The Side Effects Of Meal Replacement Shakes (2024)

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The Side Effects Of Meal Replacement Shakes? ›

Roughly 1 in 5 people experience bloating, constipation, diarrhea, gas, nausea, or stomach pain after drinking meal replacement shakes. The severity of the side effects varies from person to person, but it is not unusual to run to the bathroom or feel bloated when using meal replacements.

The vitamins in meal replacement shakes don't come from a food source so your body doesn't recognise them. These lab-created synthetics can cause inflammation, allergies, digestive disturbances, and autoimmune dysfunction. Fructose: Processed sugar, such as in the form of fructose, can greatly affect health.

Though they contain some essential nutrients, they do not have all the nutrients the body requires, such as enzymes and antioxidants. Replacing all meals or prolonged consumption of these shakes is dangerous. They may produce harmful effects because it deprives the body of all essential nutrients and enzymes.

Artificial sweeteners, bulking agents and the like are all thought to contribute to bloating, cramps and other digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhoea. Another potential source of digestive discomfort is whey protein, which is commonly used in many meal replacement shakes.

Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices. And if you rely too much on protein shakes to replace daily meals, you'll miss out on the healthy benefits of whole foods. Since protein has calories, consuming too much can make it harder to lose weight.

With a meal replacement you could create a 500-calorie deficit a day, which means you can lose 1 lb a week. However, if you create a larger calorie deficit of 2,500 by replacing two meals a day with a meal replacement, eat a healthy meal, and include exercise; you can safely lose up to 5 lbs a week.

You can live on meal replacement shakes and nothing else but should not plan on doing so for longer than eight weeks. Most people will respond better to having two or even just one shake per day. Finding the right shake for you is also important.

There is little evidence showing that high-protein diets harm the kidneys of healthy people without kidney issues. People who do have impaired kidney health, as in chronic kidney disease, may need to moderate their protein powder intake as directed by a registered dietitian or physician.

What are 2 3 cons for taking nutritional supplements? ›

Some supplements may have side effects, especially if taken before surgery or with other medicines. Supplements can also cause problems if you have certain health conditions. And the effects of many supplements haven't been tested in children, pregnant women and other groups.

Others contain unhealthy ingredients like added sugars, corn syrup, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, artificial flavors and chemical preservatives. Unfortunately, some shakes that are marketed for weight loss contain more grams of sugar than grams of protein.

It may cause digestive issues

For some people, these side effects may be related to lactose intolerance. Some people have problems digesting lactose, which can cause symptoms such as bloating, gas, stomach cramps and diarrhea ( 8 ). Lactose is the main carb in many whey protein supplements.

For most, consuming protein shakes can aid muscle growth, boost metabolism, preserve muscle mass and even help to lose weight. However, too much protein may be detrimental to one's kidney.

There is no significant evidence to say that meal replacements will put stress on your liver however they should not be used as a long-term weight loss solution.

Many shakes include protein but may lack essential vitamins, minerals or healthy fats. Some protein shakes contain much more protein than you need, which could cause weight gain.