wide array of vitamins and minerals as well as 10 g of protein. Because of the nutritional profile, Boost drink can be beneficial for athletes, although you may find some aspects of Boost to be detrimental for your personal goals.
Calories
An 8 oz. serving of Boost is relatively low in calories, with 240. Although this may be suitable as a snack or meal for sedentary individuals, your athletic activity causes you to have higher calorie needs, as exercise can burn a significant amount of calories. For example, an hour of jogging at 5 mph burns 584 calories, while swimming laps for an hour burns 511; the amount of calories Boost provides would be inadequate for fueling even 30 minutes of these activities.
Carbohydrates
Boost drink can be a beneficial supplement for athletes because it is rich in carbohydrates. Each 8 oz. Boost drink provides 41 g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy, so high-carbohydrate foods and drinks can help fuel your exercise sessions and aid in recovery.
Sugar
Unfortunately, most of the carbohydrates in Boost, 28 g, come from sugar. Sugar can be detrimental because it provides a short burst of energy, but may make you feel lethargic afterward due to the rapid drop in blood sugar levels. Consuming sugar prior to athletic activity may also cause stomach discomfort. Additionally, consuming too much sugar may reduce your levels of testosterone, a hormone that supports muscle growth, strength and athletic activity.
Protein
Boost drink contains 10 g of protein, a nutrient that is vital for athletes. While this amount of protein is 2 g more than a cup of milk contains, it may be too little for optimal athletic performance. Research published in the December 2010 edition of "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" indicates that you need 20 g of protein after exercise for optimal muscle recovery.
Fat
Boost drink contains a moderate amount of fat, 4 g. Fat can be beneficial because it is an energy-dense nutrient, but consuming too much fat right before, or during, exercise may cause cramping.
Vitamins C and E
Boost drink contains 100 percent of the daily suggested intake of vitamins C and E. While these nutrients do offer benefits, consuming them may be detrimental for athletes. Research published in the May 2009 issue of "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States" indicates that vitamins C and E can prevent improvements in insulin resistance caused by exercise; this can cause you to burn less fat. Additionally, a study from the September 2009 edition of "Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise" found that antioxidant supplementation can delay muscle recovery.
Potassium
Boost drink is rich in potassium, with about 17 percent of the daily suggested intake. Potassium is important for athletes because exercise can deplete your body's level of potassium.
Iron
Boost drink is rich in iron, with 25 percent of the daily recommended intake. Iron helps deliver oxygen to your cells, and your cells require more energy during exercise.
References
- Boost Drink: BOOST® Original
- Mayo Clinic; Exercise for Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 Hour; December 2009
- Yorktown Crew: Nutrition for the High School Rower;
- PhysOrg.com; Testosterone Decreases after Ingestion of Sugar; The Endocrine Society; June 2009
- "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"; Nutritional Strategies to Postexercise Recovery; M. Beelen et al.; December 2010
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America"; Antioxidants Prevent Health-Promoting Effects of Physical Exercise in Humans; M. Ristow et al.; May 2009
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