Almost everyone is a candidate for one of Metagenics' Medical Foods. One reason to consider a Medical Food is convenience. They are  powders that blend with water, juice, etc. There is also one Medical Food in bar form. These are nutrient-dense, low calorie meals, free of artificial ingredients.

The main reason for considering one of these products is the specific condition that the formula supports. The various Metagenics' Medical Foods are FDA-approved for dealing with:

• Altered body composition (too much fat, too little muscle)
• High cholesterol
• Metabolic syndrome
• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Fibromyalgia
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Bariatric surgery

In actuality, most people would benefit from using one or more of these products because they address the fundamental abnormalities that contribute to chronic unwellness and degenerative disease: toxicity, insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity, glycation, oxidative stress, and leaky gut syndrome.

Metagenics' Medical Foods all contain protein, carbohydrate, fiber, oil, vitamins, and minerals. Some of them also contain amino acids, phytochemicals, and prebiotics.

The ingredients in these products are chosen for specific biological effects.

UltraMeal is a Medical Food that can be used by almost anyone. It is a good general healthful meal replacement product.

UltraMeal is a medical food formulated to nutritionally support the management of conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, such as central obesity, insulin resistance, and altered body composition. 
 

In one published study, UltraMeal was found to improve cellular energy. In another study, UltraMeal was compared with Ultra Slim Fast. Subjects using the UltraMeal had greater fat loss and muscle gain over the course of the study. UltraMeal is also available as a bar.

UltraMeal PLUS was created after UltraMeal. It is virtually the same formulation but has one additional ingredient: plant sterols. Plant sterols are substances found in plants that are structurally similar to cholesterol. Plant sterols compete with cholesterol for absorption and can help lower serum cholesterol. Plant sterols also have anti-inflammatory activity and offer some protection against cancers and Alzheimer's disease.

As science progressed, so did the UltraMeal line.

 UltraMeal PLUS 360 builds upon UltraMeal PLUS with the addition of a propriety blend of Reduced Iso-Alpha Acids, Acacia Bark and Heartwood Extract. These plant extracts were chosen for their documented ability to improve insulin and glucose metabolism.  This is the appropriate choice for individuals with metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by elevated blood sugar, blood pressure, waist circumference, and triglycerides, as well as low HDL (good) cholesterol. A person does not have to have all of these to be diagnosed as having insulin resistance. All the major chronic degenerative diseases can be caused in part by insulin resistance. For more on this subject see "Reversing the Number 1 Cause of Illness, Obesity, and Accelerated Aging".

UltraMeal PLUS 360 is available with soy protein or rice protein. It is also available with fructose or stevia as sweeteners. Importantly, the soy and all of the ingredients Metagenics uses are not genetically engineered. There have been several studies published with UltraMeal PLUS and UltraMeal PLUS 360. I believe all of these used the soy and fructose-containing formulations. UltraMeal PLUS 360 has been found to improve a multitude of cardiovascular risk factors including: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL particle number, HDL cholesterol and particle number, triglycerides, Apolipoproteins A1 and B, and homocysteine. Here is an abstract of one of these studies: "Subjects with elevated LDL cholesterol and metabolic syndrome benefit from supplementation with soy protein, phytosterols, hops rho iso-alpha acids, and Acacia nilotica proanthocyanidins." 

GlycemX 360 starts with the ingredients found in UltraMeal PLUS 360 and adds higher levels of some plus several additional ingredients. The enhanced nutrient composition is designed to provide greater support for insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Although it may offer greater effectiveness in improving lipid levels, the main goal of this formulation is to reduce elevated blood sugar levels. This product is best for diabetics.

UltraGlycemX is another Medical Food designed for improving diabetes...and hypoglycemia, as well. It does not have the same potential for cholesterol reduction as the GlycemX 360. It may be more appropriate, however, for certain individuals. One of its strengths is the fiber content - almost three times as much as what is found in GlycemX 360. Fiber is not only beneficial for bowel regularity but helps level out blood sugar fluctuations.

UltraClear Renew is a Medical Food that is labeled for the management of fibromyalgia. This product actually is appropriate for many people without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Medical Foods have to be labeled to address a specific condition. The fact is that most people are candidates for using UltraClear Renew. This product was designed to help rid the body of toxins. It is extremely effective.

 
 UltraInflamX and UltraInflamX PLUS 360 are Medical Foods that are targeted for intestinal conditions involving inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Both products are anti-inflammatory and aid detoxification and intestinal healing to some degree. Both products are extremely high in antioxidant activity. The "360" version contains additional plant extracts that improve the functioning of enzymes that go awry in autoimmune conditions. These products are not only beneficial in inflammatory bowel diseases but many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including asthma. The year that UltraInflamX was developed Metagenics had 2400 patient visits at their health clinic. Patients with autoimmune conditions were given UltraInflamX  in conjunction with a dietary program and fish oil supplements. This approach produced benefit in 80% of patients.

GI Sustain was created to nutritionally support the health of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. It contains glutamine, which is the primary fuel source for the cells of the small intestine. It also contains a prebiotic, isomalto-oligosaccharides, that selectively nourishes and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. The bacteria in turn generate short chain fatty acids, which are the primary fuel of the cells lining the colon. GI Sustain, by nourishing and strengthening the intestinal lining, helps to reduce excessive intestinal permeability; it helps correct "Leaky Gut Syndrome". Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition of impaired intestinal barrier function, whereby large undigested food particles and bacterial debris "leak" into the bloodstream. This causes immune activation and toxicity. Organs throughout the body, from the liver, to kidneys, to skin, joints, lungs, brain, arteries... any organ, may be affected. Diabetes, obesity, depression, and fatigue are just a few of the possible results of Leaky Gut Syndrome. If specialized laboratory testing identifies Leaky Gut Syndrome, GI Sustain becomes a critical supplement, regardless of the primary symptom or diagnosis.

Bariatrix Essentials Bariatric Meal is a Medical Food formulated for individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. It is designed to meet the specialized nutritional needs of patients pre and post surgery. In particular, it was created to aid tissue healing and to address gastrointestinal issues associated with the surgery.

Dietary guidelines and sample menus are provided in program booklets for each product. Just as the ingredients in Metagenics' Medical Foods are chosen for specific biological effects, certain foods are recommended or eliminated for the same reason.

Some of these Medical Foods taste better than others. Taste is a personal thing but I think they are all pleasant and some are actually pretty good. A lot of effort and science go into trying to make these therapeutic foods taste as good as possible. Some are available in a number of flavors. Recipes are provided with the program booklets to help vary the taste of the drinks. These products can be used as a meal, a snack, or part of a meal. They can be consumed once or twice daily in most cases.

 
 Your first order placed on my Metagenics' website is discounted 20% and shipping is always free: http://drdebe.metagenics.com/store