Walk into any hospital, nursing home, or senior care facility, and you’ll likely see them: small bottles of meal replacement shakes being handed out to patients as “nutrition support.”
A closer look at what’s actually in these products reveals a troubling reality: many of these shakes contain ingredients that can worsen the very conditions they’re meant to help.
The Institutional Shake Problem
“It’s a regular occurrence — seniors in hospitals or care facilities being given shakes that are essentially sugar water with a little protein thrown in,” says Joel Bikman, a nutrition expert who’s now dedicated his life to helping others make better lifestyle choices. “These products are handed out because they’re cheap, not because they’re what’s best for patient health.”
The numbers are staggering. A recent analysis of popular institutional meal replacement shakes found that many contain 15-25 grams of sugar per serving — more than a can of some popular soda pops. For seniors already struggling with diabetes, insulin resistance, or metabolic disorders, this can be particularly harmful.
What’s Really Inside
The Sugar Problem – Many hospital-distributed shakes contain corn syrup, cane sugar, or fructose as primary ingredients. Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that high-sugar nutritional supplements can actually worsen glucose control in elderly patients, particularly those with existing diabetes or prediabetes.
Artificial Additives – To extend shelf life and reduce costs, institutional shakes often contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. A 2021 study in Clinical Nutrition found that these additives can trigger inflammatory responses — particularly problematic for seniors whose immune systems are already compromised.
Poor Protein Quality – Many institutional shakes rely on soy protein isolate or other cheap protein sources that don’t provide complete amino acid profiles. For seniors fighting muscle loss (sarcopenia), this inadequate protein can actually accelerate decline rather than prevent it.
“As you get older, your need for protein to build and maintain needed muscle mass actually increases — up to double the amount currently recommended,” Bikman said. “The majority of aging adults are significantly below those recommended amounts — to their harm.”
The Cost-vs-Health Equation
Healthcare institutions face budget pressures that often prioritize cost over nutritional quality. A premium, metabolically balanced shake might cost $3-4 per serving, while institutional options can be purchased for little more than a $1.
“The irony is that giving patients this very poor-quality nutrition can actually extend hospital stays and worsen outcomes,” explains Bikman. “A patient who experiences blood sugar spikes and crashes simply isn’t going to recover as quickly as someone getting stable, balanced nutrition.”
Real-World Consequences
The impact goes beyond individual patient health. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that seniors consuming high-sugar nutritional supplements showed:
- Increased inflammation markers
- Poorer glycemic control
- Higher rates of digestive issues
- Reduced appetite for actual meals
What Seniors and Families Can Do
Start by asking questions, such as:
“Can I see the ingredient list of this shake?”
“What’s the sugar content?”
“Are there artificial additives?”
“Are there alternative options?”
Another option is if you need a meal replacement shake, simply bring your own. Many facilities allow patients to bring their own nutritional supplements. Look for shakes with:
- No added sugars
- High-quality protein sources (whey, egg, or collagen)
- Minimal artificial ingredients
- Balanced macronutrients (roughly equal protein and healthy fats)
The Path Forward
Some progressive healthcare systems are beginning to recognize this problem. Kaiser Permanente and Mayo Clinic have started evaluating their nutritional supplement choices based on ingredient quality, not just cost.
“We wouldn’t accept substandard medications in hospitals,” notes Bikman. “Why should we accept substandard nutrition?”
Seeing the overwhelming need for a truly healthy meal replacement shake that folks 60+ could consume each day, Bikman and his team of metabolic and nutrition experts decided to create the ideal solution: HLTH Code Complete Meal.
“Each shake features an optimized, science-backed blend of protein, collagen, healthy fats, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals – with no added sugar or any artificial ingredients,” said Bikman. “For most people, it’s easily the healthiest thing they’ll consume in the day.”
Real Results
Bikman notes that thousands of people age 60 and over are using HLTH Code every day to look and feel better, and points to a few of their many 5-star reviews:
“I’m so glad to have found this product. Two words IT WORKS. I was recently diagnosed & have had to make major changes to my diet. Have this for breakfast everyday, Low glycemic index, calories to keep you full longer. Works well with losing weight & maintaining glucose levels,” Maria F. wrote.
“I wear a continuous glucose monitor and can see that my blood glucose is steady-eddy, no spikes when I consume this shake,” Danalee J. said.
“Just what I have been looking for as a well-balanced good tasting meal replacement. Very quick and easy preparation with no clumping in the shake. This is the first shake that keeps me feeling full and sustained throughout my workday,” Gerald B. said.
“So easy to mix and turn into a meal. Tastes great and nutritionally sound. I could just eat these for my meals and be fine,” Patrick I. stated.
“This product is so good. I love the fact that I get 50% of the vitamins and minerals I need with each serving,” Sharon L. said.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Whether you want better daily nutrition for yourself or for a loved one, Bikman stands by his HLTH Code Meal Replacement products and is willing to guarantee your satisfaction.
“You have nothing to lose (except maybe some extra pounds) and everything to gain in terms of wellness and confidence that you’re getting the most nutritionally complete meal shake ever developed,” he said.
For exclusive savings on your first order, visit getHLTH.com and enter the discount code MERIDIAN at checkout.
