Are nutritional energy drinks better than a candy bar?
One of the arguments often given in defense of these supplements is that they are a better snack or meal replacement than a candy bar or chips and a soda. This is true to some extent since the supplements include several vitamins and minerals not found in the latter and they are often lower in saturated fat. However, both have little fiber, are much too high in calories from simple sugars and non-nutrient dense ingredients, and lack the phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables and other plant products which may prevent disease. Using these products frequently as meal replacements adds difficulty to ensuring adequate intake of other “real foods” and nutrients that are linked to better health and disease prevention.
