PediaSmart® is the First Organic Beverage to Provide Complete & Balanced Nutrition.
PediaSmart® contains 100% or more of the NAS-NRC Dietary Recommended Intake for protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals for children 1 to 13 years of age when consumed as complete nutrition in amounts appropriate for age.
Nature's One® commitment to organic assures the primary use of natural and organic ingredients with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, genetically modified ingredients, hexane solvents, pesticides or added growth hormones.
PediaSmart® is manufactured in the U.S.A. No milk protein or dairy derivatives are purchased from China.
Lactose-free and gluten-free. Made without GMO ingredients and contains no palm olein oil, no corn or corn syrup, no hexane processed oils, and no peanut.
The links below provide an explanation of how the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in PediaSmart® play an important role in your child's health:
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients needed by the body to perform all of its functions, thus they are essential for proper growth, development, and body maintenance. Vitamins are organic, meaning they come from living organisms. Minerals are inorganic, meaning they do not come from living organisms but from substances such as limestone, shells, or the earth. Except for two vitamins (Vitamin D and niacin), humans cannot make their own vitamins and minerals. They must be obtained from foods preferably or supplements if needed.
As important as vitamins are to the body, they can do nothing without minerals. Vitamins and minerals work together and are used as catalysts for many reactions that take place in the body. For example, vitamin C helps the body to absorb the mineral iron needed for healthy blood. The synergistic effect of calcium and Vitamin D in promoting good bone health is well known. Specific amounts of vitamins and minerals are needed for bodily functions. Too much or too little of any one of them can cause illness. The lack of Vitamin D, for example, can cause rickets (poor bone development). Too little iron in the diet results in anemia.
The best source of vitamins and minerals is food. Sometimes the body needs more than a person can consume from foods. Pregnant and lactating women will usually be advised to take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. Breastfed infants may need an iron supplement after six months of age. Postmenopausal women need a calcium and Vitamin D supplement to prevent osteoporosis. Picky eaters, especially those who won’t eat specific types of foods, like fruits and vegetables, may need a daily vitamin and mineral supplement or consume PediaSmart. Whenever there is any question about the need for a supplement, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare professional.
Many of the signs and symptoms of a vitamin or mineral deficiency or excess are very general and can result from a variety of medical conditions. It is always important to have your healthcare professional evaluate any symptoms so that appropriate care is given.
Vitamins are often characterized as being water-soluble or fat-soluble. If the body does not need all of the water-soluble vitamins you consume, then the excess is excreted in the urine. However, this is not the case with fat-soluble vitamins. Any excess of fat-soluble vitamins gets stored in the body and they are not excreted. This can cause illness (hypervitaminosis). The fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K. All other vitamins are water-soluble.
Vitamin A: This is important for the development of bones and teeth and helps maintain the gums. It is essential for night vision, healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes. It is sometimes referred to as the anti-infective vitamin because it is required for the proper functioning of the immune system and helps prevent infection.
PediaSmart®: 160.6 IU (per 100 calories) or 380 IU (per 8 fluid ounces) Good animal sources of Vitamin A include: milk and dairy products, organ meats such as liver. Good plant sources of the pro Vitamin A carotenoids include: deep yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and dark green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D: This is also known as cholecalciferol or Vitamin D3, is often called the sunshine vitamin because of the body’s ability to make it from the interaction of the sun on the skin. Vitamin D is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also helps the body properly utilize calcium and phosphorus for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
PediaSmart®: 50.7 IU (per 100 calories) or 120 IU (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: fortified milk, cheese, eggs, some fish such as sardines and salmon, and fish oils.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E protects Vitamin A and the essential fatty acids from oxidation in the body. It is needed for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles and helps to form red blood cells, muscle and other tissues.
PediaSmart®: 2.3 IU (per 100 calories) or 5.4 IU (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: poultry, seafood, green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, nuts, seeds, wheat germ, whole grains.
Vitamin K: There are three types • Vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone or phytonadione, is found in plants* • Vitamin K2 or menaquinone which is synthesized by many bacteria. • Vitamin K3 or menadione which is a synthetic form.
Vitamin K helps the blood to clot when the body is injured and is important in bone development and repair.
In newborn infants, there is a life threatening and preventable bleeding disorder known as Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). This is the reason why it is standard practice to give all newborns an injection of phylloquinone after birth.
*PediaSmart®: 5.9 mcg (per 100 calories) or 14 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: green leafy vegetables, pork, liver, oats, wheat bran, whole grains.
Biotin is part of the B-complex of vitamins. It is thought to play a role in cell growth and is important in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates (sugars), and some amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
PediaSmart®: 19.0 mcg (per 100 calories) or 45 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: eggs, meats, fish, nuts, seeds, dried beans and peas (legumes).
Folic acid, sometimes called folate or folacin or Vitamin B9, works with Vitamins B6 and B12 in protein metabolism. It is needed to make genetic material (DNA and RNA). It promotes normal red blood cell formation and reduces the risk of neural tube (brain and spine) birth defects. This is one reason why a folic acid supplement is recommended during pregnancy.
PediaSmart®: 30.0 mcg (per 100 calories) or 71 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: poultry, liver, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas (legumes), yeast breads, wheat germ, cereals, oranges, grapefruits.
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is found in every cell of the body. It is necessary for energy production and to maintain the normal functioning of skin, nerves and the digestive tract. It can be manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. However, the amount needed by the body will usually exceed the amount that the body can produce and it is necessary to consume niacin from foods.
PediaSmart®: 1.0 mg (per 100 calories) or 2.4 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: poultry, fish (especially tuna and salmon), beef, peanuts and peanut butter, seeds, potatoes.
Pantothenic acid is also known as Vitamin B5. It is involved in numerous chemical reactions in the body and is essential for the metabolism of fat and sugars. Pantothenic acid is also involved in the manufacture of chemicals that regulate nerve functions.
PediaSmart®: 1.0 mg (per 100 calories) or 2.4 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: meat, fish, poultry, egg yolk, whole grain cereals, dried beans and peas (legumes).
Riboflavin: also known as Vitamin B2, is found in every cell of the body and is needed for energy production. It also helps to maintain vision and the metabolism and proper functioning of skin and nerve cells.
PediaSmart®: 0.2 mg (per 100 calories) or 0.5 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: milk and dairy products, enriched breads, eggs, meats (especially organ meats like liver), green leafy vegetables, grains.
Thiamin: This is also known as Vitamin B1 and is important for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Thiamin also participates in the body’s ability to use protein and sugars for energy production.
PediaSmart®: 0.3 mg (per 100 calories) or 0.6 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: whole grain and enriched grain products, pork, seafood, cereals.
Vitamin B6: This can also be referred to as pyridoxine or pyridoxal. This vitamin influences many body functions including the regulation of blood sugar levels, the manufacturing of hemoglobin in red blood cells which carries oxygen to all body cells, and the functioning of the nervous system. As protein intake increases, so does the body’s need for Vitamin B6. Also, an adequate Vitamin B6 intake decreases the requirement for niacin from food sources because it aids in the conversion of tryptophan to niacin.
PediaSmart®: 0.3 mg (per 100 calories) or 0.6 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: chicken, fish, pork, liver, whole grains, cereals, spinach, sweet and white potatoes, bananas, prunes, watermelon.
Vitamin B12: This is also known as cyanocobalamin because it contains the mineral cobalt. It is crucial in the reproduction of every cell in the body because it is needed to make DNA, the genetic material required for life. Vitamin B12 is essential for normal growth, healthy nerve tissue, and the formation of blood cells.
PediaSmart®: 0.6mcg (per 100 calories) or 1.4 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: All foods of animal origin (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and other dairy products) and seafood.
Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C has received a lot of attention because of its major role in the body as an antioxidant, a substance that prevents damage to cells from free radicals and pollutants, and as a protector against infections, particularly the common cold. Vitamin C plays a role in nerve transmission, tissue repair, the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, and the enhancement of iron absorption. Vitamin C is used by the body to make collagen, the connective tissue in skin, ligaments and bones.
PediaSmart®: 10.1 mg (per 100 calories) or 24 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: citrus fruits, berries, melon, peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, plaintains, tomato and tomato products.
Inositol is not a true vitamin because the body can manufacture what it needs. However, it is often considered a water-soluble member of the vitamin B family. Inositol works with choline to help transport fat from the liver. It also helps maintain cell membranes and is involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Choline is not a true vitamin because the body can manufacture small amounts of it. However, it must be consumed from foods to meet overall body needs especially during times of rapid growth and development such as pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and early childhood. Choline is an essential nutrient necessary for the structure and function of all cells in the body.
PediaSmart®: 30.0 mg (per 100 calories) or 71 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: beef liver, egg yolk, peanut butter and peanuts, soybeans and soy products.
Three minerals (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) account for 98% of the body’s mineral content and are especially important for bone health. In addition to these major minerals, the body also needs minuscule amounts of other minerals called trace elements. Trace elements such as iron, zinc, iodine are essential for the body’s enzyme systems to function properly. Three minerals (sodium, potassium, and chloride) are known as electrolytes because of their function in the body to conduct electrical currents.
The body can regulate the balance of minerals. If a person consumes more minerals than are needed, any excess is excreted. If the body lacks a mineral, it will compensate for this lack by absorbing more of the mineral from foods consumed. Otherwise, mineral supplements are usually unnecessary except in chronic conditions where food intake is limited or when nutrient absorption is affected.
There are a few exceptions to this. An infant is born with iron stores that will last for 4 to 6 months. An iron supplement (or use of an iron-fortified formula for non-breastfed infants) will be recommended to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. During pregnancy, an iron supplement is often recommended to prevent anemia in mom and to assure a good iron supply to the fetus. Calcium along with Vitamin D is often recommended to postmenopausal women to prevent osteoporosis. The following is information on the major minerals and trace elements needed by the body.
Calcium: Although the major function of calcium is the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, it is also needed to keep the heart pumping, muscles moving, and nerves communicating. Calcium helps regulate the passage of nutrients in and out of cells, assists in normal blood clotting, and is important to normal kidney functioning.
PediaSmart®: 97.2mg (per 100 calories) or 230 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: milk and dairy products, fish with edible bones (such as sardines and salmon), oysters, tofu, dark leafy green vegetables.
Phosphorus: This teams with calcium to aid in bone and teeth formation, kidney function, and heart contraction. The balance of calcium and phosphorus is important in the body, especially in infancy, to ensure that the team works together well in keeping the body’s chemical balance.
PediaSmart®: 84.5 mg (per 100 calories) or 200 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: milk and dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, dried beans and peas (legumes).
Magnesium: This works with calcium and Vitamin C to maintain bone health. It is also necessary for energy production, the making of proteins used by the body to make cells and genetic material, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction and relaxation of the muscles, and maintaining the delicate electrical balance of all body cells.
PediaSmart®: 19.9 mg (per 100 calories) or 47 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: soybeans and soy products, nuts, whole grains, dried beans and peas (legumes), green vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals, shellfish.
Iron: As blood passes through the tiny air sacs in the lung, oxygen attaches itself to the iron in the blood. That’s how oxygen is carried to all parts of the body. Iron combines with protein and copper to make hemoglobin, a necessary component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells. Iron also is a component of myoglobin, a protein that stores oxygen specifically in muscle tissue. Approximately 90% of iron in the body is conserved and reused every day.
PediaSmart®: 1.4 mg (per 100 calories) or 3.3 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: meat (especially organ meats like liver), dried fruits (raisins, apricots), nuts, green leafy vegetables.
Zinc: This is needed for cell growth and repair, digestion and metabolism of nutrients, and is vital to the development of the reproductive organs. It also helps regulate the body’s immune response to infection and aids in wound healing.
Selenium: In combination with Vitamin E, selenium works as an antioxidant to help maintain a healthy heart. Selenium provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells to defend themselves against damage from oxidation. Selenium also aids in the proper functioning of the pancreas.
PediaSmart®: 3.2 mcg (per 100 calories) or 7.6 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: seafood, poultry, egg yolks, whole grain breads and cereals, eggs, mushrooms.
Copper: This is necessary for the absorption and utilization of iron in the body. Copper has an important role in the making of red blood cells and nerve fibers. It also works with Vitamin C to form elastin, a chief component of muscle fibers in the body. Copper is involved in hair and skin coloring, sensitivity to taste.
PediaSmart®: 0.1 mg (per 100 calories) or 0.2 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: Organ meats like liver, lobster, nuts, dried beans and peas (legumes), barley, prunes.
Iodine: This is probably best known for keeping the thyroid gland healthy. It is also involved in metabolizing fats and in regulating energy production.
PediaSmart®: 9.7 mcg (per 100 calories) or 23 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: iodized salt, seafood.
Manganese: This is used by the body as a preferred cofactor in several important enzyme systems and is essential for a healthy tendon and bone structure. It is necessary for the metabolism of thiamine and Vitamin E and helps to maintain the health of the immune and nervous systems.
PediaSmart®: 0.2 mg (per 100 calories) or 0.4 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: whole grains and cereals, nuts, leafy vegetables, molasses, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and tea.
Potassium: This is an electrolyte and works with sodium to regulate the body’s waste balance, transmit nerve impulses, and regulate muscle contraction including the heart muscles. It is essential for metabolism and the release of insulin. In infants and young children who have diarrhea or vomiting, an oral electrolyte solution containing a balance among sodium, potassium and chloride is usually recommended to help prevent the body from becoming dehydrated due to a deficiency in these electrolytes.
PediaSmart®: 131.0 mg (per 100 calories) or 310 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: bananas, citrus fruits, dried fruits, deep yellow vegetables, potatoes, milk, bran cereal.
Sodium: The primary role of sodium in the body is to maintain fluid balance. Sodium is an electrolyte and works with potassium and chloride to conduct electrical currents in the body and keep tissue fluids in balance.
A deficiency of sodium is rare but loss of sodium through diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating can cause dehydration, muscle cramps, weakness, and headaches. This is especially critical in infants and young children and the reason for use of an oral electrolyte solution with a balance of sodium, potassium and chloride when a child has diarrhea and vomiting.
PediaSmart®: 38.0 mg (per 100 calories) or 90 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: salt, milk, processed foods such as luncheon meats.
Chloride: This is an electrolyte and helps to maintain fluid balance in the body and also is a component of the stomach juices (hydrochloric acid) needed for digestion of foods.
A deficiency of chloride is rare but loss of chloride through diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating can cause an upset in the body’s fluid balance resulting in dehydration. In infants and young children who have diarrhea or vomiting, an oral electrolyte solution containing a balance among sodium, potassium and chloride is usually recommended to help prevent the body from becoming dehydrated.
PediaSmart®: 101.4 mg (per 100 calories) or 240 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: salt, milk, processed foods such as luncheon meats.
Molybdenum: is a trace mineral needed by a number of enzyme systems in the body to aid in the breakdown of foods. It is present in tooth enamel and may help to prevent dental caries.
A deficiency of molybdenum is rare and has only been seen in patients with Crohn’s disease who were on long term total parenteral (intravenous) nutrition with no added molybdenum.
PediaSmart®: 3.59 mcg (per 100 calories) or 8.5 mcg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: cereal grains, nuts, legumes, eggs, sunflower seeds and green beans.
Carbohydrates are one of the crucial dietary sources of energy that support the brain, enable muscular contractions, and provide the fuel necessary for a baby’s and child’s rapid growth. Each gram of carbohydrate provides 4 Calories. So it is important for a child to get adequate amounts of carbohydrates each day from good food sources.
Carbohydrates are sometimes simply called sugars or starches. They are classified scientifically as monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides.
The proprietary carbohydrate blend in PediaSmart® is a mixture of organic rice oligodextrin and organic evaporated cane juice providing a steady supply of energy without any artificial stimulants.
Monosaccharide is a one molecule sugar (referred to as a simple sugar or simple carbohydrate). Examples are glucose (sometimes called dextrose), fructose (sometimes called fruit sugar), and galactose. Glucose is the major fuel needed by the body for energy. This is why intravenous fluids (IVs) used in medical situations contain glucose (dextrose).
Disaccharide is made up of two monosaccharides (referred to as a simple sugar or simple carbohydrate).
Organic evaporated cane juice is a minimally processed organic sweetener with a light tan natural color and a neutral pleasant flavor which can be used as a substitute for refined white sugar. Organic evaporated cane juice is not bleached or decolorized like refined white table sugar. It is derived from non-GMO, organic sugar cane grown under strict organic guidelines. The land must be free of herbicides, pesticides and chemicals.
Lactose (sometimes called milk sugar) is made by the joining of one glucose molecule with one galactose molecule. PediaSmart® is considered lactose-free even though it contains an extremely small amount of lactose. Lactose is often called milk sugar because it is the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk and other mammalian milk such as cow’s milk. The lactose found in PediaSmart® is naturally derived from the organic milk protein concentrate. This small amount of lactose should not cause a problem for children who are lactose intolerant. However, PediaSmart® should not be used for children with galactosemia. Instead, for children 3-years and under, consider using Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula which is lactose and galactose free.
There is a genetic disorder called galactosemia whereby a person cannot digest galactose, which is part of lactose. As noted previously, lactose is made of galactose and glucose. For people with galactosemia, they MUST avoid any dairy product or other foods that contain lactose and galactose. PediaSmart® is not recommended for use by children with galactosemia because of the small quantity of lactose coming in with the organic milk protein concentrate ingredient. Even this small amount of lactose may be too high for a child with galactosemia.
The PediaSmart® label states: “Lactose-free” and “Not for children with galactosemia.” For children 3-years and under, use Baby’s Only Organic® Soy formula instead, which is lactose-free & galactose-free.
The organic evaporated cane juice in PediaSmart® is the disaccharide sucrose and is made by joining one molecule of fructose with one molecule of glucose. The body breaks down disaccharides into monosaccharides and then converts these to glucose providing needed energy for the body. Baby’s Only Organic® does offer a Lactose Free milk-based formula and Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula contains no lactose. Both of these formulas contain organic brown rice syrup as its carbohydrate source.
Polysaccharide contains more than two sugar molecules. Examples of polysaccharides include molasses, rice syrup, and starches. Polysaccharides are often called complex sugars or complex carbohydrates.
Organic rice oligodextrin is a polysaccharide made from organic whole rice using a natural hydrolysis process without the use of acids, alkalis or sulfites. It has a bland flavor and is one-fifth as sweet as sucrose.
Organic rice is grown by certified organic rice growers without synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, and growth regulators. The organic growth process relies on crop rotations, legumes, green manures, mineral bearing rocks and biological pest control to maintain healthy soils, provide the rice plants with nutrients, and minimize insects, weeds and other pests. The organic rice oligodextrin is sourced from California where the rice fields serve as an important wetland habitat for resident birds and waterfowl and also as a wintering ground and food source for migrating ducks and geese from Canada and Alaska.
PediaSmart®: 13.1 g carbohydrate (per 100 calories) or 31 g (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources Complex Carbohydrate: brown rice, grain products, pasta, bread, potato
Proteins are essential to life and are necessary for the body’s manufacturing and maintenance of all cells and tissues, including organ and brain development, and the making of essential body constituents such as hormones and enzymes. If excess protein is consumed and not needed by the body, it is converted to fat and stored by the body as a potential future energy source. Each gram of protein provides 4 Calories.
Proteins are made up of amino acids; there are 20 amino acids. PediaSmart® provides all of the essential and non-essential amino acids needed to support growth and development.
The protein source in PediaSmart® is organic milk protein concentrate which is 82% casein and 18% whey. Organic milk protein concentrate is produced from organic skim milk through a process involving filtration, evaporation and drying. No harsh chemicals are used during processing. Organic milk protein concentrate is also pasteurized to assure that the product contains no pathogenic organisms. The organic skim milk used is from organic dairy herds that do not receive any antibiotics or growth hormone stimulants. Another feature of organic milk protein concentrate is it retains a nice amount of calcium from the organic skim milk thus helping to meet a child’s calcium needs for growing bones.
PediaSmart®: 3.0 grams protein (per 100 Calories) or 7 g (8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: Animal meats, fish, dairy products, soybeans, legumes, nuts
Taurine is a non-protein amino acid. It is involved in the formation of bile acids which are needed for fat absorption. It is also involved in the prenatal and postnatal development of the central nervous system and the visual system.
Taurine is classified as a conditionally essential amino acid because a deficiency of taurine in the diet can result in impaired fat absorption, bile acid secretion, retinal function and liver function, all of which can be reversed by taurine supplementation. Taurine deficiency can occur in preterm infants not receiving a taurine supplemented formula or in infants, children or adults receiving the majority of their Calories from a total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution (a solution being fed intravenously into a large vein). For most infants, children and adults, taurine deficiency or insufficiency is not a concern. However, it is added to PediaSmart® to ensure the correct amount of this non-essential amino acid in a child’s overall diet.
PediaSmart®: 7.2mg taurine (per 100 Calories) or 17 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: Excellent dietary sources include shellfish and meats, especially organ meats such as liver
L-Carnitine is a conditionally essential nutrient derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is found in nearly all cells of the body and plays and important role in the in the conversion of fats to energy. The body is usually able to make adequate amounts of carnitine in the liver and kidneys to meet daily needs. However, some individuals with medical conditions cannot make enough carnitine; therefore, it is added to PediaSmart® to ensure the correct amount of this nutrient in a child’s overall diet.
PediaSmart®: 1.69 mg L-carnitine (per 100 Calories) or 4 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: Excellent dietary sources include meat, fish, poultry, and milk.
The term “lipid” refers to compounds including oils, waxes, animal fats and triglycerides that do not dissolve in water. Lipids are most commonly referred to simply as fats.
Fats constitute the principal structural material of all living cells and are an important source of energy. Healthy skin and hair are maintained by fat. Fat also helps the body absorb and move the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K through the bloodstream. Dietary fat intake provides needed essential fatty acids to the body. These essential fatty acids are linoleic acid and linolenic acid. These are fatty acids that the body cannot make and which must be derived from foods.
Fats provide 9 Calories per gram, more than twice the amount of energy provided by a gram of carbohydrate or protein. An excess of dietary Calories provided by carbohydrates, proteins or fats will be stored in the body as adipose tissue. Adipose tissue serves as insulation for the body’s cells and organs but an excess of fat can lead to overweight and obesity.
Triglycerides are the chemical form of fats that exist in foods as well as in the body. Animal fats, such as butter and lard, tend to be solid or semisolid at room temperature and are more saturated than fats from plant sources. Fats from plant sources are usually liquid at room temperature and are called oils. Most plant oils are made up of unsaturated fatty acids with the exception of coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. There are two types of unsaturated fats: • Monounsaturated fats: Examples include olive and canola oils. • Polyunsaturated fats: Examples include fish, safflower, sunflower, corn, and soybean oils.
Fats are an important nutrient for infants and young children. They are needed to support growth, development and energy needs. A child who is not eating or drinking foods with adequate amounts of essential fatty acids can develop a fatty acid deficiency. This is one reason why healthcare professionals strongly advise against the use of skim or low fat milks during early childhood. Signs of an essential fatty acid deficiency include poor growth, scaly skin lesions, dry brittle nails, dandruff, and lack of hair luster.
The proprietary fat blend in PediaSmart® consists of organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic soybean oil, and organic coconut oil. These oils provide an appropriate level of linolenic and linoleic fatty acids that the human body can convert to DHA and ARA; fatty acids known to support brain and eye retina development.
All of these organic oils are expeller-expressed. This is a process that basically presses the oil from the sunflower, soybean or coconut. Conventionally processed oils use hexane solvents to extract the oils. Hexane is a petroleum by-product of gasoline refining. This harsh process then requires the oil to be flashed with fire to burn off the hexane solvents. Hexane residues can remain in the finished oils. We believe that hexane has no place in a child’s diet – even if only a residue. Also, USDA organic rules prohibit the use of solvent-extracted vegetable oils. So PediaSmart® would not be labeled organic if we selected conventionally processed vegetable oils.
PediaSmart®: 3.8g total fat (per 100 Calories) or 9 g (per 8 fluid ounces) 799 mg linoleic acid (per 100 Calories) or 1900 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) 59 mg linolenic acid (per 100 Calories) or 140 mg (per 8 fluid ounces) Good Food Sources: nuts, seeds, grains legumes, vegetables and their cold-pressed oils
