Absorb Element+ can be used either exclusively as an elemental diet, or together with regular food. Elemental shakes were first developed by NASA as a way to feed astronauts in space; because they provided all their nutrient requirements, yet resulted in minimal fecal matter. Since then, the medical community has utilized elemental, or enteral nutritional shakes for various conditions and for people who have trouble chewing, swallowing, or absorbing nutrients from their food. In choosing your Absorb Plus flavour, please note that UNSWEETENED has flavours but no added sweeteners, and the rest of the flavors are sweetened with natural fructose and stevia.