What is Sustagen for?
Sustagen serves as a dietary supplement for those who need to gain or maintain weight . It can be used by people who are deficient in some essential nutrient, but it is usually used by adults who are underweight.
This supplement can also be consumed by children, as the manufacturer offers the version of the specific product for this audience, the Sustagen kids. It is a food supplement option for children who are underweight or who have disabilities due to incorrect feeding.
The use, however, must be monitored by a doctor or nutritionist, to avoid that the amount ingested exceeds what is necessary and the child ends up gaining a lot of weight and has damage to health.
Sustagen is also recommended for patients who are recovering from a disease that may have caused a deficiency in some function in the body. The product is beneficial in these cases as it contains essential minerals and vitamins for the recovery of the weakened organism.
Composition of Sustagen
The composition of Sustagen has 26 vitamins and minerals important for the health of the body:
Vitamin A
This vitamin is important to preserve the health of vision, hair and skin. It is also essential to strengthen the immune system and keep the reproductive organs functioning properly.
It contributes to the strengthening of the immune system and has an important role as an antioxidant, helping to delay the premature aging of cells by inhibiting the action of free radicals.
A portion of the supplement, 200mL of skimmed milk with 40g of Sustagen, offers more than half the amount of vitamin A indicated per day, the amount per serving being equivalent to 342µg.
Complex B vitamins
They are important vitamins for cell renewal and for the body to produce enough energy to maintain itself. In addition, they play an important role in ensuring the health of the nervous system, hair and intestines. Are they:
Vitamin B1
Also known as thiamine , vitamin B1 is important in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids and amino acids. It is present in the process of DNA and RNA synthesis and in the communication of neurons among themselves and with the body as a whole.
The lack of this vitamin causes muscle weakness, lack of energy, affects memory and interferes with mental illnesses such as depression . Extreme deficiency of this vitamin can cause beriberi disease. Each 40g serving of Sustagen contains 0.99mg of vitamin B1.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is present in foods derived from milk and in the viscera of animals, in parts such as the kidney and liver. It plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, in the process in which some amino acids are converted into glucose (glycogenesis) and to regulate thyroid enzymes.
When consuming a portion of Sustagen (40g), the person is taking 0.76mg of vitamin B2.
Vitamin B3
Also called niacin , vitamin B3 is present in foods such as fish, poultry, animal guts, peanuts and brewer’s yeast. This is an important vitamin for maintaining cholesterol and triglycerides at healthy levels, as well as contributing to the treatment of diabetes . Sustagen has 11mg of vitamin B3 every 40g.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 ( Pantothenic Acid ) can be purchased from foods such as liver, cauliflower, egg and broccoli. It is present in the production of reproductive hormones and in the extraction of energy from nutrients in food. It is also able to use fats as an energy source.
A 40g portion of the dietary supplement contains 2.4mg of this vitamin.
Vitamin B6
Also called pyridoxine , it is an important vitamin for the metabolism of proteins , lipids and carbohydrates. It is present in the cellular respiration process and in the metabolism of amino acids.
It helps during the process of formation and use of glucose, in addition to participating in the production of neurotransmitters, essential for the central nervous system to maintain good communication within our body. The food supplement offers, every 40g, 0.96mg of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7, or biotin , can be found in milk, egg yolks and liver. It is responsible for the metabolism of vitamins B5 and B12, helping to soften acne and seborrhea.
For these benefits, it is known as the beauty vitamin, as it also contributes to hair health, reducing hair loss, and strengthening nails.
The amount of biotin present in Sustagen is 23µg for each 40g portion.
Vitamin B9
Also called folic acid , vitamin B9 is present in green leaves, animals’ guts and in beans . It is important in the production of red blood cells, for cell survival, multiplication and growth.
During pregnancy, its consumption is essential for the formation of the baby’s neural tube, preventing neurological diseases in the fetus.
When ingesting a 40g portion, or 4 tablespoons of the product, 152µg of vitamin B9 is being consumed.
B12 vitamin
This vitamin is important for the cells of the body in general, especially for the cells of the nervous tissue, bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract.
It is present in the control of blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that acts as a marker of cardiovascular risk. Some of the foods that have vitamin B12 ( cobalamin ) are milk, eggs, offal and meat in general. There are 1.3µg of vitamin B12 in each 40g portion ingested.
Hill
Choline is an essential micronutrient that the body produces in low amounts, just as it does with vitamins.
It performs several functions in the human body, such as maintaining cell membranes, protecting cells in the central nervous system and in communicating these cells with each other. It is also important in the transport and metabolism of fats and cholesterol.
Choline is present in foods such as beef, egg yolk, wheat germ, peanut butter, cod, salmon, broccoli and soy foods, for example.
In Sustagen, the amount of choline offered, every 40g, is 42mg.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C’s main benefit is its antioxidant power, which helps fight free radicals and provides healthy cell aging.
This vitamin is also present in the production of collagen, a fundamental protein for the health of the skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, joints and blood vessels.
It also favors the absorption of plant-derived iron, participates in the synthesis of substances by nerve cells and in the communication between them.
In addition, it contributes to the functioning and strengthening of the immune system, multiplying the body’s defense cells.
There is 40mg of vitamin C in each 40g portion of the dietary supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for the body to better absorb calcium and phosphorus in the intestine, which allows bone health to be maintained. It can be acquired through food, supplements and exposure to the sun.
Some of the foods that have this vitamin are sardines, salmon, cod liver oil, fortified milk, yogurt, boiled egg and beef liver.
The available amount of vitamin D in the dietary supplement, considering a 40g serving, is 4.8µg.
Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E also has antioxidant action. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, helps control bad cholesterol levels and contributes to fertility, as it participates in the production process of reproductive hormones.
Vitamin E is present in foods such as avocado, olive oil, hazelnut, almonds and sunflower seed. In Sustagen, the amount purchased is 4.6mg in each serving.
Vitamin K
It is an important vitamin in the bone maturation process and in the blood clotting process, which contributes to the containment of hemorrhages and helps in healing.
Foods considered good sources of vitamin K are broccoli, cauliflower, arugula, watercress, turnip, lettuce and spinach. Each 40g portion of Sustagen contains 28µg of this vitamin.
Calcium
Calcium is important for the health of bones and teeth, being important for maintaining bone health and preventing diseases such as osteoporosis .
In addition, calcium is important for the contraction of muscles, in the contraction and dilation of blood vessels and in the communication of neurons with each other. Milk, kale, spinach, broccoli, tofu and sesame are good dietary sources of this nutrient.
When consuming Sustagen daily, in doses of 40g, the amount of calcium received will be 341mg.
Phosphor
Phosphorus is present in foods such as dried fruits, fish, meat, pumpkin seeds , soy, milk and dairy products.
Its consumption is important for the health of bones and teeth, being also essential for the transport of fats in the bloodstream, to activate or inhibit substances that allow reactions in cells and for the storage or transfer of energy from cells.
Contains 249mg of phosphorus in each 40g portion of the dietary supplement.
Iron
Iron is important for oxygen to reach all cells in the body properly and, through this, stimulate the production of energy within them.
It is also responsible for the storage of oxygen in the muscles, which helps in the muscle contraction process, positively influencing people’s physical and mental capacity.
It is present in foods such as red meats, egg yolks, cooked chickpeas, lentils, quinoa , raw beets, peas and beans. There are 4.0mg of iron in each 40g portion of Sustagen.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that, by means of hormones produced by the thyroid, acts on the cells responsible for the expression of genes. It is also related to the prevention of diseases such as hyperthyroidism , cancer and goiter (abnormal growth of the thyroid gland).
Because it is directly linked to thyroid function, also acts in the prevention of infertility, prostate cancer , breast cancer , uterus and ovaries. Some food sources of iodine are salmon, mackerel, egg and canned tuna. In a 40g portion of Sustagen, the amount of iodine received is 104µg.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for the metabolism of several components of food. It is also responsible for activating the action of other nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron, for example.
Unlike calcium, it promotes muscle relaxation, but it is also important for bone health, as it helps to fix calcium on them.
To acquire magnesium through food, it is necessary to include foods such as broccoli, kale, spinach, soy beans, avocado, pumpkin seeds and chard. In Sustagen, the amount of magnesium ingested is 84mg for every 40g of the product.
Potassium
Potassium is essential for cells to remain in balance, promoting blood vessel dilation and helping to control blood pressure. Thus, it contributes to reduce the risk of complications such as heart attack , heart failure and strokes in risk groups.
It also promotes the generation of energy for the cells, favors the regulation of the body’s pH and helps in the contraction of the muscles.
Some foods rich in potassium are avocado, low-fat yogurt, bananas , cooked beet leaves, papaya, lentils, etc.
The amount of potassium present in the dietary supplement is equivalent to 526mg, considering 40g of the product.
Chloride
Chloride is an important element present in gastric juice, which helps in the absorption of various nutrients and in the digestion process.
Along with sodium, chloride is responsible for regulating the amount of fluids inside cells and outside them. It also contributes to the passage of nerve impulses, present in the communication of cells with each other and with the rest of the body.
Contains 272 mg of chloride in each 40g portion of the dietary supplement.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates are important for the supply of energy for cellular activities. In this way, various organs and tissues are fed with the energy provided by this nutrient, such as the brain, skeletal muscles and the heart.
Some foods that have good carbohydrates are black beans, oats, lentils, sweet potatoes , chickpeas and others. In a 40g serving of Sustagen there are 25g of carbohydrates.
Proteins
Proteins are essential for the health of the body as a whole, helping in the construction and maintenance of all organs and tissues, not only muscles, as they are more popular.
They also participate in the formation of enzymes, antibodies and hormones, acting as catalysts for various chemical reactions in the body.
Among the ingredients of the food supplement are whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder, so it also contains whey proteins (whey protein) and casein .
Within the composition of Sustagen, proteins are the second nutrient in greater quantity, with carbohydrates being the first on the list. Each 40g portion of the supplement has 9.5g of protein.
Zinc
Fundamental to strengthen the immune system and prevent infections, also helping in the restoration of skin lesions.
In pregnancy, zinc has the role of helping to transfer antibodies from the mother to the baby, contributing to the newborn’s defense system.
The amount of zinc present in the composition of the product is 4.8mg per 40g.
Copper
Copper is present in several processes in the body, such as in the structure of substances responsible for cellular respiration, antioxidant enzymes and enzymes that act in the formation and integrity of bones, veins, skin, lungs and teeth.
It is important for the transport and use of iron to be done correctly in the body, being also essential for the proper functioning of the brain and the central nervous system. In each 40g portion of Sustagen there is 680µg of copper.
Manganese
It is present in the formation of glucose, necessary to supply the brain, and the metabolism of cholesterol, carbohydrates and amino acids.
It is also important for the substances that participate in the formation of collagen to be activated, thus managing to promote and maintain the health of the skin, bones, hair, and nails, for example.
When consuming Sustagen, the amount of manganese ingested will be 1.6mg per 40g portion.
Benefits for adults and children
This type of food supplement is associated with a series of benefits for people, as it is composed of several minerals and vitamins essential for health. For this reason, in addition to helping people who need to gain weight, they may end up contributing in the following ways:
- Strengthens and balances the immune system;
- Provides improvement in the appearance of the skin and nails;
- Improves the disposition and energy on a daily basis;
- Improves mood;
- Prevents diseases related to the deficiency of some vitamin or mineral;
- Helps in building muscles;
- Helps fight anemia;
- Contains oxidizing vitamins, which helps to delay premature aging;
- Helps in calcium replacement, preventing diseases caused by mineral deficiency.
Does Sustagen get fat?
Sustagen is a food used for this purpose, but depending on how it is consumed, that goal may not be achieved. It is made to complement the diet , so that people can gain weight with quality. Thus, when it is used to replace a meal it ends up losing that function.
Three tablespoons of Sustagen contains approximately 120 calories. When consumed with milk, 90 more calories are added. Thus, the person consumes 240 more calories daily.
Therefore, Sustagen is fattening when it is consumed in larger portions or when it is an extra in the normal daily diet.
For this weight gain to be healthy, it is important that people have a doctor or nutritionist, in addition to practicing exercises such as weight training . Thus, it will be possible to increase the weight and strengthen the musculature.
Sustagen lose weight?
No , Sustagen does not have this purpose, being used precisely for the opposite effect. Although a glass of milk with three scoops of the supplement has an average of 240 calories, consuming it in the long run does not make people lose weight.
This is because it is not used to replace a meal, but used as an extra dose of energy and calories. For those who want to lose weight, other ways are more effective.
Read more: What is Low-Carb Diet? Allowed menu, recipes and foods
Therefore, before starting to use any supplement or going on a diet with miraculous promises, it is necessary to seek guidance from a nutritionist.
With a good diet and exercise, weight loss will be healthier than replacing meals with the consumption of supplements.
Sustagen kids: is it good?
Sustagen Kids is a form of food supplement aimed at children. As in its adult version, for children it is also full of vitamins. One of the differences between them is that Sustagen Kids has 27 nutrients and 30% less sugar.
Although it can bring several benefits, the use should not be made irresponsibly. First, it is necessary to consult the pediatrician, so that he can analyze whether it is really necessary to use a supplement.
The ideal is for the child to have a good dietary education from an early age, consuming healthy foods and in a balanced way. However, it is common for some children to be more selective, which can be just a transition phase of the taste or a rejection, in fact, to the taste of a certain food.
When the child refuses to try the food, it is important that the caregivers do not give up trying new ways to get the child’s attention so that he can taste it.
In addition to persisting and offering that new food more than once, it is important to present it in different ways and on different occasions. Assembling colorful and attractive dishes is a way to arouse the child’s curiosity.
This more selective taste of the little ones is worrying because, normally, the most rejected foods are vegetables, legumes, fruits and sources of proteins such as fish and meat.
Not eating these groups, in addition to making the child’s diet limited, does not provide all the essential nutrients for their development.
In these cases, those responsible for the child can understand that the consumption of a food supplement is the way out, as he will be able to supply the deficiency of nutrients that he is not receiving through food.
Certainly, this is an alternative, but it should not be the first option, as a balanced diet with foods from all food groups is able to provide the vitamins and minerals found in the supplement.
In any case, if the child is underweight or has an essential nutrient deficiency, it is necessary to seek medical advice.
Contraindications
Sustagen is contraindicated for people who are allergic to any of the components present, and is not recommended for people with lactose intolerance.
Diabetes patients should check the possibility of using it with the doctor or nutritionist, so that it is possible to analyze the risks that the amount of sugar present in the supplement may provide.
How to prepare and take?
The daily dosage of Sustagen can vary according to the needs of each person. However, usually the indicated amount is 2 tablespoons.
It can be consumed in different ways, but the most traditional is that it is mixed with cold milk, so that none of the nutrients are lost with the boiling process.
In addition to being consumed with milk, Sustagen can be added in recipes such as fruit salad, juices and pancakes.
Recipes with Sustagen: how to include in the diet?
People who consume Sustagen daily may end up getting sick of ingesting it in the same way. So it may be interesting to know some recipes.
Fruit salad
The fruit salad is a very healthy and nutritious option to add to breakfast or other meals throughout the day. For those who prefer to substitute milk for fruit, this option can be a good tip for consuming Sustagen.
This recipe contains the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla flavored Sustagen;
- 100g of fruit salad of your choice.
The method of preparation is basically to chop the fruits in a bowl and then add the spoons of Sustagen and stir well.
Crunchy Strawberry
The ingredients for this recipe, also indicated for children, are the following:
- 2 cups (tea) of chopped strawberries;
- ½ packet of oatmeal and crushed honey;
- 2 tablespoons of soft butter;
- 1 pinch of cinnamon;
- 4 tablespoons of Sustagen Kids strawberry flavor.
In a refractory, distribute the strawberries and bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in another bowl, place the biscuit with the butter and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix until a moist flour is formed and in a sequence bake, also for 10 minutes.
After removing the flour from the oven, add the supplement spoons and mix well. Then place the flour on the strawberries and serve while still hot.
Yogurt with Sustagen
This recipe is the combination of these two ingredients, you only need to mix the two very well:
- 1 skimmed natural yogurt;
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla flavored Sustagen.
The yield is 2 portions of 200mL each.
Prices and where to buy
You can find this food supplement in pharmacies and supermarkets. On the website Consulta Remédios , our price comparator, you can check where to find the product at the most affordable price, both from Sustagen and Sustagen Kids .
Prices are different, depending on the type of product and the quantity:
Sustagen
It is available in 400g packages and in four flavors: strawberry, chocolate, banana and vanilla. The price range is between:
- Vanilla Sustagen 400g : from R $ 30.00 to R $ 51.95;
- Sustagen Chocolate 400g : from R $ 30.00 to R $ 51.95;
- Sustagen Strawberry 400g : from R $ 30.00 to 51.95;
- Sustagen Banana 400g : from R $ 35.99 to R $ 49.90.
Sustagen Kids
Sustagen Kids is sold in packages of 190g, 380g and 700g, in the flavors of chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and fruit smoothie:
- Sustagen Kids Vanilla 380g : from R $ 17.80 to R $ 27.99;
- Sustagen Kids Chocolate 380g : from R $ 19.82 to R $ 27.99;
- Sustagen Kids Strawberry 380g : from R $ 16.48 to R $ 30.00;
- Sustagen Kids Fruit Vitamin 380g : from R $ 19.90 to R $ 29.90.
Other brands
In addition to Sustagen, other brands offer products with a supplement or food supplement formula. Below we list some brands and the price range:
- Ensure Abbott Chocolate 900g : from R $ 79.90 to R $ 112.79;
- Ensure Abbott Chocolate 400g : from R $ 38.84 to R $ 54.97;
- Ensure Abbott Vanilla 900g : from R $ 81.69 to R $ 112.79;
- Ensure Abbott Vanilla 400g : from R $ 38.84 to R $ 54.97;
- Ensure Abbott Strawberry 900g : from R $ 81.69 to R $ 112.79;
- Ensure Abbott Strawberry 400g : from R $ 39.31 to R $ 53.57;
- Ensure Abbott Banana 900g : from R $ 85.90 to R $ 108.01;
- Ensure Abbott Banana 400g : from R $ 41.15 to R $ 51.43;
- Dairy Supplement Nestlé Nestonutri 800g : R $ 22.89;
- Nutren Kids Strawberry 350g : from R $ 22.60 to R $ 31.99;
- Nutren Kids Chocolate 350g : from R $ 22.60 to R $ 31.99;
- Nutren Kids Vanilla 350g : from R $ 22.40 to R $ 31.99;
- Nutren Junior Vanilla 400g : from R $ 42.85 to R $ 93.65;
- Nutren Senior Without Flavor 740g : from R $ 72.42 to R $ 121.55;
- Nutren Senior Without Flavor 370g : from R $ 37.80 to R $ 57.90;
- Nutren Senior Chocolate 370g : from R $ 38.90 to R $ 57.90;
- Nutren Senior Café com Leite 370g : from R $ 38.90 to R $ 65.15;
- Nutren Senior Vanilla 370g : from R $ 38.90 to R $ 57.90;
- Nutridrink Max Vanilla 350g : from R $ 39.25 to R $ 68.95;
- Nutridrink Max Without Flavor 350g: from R $ 40.25 to R $ 57.80;
- Nutridrink Max Without Flavor 700g : from R $ 73.50 to R $ 101.04.
* The price survey was carried out through the CR on 07/24/2018. Values may change.
Common questions
The use of this type of complement can raise several doubts. See the most common ones:
What is the best time to consume?
Sustagen can be consumed at different times, according to the routine of each person. However, when consumed with other meals, it can be better absorbed, such as after breakfast or afternoon snack, for example.
How to conserve?
The ideal is to keep the packaging always tightly closed and in a cool and dry place, as contact with moisture can end up solidifying the product, forming some balls. After opening, Sustagen should be consumed, preferably, within 30 days.
Does Sustagen increase appetite?
No, Sustagen does not have an appetite stimulator in its composition. When someone consumes this type of food supplement, weight gain occurs through continuous use and because it is a high-calorie food.
It does not have the function of stimulating appetite, so the person should not, in theory, feel more hungry than he normally feels. Sustagen acts only as an extra food.
Sustagen for the elderly: what is it for?
As for children, Sustagen can be taken by adults and the elderly and the objectives are the same: to replenish or supplement nutrients.
Thus, it is necessary to have a nutritional assessment and, if the need is found, Sustagen brings benefits such as an adequate diet in terms of nutrition.
With age, some vitamins and nutrients may need reinforcement, so the whole body benefits from the supplement.
How many times a day can you give Sustagen to children?
The amount should always be guided by the doctor. But in general, it is recommended to include 2 tablespoons of Sustagen in your child’s diet each day.
This means that the product should not replace any meal, just complement the snack, for example.
How to consume Sustagen to gain muscle mass?
People who have difficulty gaining weight and who are doing hypertrophy training can use Sustagen to help muscle growth. However, it is necessary to pay attention to how it should be consumed and have enough discipline to follow these guidelines on a daily basis.
In addition to following workouts correctly, people who want to gain muscle should also be concerned with maintaining a balanced, high-calorie diet. As with other people, the use of Sustagen should not replace a meal.
Sustagen helps in gaining muscle mass as it is a food rich in calories and for being energetic, which contributes to performance during exercise.
It can be consumed in pre-training, during training (if it is high intensity), in post-training and in periods of long fasting, such as before sleeping or waking up.
Thus, it is possible to ensure that the body does not undergo the catabolism process, a situation in which the metabolism uses its own reserves to replenish energy and recover worn out tissues.
Thus, the body ends up decreasing muscle mass when using it as an energy source.
Read more: Tips to gain muscle mass: nutrition and training
Can Sustagen help with growth?
Yes, especially in the case of children who have a diet that is low in nutrients and little varied.
Thus, this food supplement manages to supply nutritional deficiencies and contributes to the treatment of the child, who may suffer a delay in physical and mental development due to insufficient food.
However, the recommendation of the supplement should be made by a pediatrician.
Read more: Food in childhood: what to know
Sustagen can be a good ally for people who are looking to gain weight. It has a composition rich in vitamins and minerals important for health, which can bring many benefits for those who consume.
However, even with all the pros of a food supplement, it is worth remembering that it does not exclude the need for a balanced diet, physical exercise and a good quality of life.
If you use Sustagen or another dietary supplement, tell us in our comment space the benefits it has brought you. Thanks for reading!
