Ingredients in Pediasure

Pediasure is designed to provide essential nutrients to finicky children, ages 2 to 13 years. Abbott Laboratories makes Similac infant formula and Ensure for adults. Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Banana and Berry Pediasure flavors are gluten free, suitable for lactose intolerant children and contain no peanuts or nut products. Each bottle is 8 oz. For ages 2 to 8 years, 4 bottles or 1 L provides 100 percent of the RDA of protein and 23 essential vitamins and minerals. Ages 9 to 13 years need to drink 1.5 L to fulfill the entire RDA protein, vitamins and minerals requirements. Prebiotics and antioxidants are also in Pediasure formulations.

Water

Water is the primary ingredient in Pedisaure. It is necessary for digestion of solid foods and metabolism. The first children’s product Abbott laboratories developed was Pedialyte, a carbohydrate electrolyte replacement drink. When children have diarrhea or vomiting, American Academy of Family Physicians notes they can rapidly become dehydrated. An oral rehydrating solution such as Pedialyte should be given in the first 12 to 24 hours. Then, children need more nutritious foods and continued hydration. Pediasure provides other nutrients in addition to water.

Sweeteners

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Sugar makes Pediasure a drink that appeals to children as well as supplying readily available energy. Corn maltodextrin is an easily digestible energy source. Fructooligosaccharides is an artificial sweetener that may improve the absorption of essential minerals in children. In the March 1999 issue of “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” Ellen van den Heuvet reported that adolescent males had increased calcium absorption with fructooligosaccharides.

Protein

Pediasure differs from electrolyte solutions by providing protein, which is necessary for growth and maintenance of cells. Milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate are the source of proteins in Pediasure.

Oil

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Children and adults require essential fatty acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids also provide antioxidants. High oleic safflower oil and soy oil are in Pediasure.

Vitamins, Minerals

The ingredients of Pedisure include several isolated vitamins such as thiamine and vitamin D-3. Magnesium, potassium, salt, calcium, and sodium are some of the minerals added to Pediasure.

Other Ingredients

Natural and artifical flavors create an appealing taste for children. To prevent ingredients from separating and to create an appealing texture emulsifiers and gums are used in Pediasure.