Abbott Launches Next-Gen Ensure in China with Enhanced Protein for Aging Population

On May 15, 2024, during China's National Nutrition Week, Abbott, a global leader in healthcare, announced the launch of the new generation of Abbott Ensure Gold. This product aims to provide comprehensive nutritional support for China's elderly and rehabilitation populations. As one of the first batch of special medical purpose formula foods approved for registration in China, the upgraded Ensure Gold maintains its original complete nutrition formula while increasing protein content and eliminating added sucrose, fully meeting the nutritional needs of the elderly.

China is the country with the largest elderly population in the world and also one of the countries with the fastest aging speed. It is projected that by 2035, China will enter a super-aged society, with the proportion of people aged 65 and above exceeding 20% of the total population. As aging intensifies, the transition from "supporting the elderly" to "enjoying old age" is becoming a hot topic of concern for the whole society. The 2024 Government Work Report has placed "actively addressing population aging" and "strengthening the provision of elderly services" in an important strategic position. It is well known that ensuring nutritional intake for the elderly is an effective solution to achieve healthy aging and contribute to Healthy China. With increasing age, the elderly experience reduced nutrient absorption while also facing greater nutrient loss and consumption, leading to frequent cases of malnutrition. According to the latest research published in June 2022, the combined prevalence of malnutrition and malnutrition risk among the elderly population aged 60 and above in Chinese communities is 41.2%. Additionally, studies on the nutritional intake of elderly hospitalized patients show that 46.4% of hospitalized patients aged 65 and above in China are at risk of malnutrition.

This year's National Nutrition Week in China focuses on the theme of "Adding Nutrition with Dairy and Soy, Less Oil for Better Health," highlighting high-quality protein sources such as dairy and soy products. As a group prone to malnutrition, older adults need to pay attention to balanced nutrition in their daily lives, particularly ensuring sufficient protein intake. According to the *Chinese Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults (2022)*, older adults should consume 1-1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily—meaning a 60-kilogram older adult needs 60-72 grams of protein each day. However, surveys by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that Chinese older adults have insufficient daily protein intake, with an average shortfall of about 20 grams compared to the recommended amount. Professor Yu Kang from the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Peking Union Medical College Hospital suggests: "Older adults can incorporate more animal-based foods like poultry, livestock, fish, eggs, and dairy, along with soy products, to ensure adequate intake of high-quality protein. If there are no specific contraindications, they can follow the 'Daily 1234 Intake Method': one egg, two glasses of fresh milk, three liang (approx. 100 grams) of lean meat, and 40 grams of soybeans to meet their daily protein needs. For older adults with significant tooth loss or those affected by conditions like chronic atrophic gastritis that impact food choices, intake volume, and nutrient digestion and absorption, it is also advisable to consult clinical nutritionists for appropriate selection of foods for special medical purposes as supplements to regular meals."

As an important component of human cells, protein plays a crucial role in the body, including maintaining normal metabolism, preserving muscle mass, and promoting wound healing. Zhang Pianhong, Chief Physician of the Nutrition Department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, stated: "Protein is key to maintaining health and accelerating recovery. For the elderly, appropriate protein supplementation can maintain muscle mass and enhance immunity; for those in recovery, sufficient protein intake can help manage side effects from illness and treatment, thereby speeding up post-surgery recovery, reducing complications, and promoting wound healing."

Abbott has always been committed to bringing high-quality medical nutrition products to Chinese consumers. Based on insights into the local market, Abbott’s Ensure Gold formula has been refreshed and upgraded. Building on the original complete nutrition formula rich in 35 nutrients, every 100 grams of the new generation Ensure Gold contains 21.15 grams of protein and does not contain added sucrose, offering a fresher taste. The upgraded "powder and scoop separation" design makes daily use more convenient. Whether used as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to a regular diet, it provides essential carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals for adults with special nutritional needs.

Wu Haiying, General Manager of Abbott's Medical Nutrition Business in China, stated: "At Abbott, we believe that good nutritional status can help people at all stages of life maintain their health. Since the new generation of Abbott Ensure Gold was first unveiled at last year’s CIIE, thanks to the strong influence and spillover effects of the CIIE, we are very pleased to accelerate the introduction of this upgraded product to Chinese consumers. We will continue to explore innovations and provide science-based nutritional products to help people enjoy a high-quality, healthy life."

As a global leader in medical nutrition, Abbott is at the forefront of developing innovative nutritional products and solutions to support the health of people around the world. In China, Abbott is committed to leveraging its expertise in nutrition to address unique local health needs by providing comprehensive medical nutrition solutions from treatment to recovery. It actively tackles the healthcare, economic, and public service challenges posed by China’s aging society, fully supporting and promoting the achievement of the grand goal of "Healthy China 2030."