Supplements for Healthy Weight Gain and Nutrition Support
Being underweight can come from a low appetite, a fast metabolism, illness or an inadequate diet. Protein shakes and nutritional powders can add calories and protein to meals, but they work best with food. Our top picks include NeoLife NutriShake, plant proteins, and three nutrition drinks. Unplanned weight loss needs a doctor, not only a supplement.
Recommended Supplements for Nutrition and Weight Gain
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Why Are These Products Included?
- NeoLife NutriShake Vanilla is a smooth, low-lactose vanilla protein shake, useful for adding protein and calories.
- Green World Protein Powder is a plant-based protein supplement made from soy.
- Edmark MRT Complex is a meal replacement drink formula that the maker describes as low-calorie and high in soluble fibre. Use it to add nutrients, and rely on your other meals and shakes for extra calories.
- Green World Compound Marrow Powder is a no-added-sugar nutritional drink formula.
- LiveGood Complete Plant-Based Protein is a plant-based protein supplement.
How to Choose
Aim to add 300 to 500 calories a day through smaller, more frequent meals, snacks with healthy fats (nuts, avocado, groundnut butter) and a protein shake. Lift weights to gain muscle rather than only fat. Take shakes between meals so they do not reduce your appetite for food.
What Does Being Underweight Mean?
In adults, a body mass index (BMI) under 18.5 is considered underweight. Reasons include low food intake, a fast metabolism, stress, digestive conditions (such as coeliac disease), overactive thyroid, diabetes, infections including HIV and TB, cancer, depression and eating disorders. Being underweight can cause fatigue, weak immunity, hair loss and bone thinning.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have lost weight without trying, have a BMI under 18.5, feel constantly tired, have digestive symptoms, night sweats or fever, or if you may have an eating disorder. Children who are not growing normally need a paediatric check. Do not rely on supplements alone.
What Supplements Can and Cannot Do
Protein shakes and drinks provide nutrients and calories, and they can help when appetite is small. They do not treat the reason for weight loss and cannot replace a medical check for unexplained weight loss.
Precautions and Interactions
- Soy protein: avoid with a soy allergy; NutriShake contains milk ingredients (low-lactose, not lactose-free) so avoid with milk allergy.
- Take protein shakes with water and keep hydrated. Ask a doctor first if you have kidney disease.
- Do not use meal replacements as your only food for long periods.
- Children and pregnant women should follow medical advice on nutrition products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I gain weight?
A steady 0.25 to 0.5 kg per week is a healthy target.
Are protein shakes enough?
No. Regular meals, snacks and strength training are needed.
When is low weight a medical problem?
With unplanned loss, fatigue, or a BMI below 18.5, see a doctor.
How fast can I get delivery?
Same-day delivery is available in Lagos and Abuja, with nationwide delivery across Nigeria.
Why Order From Recs-Medix?
- Authorised distributor for more than 60 supplement brands since 2017
- Same-day delivery in Lagos and Abuja, and nationwide delivery across Nigeria
- Payment on Delivery available across Nigeria
- DHL Express international shipping to the USA, UK, Canada, the EU, Australia and the Middle East — see shipping and delivery
- Help choosing products from our team — contact us
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Last reviewed: 29 September 2026