Vanilla Plus Nutrition Shake
by Abbott Laboratories
A fortified nutrition shake with comprehensive vitamins and minerals but containing inflammatory seed oils, ultra-processed ingredients, and controversial additives like carrageenan. While nutritionally complete, the industrial formulation undermines its health benefits.
- Water – safe · Primary liquid base, safe and necessary for hydration.
- Corn maltodextrin – controversial · Highly processed starch that can spike blood sugar and may disrupt gut microbiome.
- Sugar – controversial · Added sugar that contributes to blood sugar spikes and inflammation when consumed regularly.
- Canola oil – controversial · Highly processed seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids that can promote inflammation.
- Corn oil – controversial · Inflammatory seed oil with poor omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, linked to chronic disease risk.
- Milk protein concentrate – beneficial · High-quality complete protein source providing essential amino acids.
- Soy protein isolate – controversial · Highly processed protein that may contain residual solvents and potential hormonal effects.
- Natural and artificial flavor – controversial · Undefined flavor compounds that may contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
- Nonfat milk – safe · Source of additional protein and calcium, generally well-tolerated.
- Magnesium phosphate – safe · Essential mineral supplement that supports bone health and muscle function.
- Sodium citrate – safe · Natural preservative and pH regulator, generally recognized as safe.
- Soy lecithin – safe · Natural emulsifier that helps blend ingredients, minimal health concerns.
- Potassium citrate – safe · Potassium supplement that supports heart and muscle function.
- Cellulose gel – safe · Plant fiber used for thickening, inert and safe.
- Calcium phosphate – safe · Important mineral for bone health and cellular function.
- Potassium chloride – safe · Essential electrolyte for heart rhythm and muscle function.
- Choline chloride – beneficial · Essential nutrient for brain function and liver health.
- Ascorbic acid – beneficial · Vitamin C, powerful antioxidant essential for immune function.
- Salt – safe · Sodium chloride for flavor enhancement, moderate amounts are necessary.
- Cellulose gum – safe · Plant-based thickener, generally safe but may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals.
- Carrageenan – controversial · Seaweed extract linked to gut inflammation and digestive issues in some studies.
- Potassium hydroxide – safe · pH regulator used in small amounts, safe when properly formulated.
- Ferrous sulfate – safe · Iron supplement essential for oxygen transport and energy production.
- Vitamin E – beneficial · Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
- Zinc sulfate – safe · Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing.
- Niacinamide – beneficial · Vitamin B3, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Manganese sulfate – safe · Trace mineral important for bone development and wound healing.
- Calcium pantothenate – beneficial · Vitamin B5, essential for energy metabolism and hormone production.
- Copper sulfate – safe · Essential trace mineral for iron absorption and connective tissue formation.
- Vitamin A palmitate – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision and immune function.
- Thiamine hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride – beneficial · Vitamin B6, important for protein metabolism and brain function.
- Riboflavin – beneficial · Vitamin B2, essential for energy production and cellular function.
- Chromium chloride – safe · Trace mineral that may help with glucose metabolism.
- Folic acid – beneficial · Synthetic form of folate, essential for DNA synthesis and cell division.
- Sodium molybdate – safe · Trace mineral important for enzyme function and metabolism.
- Biotin – beneficial · Vitamin B7, essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
- Sodium selenate – safe · Selenium supplement with antioxidant properties.
- Potassium iodide – safe · Iodine supplement essential for thyroid function.
- Vitamin K – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood clotting and bone health.
- Vitamin D – beneficial · Fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health and immune function.
- Vitamin B12 – beneficial · Essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
Complete vitamin and mineral profile
High protein content from multiple sources
Comprehensive B-vitamin complex
Essential minerals properly chelated
Established medical nutrition formulation
Inflammatory seed oils (canola and corn)
Carrageenan linked to gut inflammation
Ultra-processed corn maltodextrin
Added sugar content
Recent contamination and recall history
High level of industrial processing
About This Analysis
This ingredient analysis for Vanilla Plus Nutrition Shake was performed by Truelabel, an AI-powered food scanner that grades products from A (excellent) to F (failing) based on ingredient quality. The analysis covers seed oil content, ultra-processed ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, allergens, and potential health risks including cancer risk, hormonal disruption, and gut irritation scores.
Category: Beverages