In an era characterised by mass food production and convenience foods, modern diets are often deficient in many important vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function optimally, which is when an advanced nutritional supplement like Ensure Gold can help.

The rising prevalence of digestive issues in society can also reduce the amount of nutrients our bodies can absorb from any nutrient-dense natural wholesome we eat.

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Nutrient deficiencies common

Our bodies need these nutrients to function because they support natural growth and repair processes, energy production, immune system function, and detoxification, among other roles.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than two billion people globally suffer from deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, iodine, iron and zinc.

Worryingly, poor nutrition and chronic deficiencies can increase the risk of several diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease1.

And we also need added nutritional support as we grow older. For instance, after the age of 30, we may lose up to 3-8% of our muscle mass every decade2. This loss of muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, can affect our strength and vitality.

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Diet-first approach

The best way to meet your nutritional needs at any age is to eat a healthy and balanced diet that consists predominantly of nutrient-rich natural foods, especially plants, which can deliver a broad spectrum of micronutrients.

Eating fresh raw fruits and vegetables as often as possible is a great way to get even more nutritional value, as storage, transport, and cooking can deplete the nutritional value of these foods.

You can also incorporate a well-formulated supplement into your diet to provide additional nutritional support and plug any potential nutrient deficiencies.

Nutritional supplements are designed to top up our dietary intake of micronutrients rather than replace natural, wholesome foods.

This combined approach is backed by the respected Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), which made a landmark recommendation3 in 2002 that adults, not just athletes and highly active individuals, should take vitamin supplements in addition to eating a healthy diet to correct “suboptimal vitamin levels”.

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Covering all your nutritional basis

A comprehensive nutritional supplement like Ensure Gold is scientifically formulated to contain a range of essential nutrients for everyday wellness.

Ensure Gold is an advanced oral nutritional supplement consisting of a unique blend of HMB, high-quality triple protein and vitamin D. The body needs these nutrients to maintain muscle and strength and produce the energy we need to do the things we love, even into older age.

It is also formulated to contain vitamins B2, B6, B12 and folic acid to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

And it is a source of prebiotic carbohydrates known as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium, to help support the immune system. It is clinically proven to support strength, energy, and immunity and is Halaal-certified, gluten-free, and suitable for lactose sensitivity and intolerance.

Independent studies confirm that oral nutritional supplements are effective at improving the nutritional status of older adults in various circumstances, including malnourishment4, disordered eating5, and cognitive impairment6.

Ultimately, improving the nutrient quality of your diet should always be the first step on the road to optimal health. Once you have your diet right you can then turn to supplements to compensate for any shortfall or to meet your individual nutritional needs.

It is always best to consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner to devise an individualised nutritional approach to meet your specific health and wellness needs, now and into old age,

References:

  1. Kiani AK, Dhuli K, Donato K, Aquilanti B, Velluti V, Matera G, Iaconelli A, Connelly ST, Bellinato F, Gisondi P, Bertelli M. Main nutritional deficiencies. J Prev Med Hyg. 2022 Oct 17;63(2 Suppl 3):E93-E101. doi: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2752. PMID: 36479498; PMCID: PMC9710417.
  2. Volpi E, Nazemi R, Fujita S. Muscle tissue changes with aging. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2004 Jul;7(4):405-10. doi: 10.1097/01.mco.0000134362.76653.b2. PMID: 15192443; PMCID: PMC2804956.
  3. Fletcher RH, Fairfield KM. Vitamins for Chronic Disease Prevention in Adults: Clinical Applications. JAMA. 2002;287(23):3127–3129. doi:10.1001/jama.287.23.3127.
  4. Milne AC, Potter J, Vivanti A, Avenell A, Protein and energy supplementation in elderly people at risk from malnutrition. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009.
  5. Li M, Zhao S, Wu S, Yang X, Feng H. Effectiveness of Oral Nutritional Supplements on Older People with Anorexia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 3;13(3):835. doi: 10.3390/nu13030835. PMID: 33802580; PMCID: PMC8001033.
  6. Allen VJ, Methven L, Gosney M. Impact of serving method on the consumption of nutritional supplement drinks: randomized trial in older adults with cognitive impairment. J Adv Nurs. 2014 Jun;70(6):1323-33. doi: 10.1111/jan.12293. Epub 2013 Nov 19. PMID: 24251424.