If your son or daughter is having difficulty gaining weight and needs extra nutritional support, Pediasure may be your doctor's supplement of choice. Pediasure sells nutritional shakes for children over the age of two and under the age of 13. Speak to your doctor before giving a child under the age of two Pediasure to gain weight.
Types
There are two types of Pediasure available if your doctor recommends the supplement for your child. The original Pediasure is recommended by the manufacturer to children who are very picky eaters and need extra nutrients in their diet. Pediasure SideKicks are for children who are growing at a healthy rate but need extra nutrients to compensate for empty-calorie junk food. Pediasure contains 240 calories per 8 oz. serving, while SideKicks contain 150 calories per serving.
Time Frame
If your doctor feels your child needs Pediasure, he will likely recommend giving the supplement two to three times per day. Consuming Pediasure three times per day adds an extra 740 calories daily, which, along with regular meals, should help your child put on extra weight. Unless your doctor otherwise advises, Pediasure should be served in addition to regular meals, not as a replacement. Serve healthy and high-calorie foods such as lean meats, dairy products and whole grains along with fruits and vegetables.
Expert Insight
During a 1991 study in the "Journal of Paraenteral and Enteral Nutrition," Northwestern University Medical School researchers found that subjects' weight, height, weight index, triceps thickness and mid-arm muscle area circumference all increased after 12 weeks of Pediasure supplementation, meeting up 90 percent of their daily calorie needs. It was concluded that Pediasure was also safe and effective for the promotion of growth in disabled children who needed extra nutritional support. Additionally, a study conducted in 2000 and appearing in the "Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association," found that Pediasure was successful at treating children suffering from severe malnutrition. The children in the study gained an average of 7.5 g per day over the course of two weeks.
Considerations
Keep in mind that Pediasure does contain milk and should not be given to children who suffer from milk allergies or lactose intolerance. However, Pediasure does not contain nuts or gluten. Pediasure comes in ready-to-drink bottles that can be served chilled.
References
- Pediasure: FAQs
- "Journal of Paraenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; Safety and efficacy of a new pediatric enteral product in the young child; M Ramstack et al; January 1991
- Keep Kids Healthy: Failure to Thrive
- "Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association"; PediaSure in the treatment of severe malnutrition in Pakistani children; DS Akram et al; November 2000
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