Best Diabetes Protein Supplement in India : Ensure vs Proteinex vs Horlicks

Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining and repairing body tissues, including muscles. Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, and it can impact individuals with or without diabetes. While protein is important for overall health, the need for protein supplementation to specifically address sarcopenia in individuals with diabetes depends on various factors:

1. Dietary Intake: It's important for individuals with diabetes to ensure they are getting an adequate amount of protein through their regular diet. Good dietary sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

2. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity, including both aerobic exercise and resistance training, is essential for preventing and managing sarcopenia. Resistance training, in particular, helps in building and maintaining muscle mass.

3. Individual Health Status: The presence of other health conditions, such as kidney disease, can impact protein requirements. In such cases, it's crucial for individuals to work with healthcare professionals to determine appropriate protein intake.

4. Protein Requirements: Protein needs vary among individuals based on factors like age, gender, activity level, and overall health. Older adults, including those with diabetes, may have slightly higher protein requirements to help offset age-related muscle loss.

While protein supplements can be beneficial for individuals who struggle to meet their protein needs through regular food intake, it's generally recommended to prioritize whole food sources first. However, protein supplements can be considered if dietary intake alone is insufficient, especially for those at risk of sarcopenia.

It's important to choose high-quality protein supplements with minimal added sugars and carbohydrates to help manage blood glucose levels effectively.

Ensure Diabetes Care VS Proteinex Diabetes Care VS Horlicks Diabetes Plus

Let's analyze the three diabetes protein powders (Ensure Diabetes Care, Proteinex Diabetes Care, and Horlicks Diabetes Plus) based on the provided nutritional information and cost:

Nutritional Information per 100g	Ensure Diabetes Care	Proteinex Diabetes Care	Horlicks Diabetes Plus
Energy (kcal)	435	342	356
Protein (g)	20.1	25	20
Fat (g)	14.61	1.1	10
Carbohydrates (g)	57.79	53.4	35.5
Dietary Fiber (g)	8.19	12	22
Cholesterol (mg)	<10	9	<15
Cost (per 400g)	Rs. 925	Rs. 740	Rs. 700
Cost of Protein per gram (Rs.)	Rs. 4.60	Rs. 2.96	Rs. 3.50

To calculate the cost of protein per gram, I used the formula:

Cost of Protein per gram= Cost per 400g​

Protein per 400g

This value can help you compare the products in terms of the cost you pay for each gram of protein they provide. The lower the cost of protein per gram, the better the value for money.

Ensure Diabetes Care:

ENSURE DIABETES CARE

Pros:

1. High Energy Content: Ensure Diabetes Care provides the highest energy content per 100g among the three options, making it suitable for those needing additional calories.

2. Moderate Protein: Contains a reasonable amount of protein (20.1g per 100g), which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.

3. Dietary Fiber: Offers a decent amount of dietary fiber (8.19g per 100g), beneficial for digestive health and blood sugar regulation.

Cons:

1. Higher Cost: Ensure Diabetes Care has the highest cost per 400g among the three options, making it less budget-friendly.
   

Protinex Diabetes Care

Proteinex Diabetes Care:

Pros:

1. High Protein Content: Proteinex Diabetes Care has the highest protein content per 100g, which is beneficial for individuals looking to increase their protein intake.

2. Low Fat Content: With only 1.1g of fat per 100g, it is a suitable option for those watching their fat intake.

Cons:

1. Lower Energy Content: Provides slightly lower energy compared to Ensure Diabetes Care, which may be a consideration for those needing higher calorie intake.

2. Higher Cost of Protein per Gram: While the overall cost is moderate, the cost of protein per gram is higher compared to Proteinex Diabetes Care.

Horlicks Diabetes Plus

Horlicks Diabetes Plus:

Pros:

1. High Fiber Content: Horlicks Diabetes Plus offers the highest fiber content per 100g, which can be advantageous for digestive health and blood sugar control.

2. Moderate Protein and Fat: Provides a balanced combination of protein (20g per 100g) and fat (10g per 100g).

Cons:

1. Moderate Energy Content: Has a slightly lower energy content compared to Ensure Diabetes Care.

2. Moderate Cost: While the cost is reasonable, it is not the most cost-effective option among the three.

Cost of Protein per Gram Comparison:

• Proteinex Diabetes Care has the lowest cost of protein per gram (Rs. 2.96), making it the most cost-effective choice for those prioritizing protein intake.

• Ensure Diabetes Care has the highest cost of protein per gram (Rs. 4.60), making it less cost-effective in terms of protein value.
  

Overall Considerations:

• For High Protein Intake: If your primary goal is to increase protein intake and you are cost-conscious, Proteinex Diabetes Care is a favorable choice.

• Balanced Approach: If you are looking for a balanced option with moderate protein, fiber, and fat content, Horlicks Diabetes Plus could be a suitable choice.

• Additional Calories: Ensure Diabetes Care might be preferred if you need higher energy content, but it comes at a higher cost.

In conclusion, the best choice depends on individual nutritional needs, taste preferences, and budget considerations. Always consult with a healthcare professional or a nutritionist for personalized advice based on your specific health goals and requirements.