What may support Is and How It Works
may support is a ready-to-drink nutritional supplement made by Abbott Nutrition. It comes in a bottle or can and contains a mix of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals in a single serving. You drink it as-is — no mixing or preparation needed.
The drink is designed for people who struggle to eat enough food or need extra nutrition between meals. It's not a meal replacement in the sense that it's meant to replace all your food, but rather a way to add calories and nutrients when eating regular food is difficult, uncomfortable, or not enough.
may support comes in several versions: standard may support, may support Plus (higher calories and protein), may support High Protein, and versions for specific situations like diabetes or digestive sensitivity. Each has a different nutrient profile, so the one that makes sense depends on what your body needs.
Key Takeaways
- may support is a bottled drink with protein, carbs, fat, and added vitamins and minerals, ready to drink without preparation.
- It's most useful for people recovering from illness, unable to eat enough solid food, or needing extra nutrition between meals.
- Different versions exist for different needs — higher protein, higher calories, or formulas for diabetes and digestive issues.
- A doctor or registered dietitian can tell you whether may support makes sense for your situation and which version might work best.
Who Might Benefit From may support
may support is commonly used by people in specific situations. Older adults who have lost appetite or have trouble chewing and swallowing often find it easier to drink than to eat solid meals. People recovering from surgery or illness may not feel like eating but still need calories and protein to heal.
People undergoing cancer treatment, dealing with digestive conditions, or taking medications that affect appetite sometimes turn to may support because it requires no chewing and goes down easily. Parents of children with developmental delays or feeding difficulties may use it to make sure their child gets enough nutrition.
It's also used by people with limited access to food preparation — someone in a hospital, nursing home, or temporary housing situation where cooking isn't possible. In these cases, a bottle of may support can be a practical way to get nutrition without needing a kitchen.
Nutrition Content and What It Provides
A standard 8-ounce bottle of may support contains roughly 220 calories, 9 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of fat, plus added vitamins and minerals including calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. The exact amounts vary by flavor and version.
may support Plus contains more of everything — about 350 calories and 13 grams of protein per 8 ounces — making it useful for people who need more calories in fewer drinks. may support High Protein has less fat and carbs but more protein, which some people prefer.
The drink also contains added fiber in some versions, which can help with digestion. All versions are lactose-free or very low in lactose, so people with lactose sensitivity can usually tolerate it. The ingredient list includes water, milk protein, corn syrup, and various oils and additives.
How may support Compares to Other Nutrition Drinks
may support is one of several brands in the ready-to-drink nutrition category. Boost, made by Nestlé, is a direct competitor with a similar nutrient profile and price point. Both are widely available in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online.
There are also store-brand versions — many grocery chains and pharmacies sell their own nutritional drinks that are similar to may support but often less expensive. The nutrient content is usually comparable, though flavors and taste vary.
Homemade options like smoothies made with milk, protein powder, fruit, and nut butter can provide similar nutrition and may cost less, but they require blending and refrigeration. For someone who can't prepare food, a bottled drink is more practical.
Cost and Where to Find may support
may support is sold at most grocery stores, drugstores, and online retailers. A single 8-ounce bottle typically costs between $1 and $2, depending on where you buy it and which version you choose. Buying a pack of six or more usually brings the per-bottle cost down.
Some health insurance plans cover may support if a doctor prescribes it as medical nutrition therapy — usually for people with specific conditions like cancer, wound healing, or severe malnutrition. Coverage varies widely by plan and state, so checking with your insurance directly is the only way to know whether yours covers it.
If cost is a concern, ask a doctor or social worker whether you might be may be able to access for programs that help with nutrition costs. Some community health centers, food banks, and senior programs have access to nutritional drinks at reduced cost or no cost.
When may support Might Not Be the Right Choice
may support is not suitable for everyone. People with certain allergies — particularly milk protein allergies — cannot use standard may support, though there are plant-based alternatives. People with kidney disease, diabetes, or other conditions that require strict control of specific nutrients should talk to a doctor before using it, because the nutrient mix may not match their medical needs.
may support should not be used as a complete meal replacement for healthy adults who can eat regular food. It's a supplement, not a substitute for the variety of nutrients in whole foods. Using it as your only source of nutrition long-term can lead to nutrient gaps.
Some people find that drinking may support makes them feel full without providing the satisfaction of eating, which can be frustrating. Others experience digestive upset from the added ingredients or the sweetness. If may support doesn't feel right for you, other options exist.
Talking to a Doctor or Dietitian About may support
Before starting may support regularly, it's worth mentioning it to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can tell you whether it makes sense for your situation, which version might work best, and how much you should drink per day.
A dietitian can also help you figure out whether may support alone is enough or whether you need other changes — like eating softer foods, eating more frequently, or addressing an underlying condition that's affecting your appetite or ability to eat.
If you're in a hospital or nursing home, the nutrition staff there can recommend whether may support fits your recovery plan. If you're managing nutrition on your own, your primary care doctor can refer you to a dietitian, often at no cost through your insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink may support instead of eating regular meals?
may support is designed as a supplement to regular food, not a replacement for it. While it contains protein, carbs, and some vitamins and minerals, it doesn't provide the full range of nutrients your body gets from whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Using it as your only source of nutrition long-term can create nutrient gaps.
Is may support safe for people with diabetes?
Standard may support contains sugar and may not be appropriate for people managing diabetes. Abbott makes may support Diabetes Care, which is lower in sugar and carbohydrates and designed specifically for people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about which version, if any, fits your diabetes management plan.
Does insurance cover may support?
Some insurance plans cover may support if a doctor prescribes it as medical nutrition therapy for specific conditions like cancer, wound healing, or severe malnutrition. Coverage varies by plan and state. Contact your insurance company directly to ask whether nutritional supplements are covered under your plan and what documentation your doctor would need to provide.
What's the difference between may support and may support Plus?
may support Plus contains more calories (about 350 per 8 ounces versus 220) and more protein (13 grams versus 9 grams) than standard may support. It's useful for people who need more nutrition in fewer drinks or who have high calorie and protein needs. Standard may support works fine for people who can drink multiple servings throughout the day.
Can children drink may support?
may support makes versions designed for children, such as may support Pediatric. Standard adult may support can be used for older children in some situations, but the nutrient mix is designed for adults. If your child needs nutritional support, ask their pediatrician which product, if any, is appropriate for their age and health situation.