Ensure

Hi,
I was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

A while back, I saw, on one of the boards, a person writing about how, when things got bad, he would practically live on Ensure dietary supplements and baby food.

I tried the Ensure drinks, and I really like the taste of the “homemade vanilla shakes.”

In fact, I’ve been drinking quite a bit of vanilla Ensure in recent weeks.

Aside from occasional stomach rumbling and minor Acid Reflux (I’ve got that too,) they don’t seem to affect me much.

The Ensure drinks taste great, but I am starting to wonder if I’m having too much of a good thing.

Are the Ensure drinks designed to be used long-term?

For instance, can I have them for all three meals for two months, without losing out on some critical nutrient? (I have not done this, but want to know, in case I wish to try.)

Are their any Crohn’s or other complications resulting from drinking too much Ensure?

Thank you so much for your help.

Jay

Thank you. That's great news.

Jay

Hi ensure is sold liquid here in the usa.

I just googled Ensure powder and you can buy it online from multiple sources, one being the manufacturer. 14oz cans/6 pack for $65.93. I have no idea and the product website doesn't say how many servings the 14oz can mixes into, so I don't know if that is a cheaper option. But I'm sure the customer service number at the website could help. If you are going to be using it on a long term basis, it might be worth looking into. My mom was on this for months, but we just got it at the local store. At the time it came in cans and had a bit of a canned taste. Its much better now.

What A Life said...

I can't recall ever taking ensure. I would imagine this is lactose-free correct? Milk and I are not exactly the best of friends..> Even lactose-free milk gets me gassy. I'm almost thinking it's mind over matter with me! lol
Wouldn't you lose a ton of weight doing just an all-ensure diet for two months, or does it have tons of calories/carbs? My problem is, I go through days that I just can't stop eating.. I don't think I could do a liquid diet persay.

I just recently wrote in my own thread not too long ago about my trials with an all-Ensure diet. I lasted 4 days until i had to give up, i got the worst stomach pains from basically being starving, and i was drinking 6-7 a day, which is darn $$$. While i am glad some get relief going on that style of diet, its certainly not for me, was a horrible experience.

Thanks to all for the excellent replies.

 

I ‘ve been drinking the regular vanilla Ensures with “immuBalance.” The label says that they contain milk and soy ingredients, but also says that they are “Lactose-And Gluten-Free.”

 

Regarding the price, I get them at Costco for $29.99 for $30. I heard BJ’s has similar pricing. The downside is that those 30-can cases weigh a ton. Next time, I will open the cases in the cart and place the ensure bottles in my trunk one-at a-time. My back is killing from lifting those cases yesterday.

 

Thanks again,

 

Jay

Liquid Ensure-Butter Pecan. Yum! In Canada I've never seen the powder but would use ensure more often if the cost was lower. Gluten and lactose free 250 calories per 235ml.

Zanne said...
I just googled Ensure powder and you can buy it online from multiple sources, one being the manufacturer. 14oz cans/6 pack for $65.93. I have no idea and the product website doesn't say how many servings the 14oz can mixes into, so I don't know if that is a cheaper option. But I'm sure the customer service number at the website could help. If you are going to be using it on a long term basis, it might be worth looking into. My mom was on this for months, but we just got it at the local store. At the time it came in cans and had a bit of a canned taste. Its much better now.

Taiwan
Local price:
1 can: = 900 grams (1.98 pounds, or 31.74 ounces)
cost: NT$700, or US$21.92
$/oz: US$0.69/oz
===================
USA
According to Zanne's price quote (for USA, I think):
14 oz X 6 = 84 oz
$65.93/84oz = US$0.78/oz
===================
So, it's cheaper in Taiwan. But probably not worth your while to fly over here to buy it.
cheers,
Robert