WHAT ARE

MEAL
REPLACEMENTS?

Meal replacements are foods that can be substituted for a full

meal, or as a supplement to a meal. The main purpose of meal
replacements are for those that either lack essential nutrients in
their daily diets or are struggling with weight loss. 

*Available in forms of nutrition shakes, bars and powders

Meal Replacements on the Market 
(1) Boost Nutritional Drink: 15 g of protein, 240 calories, 26 vitamins and minerals 
(2) Ensure Plus: 13g of protein, 350 calories, 26 vitamins and minerals  
(3) Glucerna: 10g of protein, 190 calories, vitamins and minerals 

 Potential Benefits/ Health Claims

for the Target Population 
(1) Pre-operative Bariatric Patients undergoing a weight reduction can benefit
from meal replacements which encourage weight loss via ketosis
(2) Athletes needing a fast form of post-workout nutrition 
(3) Older adults and elderly at-risk for developing loss of muscle function or
malnutrition
(4) Children at risk for malnutrition or are falling behind on growth
*Supplementation with Pediasure has been shown to improve immunity and
aid brain development and growth
(5) Diabetics in need of a convenience food that minimizes blood glucose spikes
can consume Glucerna, a low calorie, high protein nutritional drink 

Potential Risks & Concerns

(1) Some lack fiber content and phytochemicals normally found in
plant-based foods
(2) can cause GI distress due to sugar alcohols
(3) long-term users may harbor a negative relationship with food 

Recommendation: 
Consult a Medical Doctor & a Registered Dietitian to determine if and which meal
replacements are suitable for you! 
 References:
Ashley, Judith M., et al. “Nutrient adequacy during weight loss interventions: a
randomized study in women comparing the dietary intake
in a meal replacement group with a traditional food group.” Nutrition Journal, 25 June
2007,
http://www.nutritionj.com/content/6/1/12.

Harvard Medical School (2018). Supplemental Nutrition Drinks: Help or Hype?

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/supplemental-nutrition-drinks-help-or-
hype

Hill, Susan M. (2017, July 5). Oral nutritional supplementation: a user’s guide.
Paediatrics and Child Health, volume 27, issue 8, pages
378-382, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751722217301440.

Kirk, Ben. (2018). “Use It or Lose It: Use It or Lose It: Muscle, Protein, Exercise and
Healthy Aging” Lecture at Food and Nutrition Conference
Exposition, Washington D.C.

Mumbai. (2018, May 21). Abbott unveils PediaSure’s Cookies & Cream variant for
kids two and up. Food & Beverage News.
http://search.proquest.com/docview/2041541272/

Tewksbury, Colleen et al. “Preoperative Medical Weight Management in Bariatric

Surgery: a Review and Reconsideration” Obesity surgery
vol. 27,1 (2017): 208-214.

Webb, Denise. “Liquid Meal Replacements.” Today’s Dietitian, vol. 20, no. 1, page 20,
January 2018,
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0118p20.shtml.

Completed by Jasmine Vazquez, Amanda Lam, Kristine Del Rosario 2018