PEDIASMART® SOY BEVERAGE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At what age can PediaSmart® Soy be used?

    PediaSmart® Soy is a complete organic nutrition beverage designed for use with children 1 to 13 years of age. PediaSmart® Soy is perfect as a healthy snack, quick breakfast or as a supplement to a healthy diet for a child in need of extra calories and nutrients. PediaSmart® Soy can also be used as a sole source of nutrition under the supervision of a healthcare professional. This product is not for parenteral use.

    PediaSmart® Soy contains 100% or more of the NAS-NRC Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI) for protein, fat, carbohydrate, 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
  • Can PediaSmart® Soy be used with children under 1-year of age?

    PediaSmart® Soy 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 and a soy formula is recommended, Nature’s One® offers Baby’s Only Organic® Soy Formula. Consult your healthcare professional before changing an infant’s diet.

  • Is PediaSmart® Soy suitable for lactose, gluten, casein, and corn sensitivities?

    PediaSmart® Soy can be used for children with lactose intolerance and casein sensitivity. The protein source in PediaSmart® Soy is organic soy protein concentrate. Casein is a protein found in cow’s milk but not in soybeans. PediaSmart® Soy contains no dairy-based ingredients and is casein-free. For children with an allergy or intolerance to casein, PediaSmart® Soy can be a useful addition to a child’s diet to help ensure proper nutrition along with other casein-free healthy foods and beverages.

    All ingredients used in PediaSmart® Soy are gluten free. PediaSmart® Soy can be a useful addition to the diet of a child with celiac disease, gluten enteropathy, or other conditions where gluten needs to be avoided to help ensure proper nutrition along with other gluten-free healthy foods and beverages.

    PediaSmart® Soy is the only complete nutritional supplement/beverage on the market that does not contain corn ingredients. For families concerned about genetically engineered (GE) foods or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), corn is often avoided because so much of the corn grown today has been genetically modified. PediaSmart® Soy may also be a useful addition to the diet of a child with intolerance to corn and to help ensure proper nutrition along with other healthy foods and beverages. The leading brands, PediaSure®, Boost Kid Essentials®, Carnation Instant Breakfast, and Bright Beginnings® Pediatric Drink Soy all contain maltodextrin, a derivative of corn.

  • How much sugar is in PediaSmart® Soy?

    PediaSmart® Soy does not contain any refined white table sugar. The carbohydrates in PediaSmart® Soy are organic rice oligodextrin and organic evaporated cane syrup (sucrose). Carbohydrates are needed in the diet for a good source of energy used to support growth and body functions.

    US labeling laws require a manufacturer to show not only the total carbohydrate but also the “sugars” content in a serving of the food when there is a Nutrition Facts Panel on the label. In the Nutrition Facts Panel of a label, “sugars” refer to all monosaccharide’s and disaccharides, not just to sucrose or sugar. Examples of a monosaccharide are glucose, fructose, and galactose. Examples of a disaccharide are sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

    The carbohydrate blend of PediaSmart® Soy was specifically developed for young children. Sucrose is a naturally occurring carbohydrate in the diet of toddlers and young children. It is found in almost all fruits and legumes and is also found in cereal grains, pastas, and many vegetables. 1 When ingested as a part of an overall balanced diet, sucrose helps to meet part of daily energy needs to support a child’s growth and development. The combination of organic rice oligodextrin and organic evaporated cane syrup (sucrose) not only meets the overall carbohydrate requirements for a growing child but also provides the pleasant flavor acceptable to children. The organic rice oligodextrin has a bland flavor and is one-fifth as sweet as sucrose. So this combination offers a level of sweetness that’s not too sweet but one that is readily accepted and enjoyed by children. A pleasant and acceptable taste is an important part of offering PediaSmart® Soy to children.

    PediaSmart® Soy provides complete balanced nutrition and contains the appropriate levels of protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals needed for a child when fed according to a child’s caloric requirements.

    (1) Betty W. Li, Karen W. Andrews and Pamela R Pehrsson, “Individual sugars, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber contents of 70 high consumption foods,” Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (2002) 15, 715-723.

    PediaSmart® Soy-Vanilla contains 31 grams of carbohydrate per 8 fluid ounce serving of which 16 grams are “sugars” as noted on the Nutrition Facts Panel. These “sugars” are primarily sucrose, maltose and glucose. The remaining 15 grams of carbohydrate are complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates prevent quick spikes in blood glucose levels because they are more slowly digested than sugars.

  • Does PediaSmart® Soy contain fiber?

    PediaSmart® Soy Vanilla contains approximately 1 gram of fiber per 8 fluid ounce serving.

  • What is the fat source and content of PediaSmart® Soy?

    The proprietary fat blend in PediaSmart® Soy 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. In addition, this oil blend provides a good source of mono- and polyunsaturated heart healthy fats.

    All of these organic oils used in PediaSmart® are expeller-expressed. This is a natural process that basically presses the oil from high oleic sunflowers, soybeans or coconuts.

    Conventionally processed oils use hexane solvents to extract the oils. 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® Soy would not be labeled organic if we selected conventionally processed vegetable oils.

    PediaSmart® Soy contains 9 grams of fat per 8 ounce serving.

    PediaSmart® Soy contains 1500 milligrams of linoleic fatty acid and 175 milligrams of linolenic fatty acid per 8 ounce serving.

  • Does PediaSmart® Soy contain DHA and ARA?

    PediaSmart® Soy contains the precursor essential fatty acids, linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which the body uses to make the non-essential fatty acids, DHA and ARA respectively. Because the body cannot make the essential fatty acids, they must be supplied by ingesting foods containing them. The amounts of linoleic fatty acid and linolenic fatty acid in PediaSmart® Soy are appropriate to support a child’s growth and development.

    PediaSmart® Soy contains 1500 milligrams of linoleic fatty acid and 175 milligrams of linolenic fatty acid per 8 ounce serving.

  • Does PediaSmart® Soy meet the American Heart Association’s guidelines on fat composition?

    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® Soy contains 9 grams of fat per 8 ounce serving which equates to 34% of Calories from fat and, therefore, meets the American Heart Association’s guidelines for children. In addition, the fat blend of PediaSmart® Soy provides a good source of mono- and polyunsaturated heart healthy fats.

  • Is there a concern with use of soy products in children because of the effects of phytoestrogens on sexual development?

    There is a great deal of information and misinformation on the Internet related to the phytoestrogens or isoflavones in soy, especially foods containing soy in an infant’s or child’s diet. Research has shown that soy continues to be a beneficial option for children with certain intolerances such as cow’s milk sensitivities and for families who prefer a vegetarian lifestyle. This is because soy offers complete proteins to help meet a child’s overall protein needs.

    In 2006, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US National Institute of Health, and the Center for the Evaluation of Risk to Human Reproduction (CERHR) of the National Toxicology Program convened a meeting of key pediatric nutrition and medical experts to review the use of soy formulas in infancy and addressed many of the concerns about soy and phytoestrogens. This prestigious group was unable to conclude, after exhaustive research and reviews of the medical and scientific literature, that soy products, including soy infant formulas, were unsafe or presented risk to reproductive and developmental health. The panel called for continued research on the role of soy in human health. 1

    Since that time, CERHR has determined that there were new publications related to human exposure or reproductive and/or developmental toxicity that had been published since the 2006 evaluation. CERHR held a meeting in December of 2009 to review these new data and issued its final report in 2010 reconfirming that "there is minimal concern for adverse effects on development in infants who consume soy formula." 2

    Furthermore, a clinical report co-authored by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition and titled, “Use of soy protein-based formulas in infant feeding,” states the following: “In summary, although studied by numerous investigators in various species, there is no conclusive evidence from animal, adult human, or infant populations that dietary soy isoflavones may adversely affect human development, reproduction, or endocrine function.” 3

    Also, a study from the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center compared growth, development and health of breast-fed children with children fed soy formula or milk-based formula. Preliminary results indicate the feeding of soy formula to infants supports normal growth and development. The authors further state “early exposure to soy foods, including SF (soy formula), actually may provide health benefits rather than adverse effects, e.g., improved body and bone composition and prevention of breast cancer.” 4 This Center continues to study use of soy in infancy and has published additional reports showing no effect on reproduction. 5

    1. http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov
    2. National Toxicology Program. "Final CERHR Expert Panel Report on Soy Infant Formula." Washington, DC: National Toxicology Program Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, January, 2010.
    3. Jatinder Bhatia, Frank Greer, and the Committee on Nutrition. “Use of soy protein-based formulas in infant feeding,” Pediatrics 2008; 121; 1062-1068.
    4. Badger, TM, et al, “The health implications of soy infant formula,” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009; 89(suppl):1668S-1672S.
    5. Gilchrist, JM, et al, “Ultrasonographic Patterns of Reproductive Organs in Infants Fed Soy Formula: Comparisons to Infants Fed Breast Milk and Milk Formula,” Journal of Pediatrics. 156(2):215-220, February 2010.

  • How much PediaSmart® Soy needs to be consumed to meet the Dietary Reference Intakes for protein and vitamins?

    PediaSmart® Soy contains 100% or more of the NAS-NRC Dietary Recommended Intake (DRI) for protein, fat, carbohydrate, 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 many Calories per ounce does PediaSmart® Soy contain and can it be concentrated to a higher caloric level?

    PediaSmart® Soy contains approximately 30 Calories per ounce when prepared according to label instructions.

    Under the supervision of a child’s healthcare provider, PediaSmart® soy can be concentrated to a higher caloric value. For instructions on concentrating, please have the child’s healthcare provider contact the Registered Dietitian for Nature’s One at dietitian@NaturesOne.com

  • Can PediaSmart® Soy be warmed or frozen?

    PediaSmart® Soy does not need to be warmed prior to consumption. However, if a child prefers a slightly warmed beverage, PediaSmart® Soy 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® Soy before feeding it to your child. Although PediaSmart®Soy 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® Soy will not affect its nutrient content, PediaSmart® Soy should not be frozen because the physical appearance of the product will change when it is thawed making it unacceptable.

  • Can PediaSmart® Soy be used as a sole source of feeding or be fed by tube?

    Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, PediaSmart® Soy can be used as a tube feeding. The specific amount to be used daily will need to be determined based upon a child’s nutritional and medical status. Also, mixing directions should be discussed to assure that the product is prepared and fed safely and properly. PediaSmart® Soy is not for parenteral use.

    There are specific precautions to consider for tube feedings with PediaSmart®:

    • Unlike ready-to-feed products, powdered formulas are not sterile. Therefore, mixing PediaSmart® Soy should be done with great care regarding cleanliness and sterility of all measuring and mixing equipment to avoid any contamination.
    • To prevent tube clogging, the mixing instructions for PediaSmart® Soy suggest use of a whisk or blender to ensure that all of the powder is dissolved in the water.
    • The recommended hang time for powder formulations, such as PediaSmart® Soy, is no longer than 4 hours.
    • Use of distilled water to prepare the PediaSmart® Soy for tube feeding purposes is usually recommended.
    • PediaSmart® Soy is not isotonic and may require starting with a slow drip and may require attention to tolerance and monitoring of metabolic status.

    As with all enteral feeding practices, please follow the Enteral Nutrition Practice Recommendations published on January 27, 2009 by the Enteral Nutrition Practice Recommendations Task Force and the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors. This publication can be found at www.nutritioncare.org/WorkArea/showcontent.aspx?id=3128

  • What are the advantages of using an organic product such as PediaSmart® Soy versus a product like PediaSure®?

    There are many benefits to eating an organic diet, both for the environment and especially for our children, as much research is starting to reveal. For instance, a report in Pediatrics in the June 2010 issue highlights a study done by several institutions in which their findings showed that children with higher urinary levels of a chemical called organophosphate were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. 1 Organophosphates are found in common pesticides that are used on conventional produce crops that are available in grocery stores today. In fact, there are approximately 40 of these pesticides registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

    Children are said to be most vulnerable to these chemicals due to their smaller body weight and still developing brains. The study in Pediatrics found this to be especially true in children from ages 6 to 11 years of age. They had the highest urinary concentrations of dialkyl phosphate (DAP) metabolites (which are markers of organophosphate exposure) as compared to other age groups in the U.S. population. 1

    Two other studies, one conducted by Environmental Health Perspectives and the other by The Organic Center, also concluded that there is a definite, measurable amount of pesticide residue found in the urine of children who eat a conventional versus an organic diet, especially from eating fruits and vegetables. 2 3 This is significant news as postnatal organophosphate exposure has been associated with behavioral problems, poorer short-term memory and motor skills and longer reaction times in children. 1

    Most recently, the White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity noted the possibility that developmental exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (such as organophosphate pesticides, monosodium glutamate, and bisphenol A) and other chemical pollutants can play a role in the development of diabetes and childhood obesity. Some scientists have coined the term “obesogens” for these chemicals because they believe they promote weight gain and obesity. 4

    In light of the findings of these studies and reports, we are pleased to offer children a great start with our organic, pesticide free, complete nutrition products for both infants and children up to age 13 years. Our Baby’s Only Organic® formulas provide organic nutrition for children up to age 3 years. For toddlers who need added calories, consider offering PediaSmart®, our complete organic nutritional beverage for children ages 1-13 years. For more information on both of these products, please visit our website at www.NaturesOne.com.

    1. Maryse F. Bouchard, PhD, David C. Bellinger, PhD, Robert O. Wright, MD, MPH, Marc G. Weisskopf, PhD. “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Pesticides.” PEDIATRICS June 2010, pp. 1270-1277.
    2. Cynthia Curl, Richard Fensker, Kai Elgestun, et al. Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure of Urban & Suburban preschool children with Organic & Conventional Diets. Environ Health Perspect. 2003:111(3):377-382.
    3. The Organic Center. Critical Issue Report: Pesticide Dietary Risk. Available at http://www.organic-center.org/tocpdfs/OrganicOptionExecSummary.pdf. Accessed June 11, 2010.
    4. The White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity. Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity within a Generation, May, 2010 can be found at www.letsmove.gov/sites/letsmove.gov/files/TaskForce_on_Childhood_Obesity_May2010_FullReport.pd

  • Can ADULTS use PediaSmart® Soy as a daily nutritional supplement?

    There are presently no adult organic supplements on the market today. However, adults may use PediaSmart® Soy as a source of extra calories and nutrients. Although the product was specifically designed to help meet the nutritional needs of young children, there are no ingredients in the product that could not be consumed by an adult. If PediaSmart® Soy is used as a supplement to an adult’s daily diet, the amount to consume daily will depend upon the overall daily caloric and nutritional needs and can be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider. One 8 fluid ounce serving of PediaSmart contains 237 calories. Nutrient data can be found on our comparison chart at the following link Soy Supplement Brands.

  • Can PediaSmart® Soy be mixed with milk instead of water?

    The mixing instructions for PediaSmart® Soy state to use water. If PediaSmart® Soy is mixed with any type of milk, the protein, sodium and other dietary components will be increased. This could potentially be a problem for children with medical challenges because of the increased renal solute load (dietary components that are excreted in the urine) and its effect on water balance in the body with the potential for dehydration.

    If a healthy child with no renal issues is well hydrated and consuming adequate water throughout the day, PediaSmart® Soy can be mixed with milk to increase calories and nutrients in the overall daily diet. We recommend a healthcare provider be consulted before preparing PediaSmart® Soy with any liquid other than water. Mixing with milk will also require extra stirring effort in order to completely mix the powder. Also, if the child is on a casein-free or dairy-free diet, milk needs to be avoided.

  • What type of packaging is used for PediaSmart® Soy?

    PediaSmart® Soy packaging does not contain BPA. We use composite canisters that are good for the environment. They are recyclable and on average contain 50% recycled content, 35% of which is post-consumer recycled materials. Composite cans are light weight because they are made of paperboard instead of tin. This reduces environmental waste and energy used in manufacturing and transportation.

    As an organic manufacturer, Nature’s One® is concerned over the level of chemicals ingested by infants, toddlers and children and is also conscientious of how our packaging impacts the environment. Nature’s One® sources the highest quality ingredients and materials available to produce and package its organic pediatric products.