Free NHS protein shakes?

TheCenturion · 31 Mar 2009 at 13:58

I heard that if you are small/underweight, the NHS can provide you with free protein shakes, is there any truth in this?

Thanks

Freefaller · 31 Mar 2009 at 14:03

I doubt it. Protein shakes will do nothing to you.

Protein shakes only supplement your diet if you're training hard and depleting your body's intake of protein, and protein builds muscle, if it needs to be built. It won't just build muscle of it's own accord. You're more likely to get fat taking lots of protein shakes and doing sod all exercise.

Rich_L · 31 Mar 2009 at 14:07

Only thing I can think is maybe if you've had an op and inactive for a while and need to re-build muscle they might do that to supplement your normal diet? Can't say I've ever heard of it being done though!

TheCenturion · 31 Mar 2009 at 14:13

Freefaller said:
I doubt it. Protein shakes will do nothing to you.

Protein shakes only supplement your diet if you're training hard and depleting your body's intake of protein, and protein builds muscle, if it needs to be built. It won't just build muscle of it's own accord. You're more likely to get fat taking lots of protein shakes and doing sod all exercise.

Thanks, thought so. Always knew protein shakes made you fat, but I am very active.

#Chri5# · 31 Mar 2009 at 14:23

You can get diatary supplements through the NHS, if you need them.

There's a whole raft of different ones, lots are drinks and taste utterly disgusting.

Smit · 31 Mar 2009 at 14:33

I know they used to give out Meal Replacement shake things for patients that had stomach problems or something which made them unable to handle solid foods. I have never heard of them giving out Protein shakes though.

DB_SamX · 31 Mar 2009 at 15:47

I got Fortisip drink and Forticreme dessert when I was ill in hospital and afterwards. Range of flavours, vanilla being my favourite. I still take them from time to time as a supplement as I cannot absorb nutrients very well, or so I have been told.

6thElement · 31 Mar 2009 at 16:42

Freefaller said:
I doubt it. Protein shakes will do nothing to you.

Protein shakes only supplement your diet if you're training hard and depleting your body's intake of protein, and protein builds muscle, if it needs to be built. It won't just build muscle of it's own accord. You're more likely to get fat taking lots of protein shakes and doing sod all exercise.

What the hell, you mean I have to exercise to get fit and can't just take a pill?

TheCenturion · 31 Mar 2009 at 16:45

6thElement said:
What the hell, you mean I have to exercise to get fit and can't just take a pill?

Yes, modern society believes that if they spend money, the results come quicker and easier. a shame really

Freefaller · 31 Mar 2009 at 17:13

6thElement said:
What the hell, you mean I have to exercise to get fit and can't just take a pill?

Sucks doesn't it?!

Breeny · 31 Mar 2009 at 17:24

True in certain circumstances.

I've been supplied Whey protein and Maltodextrin most of my life, howevever I'm not simply "underweight"

I also take these little drink things that are 300kcals each, they taste ming though.

Repta · 31 Mar 2009 at 17:26

Ive a broken jaw and stuck with a liquid diet currently. Been given Nestle Build up from the nhs. Not sure about getting for being underweight though. Best bet is ask your doctor

Morba · 31 Mar 2009 at 20:49

ou are small and underweight. forget protein shakes, go and eat properly.

TheCenturion · 31 Mar 2009 at 22:55

Morba said:
ou are small and underweight. forget protein shakes, go and eat properly.

I have started. Although this is not strictly eating properly, I ate 13 krispy kremes in a week once. Also since January I've put on a stone

mrthingyx · 31 Mar 2009 at 23:21

Morba said:
ou are small and underweight. forget protein shakes, go and eat properly.

A-ha! A-ha! A-hahahaha! :cool:

Protein/calorie-rich drinks are available on the NHS, mostly for -as posted above - people who are not able to eat real food. My grandad has fruit-based ones (not sure what they're called)...

Protein shakes have only really been proven to do anything for the 60+ age group when they go weight training (assuming good diet). For anybody outside that group, you may as well go to McDonalds and enjoy the chicken fat flavour.

LukeT · 1 Apr 2009 at 00:25

I've got problems with my weight and stuff and I've got these drinks called Fortijuce if thats what you mean...its just full of calories. I have to drink 2 a day.

Morba · 1 Apr 2009 at 00:30

mrthingyx said:
Protein shakes have only really been proven to do anything for the 60+ age group when they go weight training (assuming good diet). For anybody outside that group, you may as well go to McDonalds and enjoy the chicken fat flavour.

Have you got the report that proves this? Would be very interested to see :]

Smit · 1 Apr 2009 at 07:58

mrthingyx said:
Protein shakes have only really been proven to do anything for the 60+ age group when they go weight training (assuming good diet). For anybody outside that group, you may as well go to McDonalds and enjoy the chicken fat flavour.

Sounds like rubbish to me

I guess it is possible to do MORE for certain types of people but I don't believe that they do nothing for the under 60s group. Countless numbers of Sports Scientists and Nutritionists surely wouldn't waste their time if that was the case?

londonbairn · 1 Apr 2009 at 10:53

Freefaller said:
I doubt it. Protein shakes will do nothing to you.

Protein shakes only supplement your diet if you're training hard and depleting your body's intake of protein, and protein builds muscle, if it needs to be built. It won't just build muscle of it's own accord. You're more likely to get fat taking lots of protein shakes and doing sod all exercise.

Surely not from the protein, I thought excess protein is depleted out through natural means?

Edit: just read excess is broken into fatty acids

mrthingyx · 1 Apr 2009 at 10:59

Smit said:
Sounds like rubbish to me

I guess it is possible to do MORE for certain types of people but I don't believe that they do nothing for the under 60s group. Countless numbers of Sports Scientists and Nutritionists surely wouldn't waste their time if that was the case?

If you think about what I posted which 'assumes a good diet,' the body doesn't really need that much protein even when bulking up muscle fibre. If the trainee has a rubbish diet with no protein, etc. then of course additional stuff is going to help, but then that person will come up against the other limitations in their diet.

I've also worked with sports scientists who say don't bother if you're eating properly.