- How much PediaSmart® needs to be consumed to meet the Dietary Reference Intakes?
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PediaSmart® contains 100% or more of the NAS-NRC Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals:
- In 1000 milliliters (approximately 33 fluid ounces or slightly more than four 8-fluid ounce servings) for children 1 to 8 years of age.
- In 1500 milliliters (approximately 50 fluid ounces or slightly more than six 8-fluid ounce servings) for children 9 to 13 years of age.
- How should PediaSmart® be mixed and stored?
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PediaSmart® powder requires mixing with water. Please follow the preparation instructions to assure the appropriate dilution.
Preparation Instructions:
| To Make: |
PediaSmart® Powder: |
Add Water: |
| 8 fl oz |
1/2 Cup |
6 fl oz |
| 32 fl oz |
2 Cups |
24 fl oz |
| 56 fl oz |
Entire Can |
42 fl oz |
- Add cold water in a glass or container.
- Gradually stir in PediaSmart® powder and mix until dissolved.
- Drink immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Storage Instructions:
- Cover prepared PediaSmart® and refrigerate. Use within 72 hours to preserve the vitamin content.
- Cover opened can with lid and store in cool, dry place. Use within one month of opening.
- Store unopened cans at room temperature. Avoid extreme temperatures.
- How is PediaSmart® different from PediaSure®?
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PediaSmart® is nutritionally comparable to the leading brand PediaSure®; however, it is the only beverage on the market that provides complete organic nutrition. PediaSmart® contains only natural and organic flavors with no artificial colors or sweeteners, genetically modified ingredients, pesticides, added growth hormones or hexane processed oils. Nature’s One® purchases its organic milk protein concentrate from farmer-owned cooperatives and only feed cows organic grains and grasses from organic pastures.
A recent study from the United Kingdom, soon to be published, reports on the benefits of consuming organic foods.1 Of particular interest is the finding that organic milk can contain up to 60% more antioxidants than found in conventionally produced milk. Antioxidants are molecules that help to prevent damage to the body’s cells. Examples of antioxidants are Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
1. The Herald, United Kingdom. “Organic food really is better for you, says study funded by the EU,” October 29, 2007. Sourced November 6, 2007 from: http://72.32.142.180/news_story.php?id=5369 and http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=10167
PediaSure is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.
- Can PediaSmart® be used with children under 1-year of age?
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PediaSmart® is not an infant formula nor is it intended to be used with children under 1 year of age unless directed by a healthcare professional. Nature’s One® believes breast milk is the best source of nutrition for an infant. When breast milk is not available, Nature’s One® offers Baby’s Only Organic® formulas. Consult your healthcare professional before changing an infants diet. For additional information on Baby’s Only Organic® formulas, please click on the following link:
http://www.naturesone.com/dairy.php
- Does the PediaSmart® canister contain BPA?
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The concern with packaging of pediatric nutritional products is usually related to bisphenol-A coatings. These coatings are used in some packaging and have the potential for migration of bisphenol-A into the canned foods. Health concerns related to bisphenol-A have recently been reported because of bisphenol-A’s endocrine-disrupting properties, particularly the estrogen pathway.1 Bisphenol-A is used in the epoxy resin that coats the inside of some metal cans. This coating helps to prevent corrosion of the can, contamination of the canned food from dissolved metals, and bacterial contamination causing spoilage of the food. Thus, the coating helps to maintain the food product’s quality and taste and aids in extending shelf life.
PediaSmart® canisters and re-closeable plastic lids are uncoated and do not contain bisphenol-A. However, the can’s “easy-open” metal top contains an epoxy-based interior coating that may contain trace amounts of unreacted bisphenol-A. It is highly unlikely that any detectable amount of bisphenol-A would migrate from the easy-open top into PediaSmart® powder. This is especially true considering there is minimal contact between the powder and the easy-open top during processing and distribution. Once the product is opened, the easy-open metal top is discarded.
The greater risk of BPA migration has been found to be related to heat exposure during processing.2 BPA migration appears to be most often associated with liquid ready-to-feed and concentrated formulas sold in cans where high processing temperatures are used once the liquid formula is sealed in the can. High temperatures are needed during canning of liquid formulas to achieve product sterility and prevent botulism or the growth of other microorganisms that would lead to spoilage. The presence of high processing temperatures is thought to provoke a migration of the bisphenol-A into liquid formula. The canisters used for PediaSmart® are NOT hot-filled. PediaSmart® powder cans are filled at room temperature and then vacuum sealed.
As always, Nature’s One® will continue to work with its suppliers to identify the safest packaging and most nutritious ingredients available.
1. Kuehn, B. “Expert panels weigh bisphenol-A risks,” JAMA. 2007; 298: 1499-1503.
2. Goodson, A. et al. “Survey of bisphenol A and bisphenol F in canned foods.” Food Addit Contam. 2002; 19: 796-802.
- Does PediaSmart® contain caffeine?
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PediaSmart® Vanilla does not contain caffeine.
PediaSmart® Chocolate contains a very low amount of caffeine (approximately 4.5 milligrams per 8 fluid ounces) which is derived from the organic cocoa powder. For comparison purposes, one 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 60-120 milligrams of caffeine; one 8-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee contains 1-5 milligrams of caffeine; and one 8-ounce cup of green tea contains 20 milligrams of caffeine.
- Does PediaSmart® meet the American Heart Association’s guidelines on fat composition?
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The American Heart Association suggests keeping total fat intake between 30 to 35 percent of calories for children 2 to 3 years of age and between 25 to 35 percent of calories for children and adolescents 4 to 18 years of age, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
PediaSmart® contains 3.8 grams of fat per 100 Calories which equates to 34% of Calories from fat and, therefore, meets the American Heart Association’s guidelines for children.
PediaSmart® contains 9 grams of fat per 8 fluid ounce serving.
- Can PediaSmart® be warmed or frozen?
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PediaSmart® does not need to be warmed prior to consumption. However, if a child prefers a slightly warmed beverage, PediaSmart® can be heated but care must be taken to assure that it is not too hot to burn the lips and mouth. Always check the temperature of the warmed PediaSmart® before feeding it to your child. Although PediaSmart® can be warmed in a microwave safe container without affecting the nutrient quality of the product, the use of a microwave is not recommended because the liquid in the center of the container may be much hotter than the outer product and container resulting in scalding or burns.
Although freezing PediaSmart® will not affect its nutrient content, PediaSmart® should not be frozen because the physical appearance of the product will change when it is thawed making it unacceptable.
- Can PediaSmart® be used as a sole source of feeding or be fed by tube?
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Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, PediaSmart® can be used as a sole source of nutrition and with a tube feeding. The specific amount to be used daily will need to be determined based upon a child’s nutritional and medical status. Mixing instructions should be discussed to assure that the product is prepared and fed properly. PediaSmart® is not for parenteral use.