Can meal replacement powder directly replace dinner?

Meal replacement powders are not a complete substitute for meals. Meal

replacement powders are food based on nutritional powder and are usually designed to replace part or all of a meal. Although meal replacement powders can provide nutrition to some extent, they are not a complete substitute for meals. This is because meal replacement powders often do not provide all the nutrients the body needs. They may lack some important nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Long-term dependence on meal replacement powders may lead to malnutrition.

Moreover, the body needs to maintain normal metabolic functions through normal eating processes. Meal replacement powders may not mimic this process, thus affecting energy metabolism and hormone balance.