Latest news with #micronutrients
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Children under five at risk from only consuming plant milk, say experts
No plant-based milk available in the UK is 'nutritionally equivalent' to cows' milk, a team of UK experts has concluded. Plant-based milk drinks – including soya, oat and almond milk – have soared in popularity in recent years. Now nutritional experts advising the UK Government have published a report on the benefits and risks of milk substitutes, with some concerns raised about the use of the products among children under the age of five. In children aged one to five there is a risk that only consuming plant-based drinks can lead to 'inadequate intakes of some micronutrients', according to experts on the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (Cot). And people of any age group who have these drinks could have a higher intake of added sugar. But the report stresses that nutritional concerns may be 'lessened' if people opt for unsweetened soya, oat and almond milk drinks and if these drinks are fortified with vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, calcium and iodine at similar levels to those in cows' milk, and also with vitamin D. And they said that typical almond, oat and soya drinks may contribute to lower intakes of calories and saturated fat, with higher intake of fibre and vitamin D, which would be beneficial to most. But the new report highlights a 'potential toxicological concern' with milk substitutes in children up to the age of five who follow a vegan diet and consume a lot of soya. The expert group said that these children may be more likely to consume high amounts of a naturally occurring compound called isoflavones. But the risk could be partially mitigated by ensuring children following a vegan diet get their protein from a variety of sources and not just soya. SACN and Cot made a series of nutrition recommendations for children under the age of five, older children and adults who drink milk substitutes, including: It is 'preferable' that children aged one to five consume whole or semi-skimmed cows' milk over plant-based drinks, if they consume animal products, but unsweetened and fortified plant-based milks are an 'acceptable alternative'. Unfortified or sweetened plant-based drinks are 'not an acceptable alternative to cows' milk'. SACN and Cot also said that 'there is no need for drinks specifically marketed for children aged one to three years, including plant-based follow-on formula, 'growing up' and other 'toddler' drinks'. Vegan children aged one to five should consume fortified and unsweetened plant-based milks over water, where other children would drink cows' milk. Soya milk is preferable as the main substitute for cows' milk for vegan children aged one to five, because it has higher amounts of protein compared to almond or oat milks. But the experts stressed vegan children should be offered a wide variety in protein in their general food and drink consumption, to avoid high intakes of isoflavones linked to soya. For children aged five and over and adults, fortified and unsweetened almond, oat and soya drinks are an acceptable alternative to cows' milk. They conclude: 'No almond, oat or soya drink available in the UK is nutritionally equivalent to cows' milk. 'The most appropriate alternative to cows' milk varies by age group and people's wider dietary intakes and health concerns.' They add: 'There are potential nutritional and toxicological concerns related to plant-based drinks, and these particularly apply to children aged one to five years, especially those who are following a vegan diet. 'There are potential nutritional concerns related to higher intakes of free sugars and inadequate intakes of certain micronutrients (for all three plant-based drinks) and lower intakes of protein (for almond and oat drinks).'
Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The UN's war on trans fat must not come at the cost of nutrition in Africa
For many of the world's poorest, a simple glass of milk can make a big difference where dietary diversity is limited. As a rich source of micronutrients like B12, calcium, zinc, and essential fatty acids, which are critical to children's healthy development, milk is one of the most affordable and accessible nutrient-dense foods in rural and low-income areas. We must be careful, therefore, that a new United Nations declaration that seeks to eliminate trans-fatty acids to reduce diet-related illness does not unintentionally affect access to this important food, along with other nutritious forms of dairy and meat. To avoid a potentially harmful misstep and protect the rights of the poorest to basic, healthy nutrition, UN negotiators must draw a clear line between animal-source foods, which contain low levels of trans-fatty acids, and industrially-produced sources with much higher concentrations presenting greater risk to health. The UN's push to address the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including conditions like heart disease and diabetes, is essential and welcome. In Ethiopia where I am based, for example, NCDs such as heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are a growing public health concern, recently ranking among the leading causes of death. This is increasingly the case across many developing countries, where healthcare systems are less equipped to diagnose or manage related health consequences. To be effective, interventions like the proposed declaration need to include adequate attention to the realities faced by developing nations. This includes acknowledging complex nutritional paradoxes, such as alarming rates of infant undernutrition, including stunting, which not only increases the risk of obesity and diet-related illness in later life, but also stunts brain development and impacts educational and economic outcomes in adulthood. Counter-intuitively, children who suffer from undernutrition in their early life are more likely to suffer obesity and NCDs as adults. This cruel irony of early deprivation, often referred to as the 'developmental origins of health and disease,' underscores the critical need for a careful, holistic approach to nutrition from early life onwards. The impacts of childhood undernutrition are felt far and wide – undernutrition can cost developing nations up to 16 per cent of GDP, and the cost will be much higher if the burden of NCDs are included. The declaration to reduce trans-fatty acid consumption should focus on industrial sources and help shape Africa's food systems by pushing for policies that prevent trans-fatty acids from entering diets through processed foods. It should guide the development of a healthier food processing industry – one that limits or eliminates industrial trans-fats altogether. Industrially-produced trans-fatty acids pose a significantly higher health risk than those that occur naturally in small amounts in dairy and meat due to their concentrations. For comparison, industrial trans-fatty acids can reach concentrations of up to 60 per cent of fat content in processed foods, whereas natural trans-fatty acids in animal-source foods typically make up just 2–5 per cent. On the other hand, it is important to recognise that even small amounts of animal-source foods – just a glass of milk or a single egg per day – come packaged with critical nutrients, which protect against nutrient deficiencies. Research by the International Food Policy Research Institute, for example, has shown that regular milk consumption corresponds with significant reductions in child stunting across low- and middle-income countries. This means that in communities facing chronic food insecurity, animal-source foods such as milk are not just beneficial, but essential. More than 700 million people around the world face hunger each year, many of them in Africa. We therefore must be careful not to design policies that unfairly limit access to these foods, or else we risk undermining efforts to improve diets and nutrition in low-income settings. It is crucial, then, as UN negotiators prepare the final wording of the resolution on trans-fatty acids, that a distinction is made between those found in animal-source foods and those in industrially-produced foods. The declaration must endeavour to foster a food systems transformation trajectory that eliminates trans-fats from processed foods as the food processing industry evolves in these settings. If we fail to do so, we risk inadvertently creating policies that further jeopardise the diets, nutrition and health of the most vulnerable by discouraging access to sources of important nutrients. If we do not effectively address undernutrition, the human cost could ironically increase the prevalence of NCDs by driving up childhood undernutrition. In many African settings, where the food processing industry is still in its nascent stages, we have an opportunity to take a different diet-centred path to developed nations and avoid the challenges that come with mass production of industrial trans-fatty acids. NCDs are a global health emergency demanding urgent action. This burden is growing, and falling heaviest on developing countries, as in Africa where diagnosis and treatment are limited and where NCDs are linked to undernutrition in childhood. Better diets and nutrition call for nuanced access and food systems transformation for all people and the planet.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The best meal replacement shakes, tested and reviewed
There's no replacement for whole foods. However, this doesn't mean there aren't times when a meal replacement shake can come in handy. Unlike protein powders and shakes, meal replacement shakes typically offer a more balanced mix of essential macronutrients — protein, carbohydrates and fat — providing your body with the energy and building blocks needed for tissue repair and growth. The best meal replacement shakes can be convenient and healthy when consumed in moderation. The key is paying close attention to a product's ingredients and nutrition facts. "A meal replacement shake is meant to be a meal, not a snack," says dietitian Lisa Moskovitz. "It's important that it provides key nutrients and a sufficient amount of calories." For instance, if you're aiming to lose weight, you'll want a shake with fewer calories, whereas those looking to gain weight and build lean muscle mass would benefit from a higher-calorie option (around 400-500 calories). Regardless of your weight goals, you'll also want to keep an eye out for products containing ample protein, a good amount of fiber and some healthy fats. Another must? Micronutrients — essential vitamins and minerals your body requires in smaller (hence, micro) amounts. Examples include calcium, iron, zinc and B vitamins. Research suggests that calorie restriction, often practiced by those turning to meal replacement products, can lead to micronutrient deficiencies if you're not mindful of getting enough through the foods (or added vitamins) you're consuming. Without properly balancing both macronutrients and micronutrients, your body can't function at its best, and you may find yourself feeling tired or other symptoms like noticing your nails breaking more easily. Whether you're trying to lose weight, gain weight or simply tide yourself over on a busy day, we set out to find the best meal replacement drinks that are worth your investment. We evaluated and tested 13 ready-to-drink options, assessing taste, texture and consistency and consulted with three registered dietitians to understand what to prioritize and what to avoid. Keep reading to see which products made our list as the best meal replacement shakes for 2025. Best overall meal replacement shake More meal replacement shakes we like Factors to consider when purchasing a meal replacement shake How we chose the best meal replacement shakes Other products we tested FAQs Meet our experts A note on supplements The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine. Update, June 25, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best overall meal replacement shake is unchanged. Raw Generation Meal Replacement Shake has been discontinued by the brand and was removed from our list. (back to top) (back to top) When choosing a meal replacement shake, our experts suggest considering the following factors: Ingredients: Ideally, look for shakes with mostly whole food ingredients rather than highly processed ones. You want to make sure you're getting a healthy balance of macro and micronutrients while limiting artificial flavors and sweeteners. Protein source: Depending on the formulation, both plant-based and whey-based options may offer complete protein profiles. While there are pros and cons of different protein sources, ultimately, the best option is the one that aligns with your diet preferences and is easy for you to tolerate. Calorie and sugar content: If you're trying to gain weight or have a high activity level, you may need a shake with more calories. On the other hand, lower-calorie options may be helpful for weight maintenance or loss. People with diabetes should also pay attention to carbohydrate content, including the amount of fiber and sugar. Performance: Consider when and how you'll be using the shake. If it will serve as a meal replacement, make sure it contains enough protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you from getting hungry between meals. If you're drinking it after a workout, you'll want adequate protein and carbohydrates to help your muscles recover. Storage: Some shakes are shelf-stable, meaning you can keep them in your pantry without refrigeration. Others require refrigeration or freezing to maintain freshness. While shelf-stable options offer convenience, they may have added preservatives and may not be as fresh as refrigerated or frozen options. (back to top) We tested 13 meal replacement shakes from popular and reputable brands to find the best options. We spoke with three registered dietitians to get their expert opinions on what to look for in a meal replacement shake, what nutritional factors to consider and how age and activity level may affect the type of shake you should choose. As a nurse, I also used my own medical knowledge as a factor in selecting which shakes to test and evaluate. Each shake was thoroughly tested for taste and texture. The ingredient list and nutrition facts were also analyzed to better understand the drink's calories, macronutrients and micronutrients. (back to top) In our quest to find the best meal replacement shakes, some products didn't make the final cut. However, they may still be worth considering, depending on your needs and preferences. Here's a look at the other contenders: Nurri Ultra-Filtered Milk Shakes: While only available at Costco (which is why it didn't make our list), this canned shake is worth adding to your cart if you're a member. The shake tastes very similar to chocolate milk and has 30 grams of protein, 3 grams of carbs and 2.5 grams of fat. That said, at 150 calories per serving, it might not be filling enough for a meal. KendaKids Vita-Boost Shakes: These grass-fed, whole-milk-based shakes are great for supplementing picky eating. However, they're not the most budget-friendly and can be hard to find. Boost High Protein Nutritional Drink: When it comes to meal replacement shakes, Boost is considered one of the OGs. This shake is widely available and offers a good ratio of macronutrients. The biggest downside is the ingredient list, which features several artificial ingredients. It also contains 11 grams of added sugar per serving, which is on the higher end. Compleat Standard 1.4 Nutrition Shake: This vegan shake is tube-feeding friendly but doesn't taste great when consumed orally. (back to top) A meal replacement shake is a prepackaged beverage that's formulated to replace a meal. It should contain a balanced mix of macronutrients (protein, carbs and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to provide the necessary nutrition for a complete meal. It depends. Some are highly processed and filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars and preservatives. That said, some options contain whole food ingredients and can be a convenient way to get the nutrients you need without having to prep or cook a meal. The best way to determine whether a meal replacement shake is healthy is to read the ingredient list and nutrition label carefully. Still, keep in mind that meal replacement shakes can't provide the same benefits as whole foods. You shouldn't rely solely on meal replacement shakes. Whole foods are the best way to get the nutrients your body needs to function. Meal replacement shakes are best for supplemental nutrition or convenience on busy days when you're tempted to skip a meal. Some people successfully lose weight with meal replacement shakes. However, it's important to choose a shake with the proper macronutrient ratio and calorie content based on guidance from a registered dietitian. Simply replacing meals with shakes without considering overall calorie intake and physical activity may not lead to sustainable weight loss. When choosing a meal replacement shake, consider the ingredients, protein source, calorie content and your body's needs. If unsure, a registered dietitian can help you choose an option based on your health history and goals. Yes. You can make meal replacement shakes with whole foods like fruits, vegetables, a protein source (nuts and seeds, yogurt, tofu) and healthy fats (avocado, nut butter). Moskovitz says you can mix protein powder in a blender with sources of carbs, such as oats or fruit and fats, like avocado or peanut butter. (back to top) Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of NY Nutrition Group and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan Alyssa Pacheco, Registered dietitian from the PCOS Nutritionist Madeleine Putzi, MS, RDN, Pittsburgh-based registered dietitian Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Health Line
02-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What You Need to Know About IV Therapy for Weight Loss
IV therapy for weight loss involves administering vitamins, minerals, or medications directly into your vein. There are no official guidelines for its use in weight loss, and very limited research supports its use. Intravenous (IV) fluid administration involves administering fluids directly into your bloodstream. These fluids usually contain nutrients or medications. In IV therapy, a liquid solution hangs in a bag around head height. A thin IV tube is connected to it and leads down into a vein, usually in your hand or arm. This allows the solution to go directly into your bloodstream. Some people claim that IV therapy can help support weight loss. This may include the administration of certain micronutrients or medications. However, it's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't approved any IV therapies for weight loss, and very limited research has examined or supports these claims. Keep reading to learn more about how vitamin and medication IV therapy can possibly help with weight loss. A note on IV therapy for weight management There are several claims that IV therapy can help manage weight loss, but very limited research supports them. Weight loss is a journey that may include a combination of several factors, including: staying in a calorie deficit eating a balanced diet being physically active getting enough high quality sleep managing stress managing health conditions, such as diabetes and obesity taking certain medications, such as GLP-1 medications If a doctor has recommended you lose weight but you're not sure how to get started, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, a certified personal trainer, or a registered dietitian. They can help you develop a safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss program to help you reach your goals. Learn more about safe and effective weight loss. Can vitamin IV therapy help with weight loss? Some people claim that vitamin IV therapy, sometimes called a ' Myer's cocktail,' may provide micronutrients that might possibly help manage weight, reduce stress, and boost energy and immunity. Some common vitamins and minerals that are part of IV therapies for weight loss include: B Complex vitamins: These vitamins help maintain metabolic function by metabolizing proteins, fats, and carbs and using them for energy. Vitamin C: Some research suggests that vitamin C supplementation may help reduce body mass index (BMI), but not body weight, fat mass, and cholesterol levels, among other markers. Zinc: A 2019 study found that zinc supplementation and a low calorie diet helped reduce body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. However, these effects may be largely attributed to being in a calorie deficit. Magnesium: A 2020 study found that magnesium supplementation helped reduce body weight and waist circumference in people with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, but the results weren't significant. Despite these positive findings, it's important to note that these vitamins and minerals were administered orally, rather than intravenously. Can medication IV therapy support weight loss? Some weight loss medications are available to help manage obesity and overweight by managing blood sugar levels and reducing appetite. These are known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists. Although they're becoming more popular, it's important to note that GLP-1 medications are only administered by subcutaneous injection or orally (by mouth). No GLP-1 medication is approved by the FDA to be administered intravenously. That said, some research and clinical trials have found that some IV medications may help support weight loss. PYY agonists Peptide YY (PYY) is a hormone secreted by your gut after eating and helps manage blood sugar levels and regulate appetite. Some research suggests that PYY agonists administered intravenously may help support weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing feelings of fullness. This is because people with obesity or overweight may have less PYY circulating in their system, increasing their appetite and leading to increased food intake. That said, more research is needed to understand the role of PYY in appetite regulation and weight management. Bimagrumab Bimagrumab is a type of monoclonal antibody. It works by blocking the activin type II receptor (ActRII), which is a pathway that plays a role in skeletal muscle mass and muscle growth. A 2021 study in 75 participants with diabetes and obesity examined the effects of administering bimagrumab once every 4 weeks intravenously compared to a placebo. After 48 weeks, the participants who received bimagrumab lost an average of 20.5% of total body fat mass compared to a slight increase of 0.5% in the placebo group. Similarly, a small 2017 study in 16 participants found that administering bimagrumab intravenously helped reduce fat mass by 7.9% after 10 weeks. Despite these positive findings, more research is needed to understand the role of bimagrumab IV therapy in weight loss. Some possible side effects of bimagrumab may include falls, muscle spasms, and diarrhea. When is IV therapy used? Micronutrient IV therapies should only be used in clinical settings under the supervision of a healthcare professional to treat underlying conditions and nutritional imbalances. These may be caused by: What are the side effects of weight loss drip? In some cases, intravenous fluid regulation may lead to some complications, including: hypervolemia (fluid overload) edema (fluid retention) hyponatremia (low blood sodium) hypernatremia (high sodium) hyperkalemia (high potassium) compartment syndrome metabolic acidosis Is IV therapy for weight loss covered by insurance? It's unlikely that IV therapy for weight loss will be covered by insurance. There are currently no FDA-approved IV therapies for weight loss, nor are there any official guidelines about this type of treatment. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional to see if you might qualify for other medical weight management treatments that could be covered by some insurance providers, such as GLP-1 medications. If you have an insurance provider, you can also connect with them before speaking with a doctor to see whether any weight loss medications are covered. If any options are available, you can bring these to a doctor to see if any might be suitable for you. What doctor can prescribe IV therapy for weight loss? It's unlikely that a healthcare professional will prescribe IV therapy for weight loss unless you have a serious health condition that causes malnutrition or requires frequent fluid monitoring. Although many private clinics, companies, and online websites advertise different kinds of IV therapies for weight loss, it's important to remember that no vitamin or medication IV therapies are approved by the FDA for weight loss. If you think you may need to lose weight, consider speaking with a general practitioner first. They can examine your physical and mental health and, if necessary, refer you to specialists who can develop a treatment plan, including: obesity specialist endocrinologist exercise personal trainer registered dietitian
