If you are what you eat (or drink), you want to make sure that you’re selecting healthy, well-balanced choices. It’s also important to make sure your loved ones are eating enough to make sure their dietary needs are being met.
Nutritional supplements are often seen as good sources of vitamins and minerals for older adults who have issues with eating, such as problems chewing, or who do not otherwise get enough calories in their diets. Recently, however, the American Geriatrics Society put out a warning about many of the supplemental drinks such as Boost, Ensure, and others, saying they are closer to candy than to vitamins.
According to the drink’s nutritional data, an eight-ounce bottle of chocolate Boost Original contains 28 grams of sugar and no fiber, a higher sugar content than many popular children’s breakfast cereals. Doctors warn that, while these drinks are marketed as a way for older adults to stay strong and active as they age, the only place they have clear value is if the senior is malnourished.
If your loved one uses a nutritional supplement regularly, take a look at information in this article entitled, “Geriatricians: Beware Liquid Candy” from the New York Times’ The New Old Age blog.
For more information on healthy eating habits for your elderly loved one, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
Ensuring older loved ones maintain a healthy diet and get the vitamins and minerals they need is extremely important. Contact Heaven at Home in Denton, Texas to learn how in-home care can help seniors improve eating habits and lead a happier, healthier lifestyle.