PediaSure is a nutritional drink designed for children who need extra calories, protein, and other nutrients. It can help kids gain weight or maintain their weight when medically necessary. PediaSure comes in different varieties including PediaSure with Fiber, PediaSure Harvest, and PediaSure Enteral Formula.
The quick answer is yes, there are dairy free options for PediaSure. PediaSure makes soy-based shakes and other dairy-free varieties for children with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy. Some of their dairy-free shakes include PediaSure Peptide 1.0 Cal, PediaSure Peptide 1.5 Cal, and PediaSure Peptide 1.5 Cal Fibre.
Lactose Intolerance and Milk Allergy
PediaSure recognizes that many kids have trouble digesting dairy. Lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy are two common reasons a child may need a dairy-free nutritional supplement.
Lactose intolerance means the body cannot properly digest lactose, the natural sugar in milk and dairy products. This leads to digestive problems like gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea after consuming dairy foods. It’s estimated that 65% of people have some degree of lactose intolerance.
Milk allergy is different than lactose intolerance. With a milk allergy, the body’s immune system reacts to the proteins in milk. This causes an allergic reaction with symptoms like hives, wheezing, vomiting, and anaphylaxis. Around 2.5% of children under age 3 are allergic to milk.
Both conditions mean dairy foods should be avoided. For kids with these issues who need extra nutrition, a dairy-free PediaSure product can help provide complete, balanced nutrition.
Dairy-Free PediaSure Options
For children who cannot tolerate cow’s milk, PediaSure offers several shakes and nutrition powders made without milk ingredients:
PediaSure Peptide 1.0 Cal
This soy-based drink provides 10 grams of protein and 250 calories per serving. It contains 24 vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc, and vitamin D needed for growth and bone health. It has a vanilla flavor and is lactose-free, milk-free, gluten-free, kosher, and halal.
PediaSure Peptide 1.5 Cal
With 15 grams of protein and 250 calories per serving, this higher-calorie soy formula also offers complete nutrition without milk. It’s an option for kids who need extra calories and is also lactose-free, milk-free, gluten-free, kosher, and halal.
PediaSure Peptide 1.5 Cal Fibre
This dairy-free choice provides 250 calories and 15 grams of protein per serving. It also contains 5 grams of fiber to support digestion. Like the other peptide options, it’s soy-based, lactose-free, milk-free, gluten-free, kosher, and halal.
PediaSure Peptide High Calorie
For kids who need even more calories, this formula provides 30 grams of protein and 500 calories per serving. Made without milk ingredients, it contains soy protein and is designed for lactose intolerance.
PediaSure Peptide with Fiber
Providing 250 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber per serving, this soy formula also includes prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health. It’s a dairy-free Nutrition Shake that contains 25 vitamins and minerals.
PediaSure Harvest
This dairy-free PediaSure product contains soy protein, as well as pea and rice proteins. With 240 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber per serving, it provides complete nutrition without milk ingredients.
PediaSure Enteral Formula
For children who cannot drink normally and need tube feeding, PediaSure makes several dairy-free enteral formulas. These lactose-free formulas provide nutrition through a feeding tube with protein sources like soy and pea protein.
Benefits of Dairy-Free PediaSure
Switching to a dairy-free PediaSure product offers several benefits for kids with medical needs requiring cow’s milk avoidance:
Prevents Nutritional Deficiencies
Avoiding all dairy foods can make it hard for kids to get enough key nutrients needed for proper growth and development. Dairy-free PediaSure formulas are nutritionally complete with vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This helps prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Supports Growth
PediaSure is designed to help children gain or maintain weight. The dairy-free options still provide ample calories, protein, and nutrients to meet increased nutrition needs and support growth in kids who can’t have cow’s milk.
Improves Digestive Comfort
Children with lactose intolerance or milk allergy experience digestive symptoms like pain, nausea, gas, and diarrhea when consuming dairy. Switching to a dairy-free PediaSure formula can provide relief from these issues.
Easy to Digest
PediaSure formulas made with soy or other dairy-free proteins are easier to break down and absorb for those with milk intolerances. Avoiding dairy ingredients prevents discomfort and digestive distress.
Supports the Immune System
The nutrients in PediaSure, including vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants help boost immune health. This is especially important for children avoiding dairy who may not get enough of these immunity-supporting nutrients from their diet.
Better Taste
Some children dislike the taste of cow’s milk. For picky eaters or those sensitive to dairy, the soy-based dairy-free PediaSure formulas provide a more palatable option with flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
Convenience
PediaSure is a quick, easy way to supplement nutrition for busy families. Having a grab-and-go dairy-free shake makes it convenient to provide supplemental nutrition when needed.
Key Considerations
There are a few important things to consider when selecting a dairy-free PediaSure product:
Age Appropriateness
PediaSure formulas are designed for different age groups based on calorie needs. Choose an age-appropriate formula to ensure proper nutrition.
Medical Needs
Work with a doctor to determine if your child needs a higher calorie option, extra protein or fiber, or tube feeding. This will help determine the best dairy-free PediaSure product.
Nutrient Profile
Review the exact nutrition facts, ingredients, and added supplements in dairy-free options. Ensure the formula provides complete, balanced nutrition tailored to your child’s needs.
Allergies
In addition to being dairy-free, check that the formula doesn’t contain other allergens like soy, gluten, or eggs if these are concerns. PediaSure makes formulas free of these ingredients.
Taste Preferences
Flavor and taste are especially important for picky eaters or children who rely heavily on supplements. PediaSure dairy-free shakes come in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.
Budget
Specialized formulas can be more costly. Check if your insurance covers PediaSure or other supplements to offset the expense. Store brands also offer dairy-free shakes which can provide savings.
Transitioning to Dairy-Free PediaSure
Switching children from milk-based PediaSure to a dairy-free version requires some adjustment. Here are tips for a successful transition:
Gradual Introduction
Mix a small amount of the new formula into the previous drink to slowly acclimate to a new taste and texture over a few weeks. Slowly increase the ratio to fully dairy-free.
Flavor Boosters
Add vanilla, cocoa powder, maple syrup, or fruit to enhance flavor, especially for picky eaters. Smoothies or shakes can help masks the flavor further.
Patient Education
Explain any dietary changes to children in simple terms. Emphasize that avoiding dairy will help them feel better. Kids may be more receptive when they understand the rationale.
Routines and Reminders
Make the supplement part of a consistent daily schedule. Link it with existing habits like breakfast or after school snacks. Timers and reminders can help integrate it into routines.
Positive Reinforcement
Offer praise and small rewards for drinking the supplement without resistance. This positive reinforcement makes the habit easier over time.
Lead by Example
Parents can drink shakes or eat dairy-free foods together with the child to normalize the change. Making it a family affair prevents kids from feeling deprived.
Gratitude and Affirmations
Have children verbally express appreciation or gratitude for how the supplement helps their body. Daily affirmations build more acceptance.
PediaSure FAQs
What is the difference between lactose intolerance and milk allergy?
Lactose intolerance is due to lacking the enzyme lactase needed to digest milk sugars. Milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins. Both require avoidance of dairy foods.
Are there soy-free PediaSure products?
Yes, PediaSure Harvest is a soy-free option made with pea and rice proteins. For tube feeding, PediaSure Peptide, Polycose, and Elemental are also soy-free.
Does dairy-free PediaSure offer complete nutrition?
Yes, the dairy-free PediaSure shakes are designed to provide a full balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support growth in children who cannot have cow’s milk.
Can adults drink PediaSure?
While designed for kids, PediaSure can be used in older ages. For adults, Ensure is an age-appropriate alternative for supplemental nutrition when medically indicated.
Are there side effects from dairy-free PediaSure?
Most kids tolerate it well, but adjusting fiber and fat content slowly prevents digestive issues. Those with soy allergy should avoid soy-based options.
Conclusion
In summary, PediaSure does offer dairy-free shakes and powders for children with medical needs like lactose intolerance, milk allergy, or increased calorie needs. By avoiding milk ingredients and using soy, pea, or rice proteins, these products provide balanced nutrition in a non-dairy form. The variety of options allows customization based on age, taste preference, calorie needs, and tube feeding requirements. Consulting a pediatrician helps determine the best dairy-free PediaSure formula for each child. With appropriate guidance and a gradual transition, these supplements can effectively support the health of kids requiring cow’s milk avoidance.
