Ensure is usually marketed as a product for adults. It is the brand name for a dietary supplement powder manufactured by the healthcare company Abbott (1). In this post, we tell you whether or not you may use Ensure for kids and suggest some alternative food supplements available. This is not a promotional post for Ensure or its sister brands. It is for informational purposes only and not a replacement for a doctor’s advice.
Is Ensure Good For Children?
Ensure contains 24 vitamins and minerals, eight grams of high-quality protein, and 240 calories in a serving (2). But the assortment and quantity of nutrients may not be ideal for children. Pediasure by Abbott is better formulated to meet children’s nutritional requirements. There could be instances where Ensure may be helpful, like when the child is severely malnourished. Some children with chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis cannot get enough calories to grow from a regular diet. Their medical team may prescribe a supplement to make sure they’re getting enough calories to grow. But do not give Ensure without seeking medical advice. For normal usage, you may consider Pediasure for children. Kristin Gillespie, MS, LDN, a registered dietitian and certified nutrition support clinician from Virginia Beach, Virginia, says, “While Ensure can be a way to provide macro- and micronutrients to those who are unable to obtain what they need from regular food, it is branded for adults and is not recommended for children. Because it is formulated for adults, the content of certain nutrients may be excessive compared to the needs of children, with the potential for toxicities if consumed regularly. Older children above 13 years of age may consider transitioning to Ensure, but should do so under the supervision of a physician and registered dietitian.”
What Age Is Safe To Introduce Ensure To Children?
Ensure is marketed as a nutritional supplement for adults. It doesn’t specify any age or related guidelines about when to start consuming it.
Ensure Vis-a-vis Pediasure
Although the same company manufacturers Ensure and Pediasure, their formulations are different. The following are some of their features as claimed by the manufacturer (3) (4).
Ensure is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adults while Pediasure is made for children up to the age of 13 years.
Ensure helps adults receive adequate nutrients for muscle gain, healthy weight, and stay energetic. Pediasure is a supplement for children who require additional nourishment to gain the height and weight appropriate for their age. Image: Shutterstock
The manufacturer claims Ensure to have vital nutrients, such as high-quality protein, folic acid, thiamin, vitamin B12, copper sulfate, and potassium chloride. Pediasure claims to contain vitamins, minerals, DHA-omega 3, and high-quality protein.
Both brands are gluten-free, kosher, and suitable for lactose intolerant consumers (includes a small amount of lactose that cannot be a cause for serious concern).
“Pediasure, which is designed for kids between one and 13 years of age, is a better alternative than Ensure, as the nutrient content is more appropriate for their needs,” adds Gillespie.
Possible Side Effects Of Ensure
The side effects of Ensure are anecdotal with no scientific backing. These side effects are also reported among adults and not children. The following are the purported side effects of Ensure:
Excessive consumption of Ensure was found to lead to constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. Some might experience more weight gain than desired since the supplement also contains added sugar.
Ensure is not suitable for those with galactosemia, a condition where the body is unable to digest the sugar named galactose. Ensure could cause abdominal discomfort among those with galactosemia.
According to Sara Kashlan, MS, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist, certified eating disorder specialist, and intuitive eating coach, “Ensure consumption for children depends on each child’s medical condition. It’s important to keep in mind that both Ensure and Pediasure are meant to be temporary supplements, with the goal of eventually moving to a well-balanced diet.”
Alternatives To Ensure
Most children do not need a nutritional supplement. They can get all their nutritional needs from a well-balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates (preferably from fruit, vegetables and whole grains) and healthy fats (such as olive oil), vitamins, and other essential nutrients (5).
Milk and other dairy products may be included in the child’s meal
Add fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C
Whole grain bread can provide fiber Image: Shutterstock
Meat, poultry, or fish can provide protein and micronutrients
It is essential to consult a doctor if the child has a nutrient deficiency or problems in gaining weight or height.
