Neocate

The product is indicated for children aged 0-12 months who have the following conditions:

• severe food allergies and intolerances;
• multiple protein intolerances (soy, cow's milk);
• malabsorption syndrome,
• malnutrition syndrome,
• maldigestion syndrome;
• inflammatory bowel disease;
• chronic diarrhoeal disease;
• resumption of feeding after enterocolitis.

Neocate LCP does not contain cow's milk protein, comes in powder form, is amino acid-based and hypoallergenic. It is suitable as a sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to the diet.

It can be administered orally or via a feeding tube and only under medical supervision. The amount needed and how to mix it will be decided by your doctor and will depend on your child's age, weight, and how they're doing. One scoop, which comes in the box, gives you 4.5g of powder and needs 30ml of water to get the right amount (13.5% w/v).

A lower concentration is recommended initially until the patient's tolerance is established. Improper preparation may affect the baby's health.

After opening, the product should be covered with the lid and stored in a cool, dry place (avoid freezing). If stored under these conditions, it can be used for 4 weeks.

1. Clean the preparation surface and wash your hands thoroughly. Sterilise the bottle and teats.
2. Boil water and leave to cool for approximately 30 minutes until it is warm to the touch. Pour the required amount of water into the bottle (according to the dosage table).
3. Fill the measuring spoon provided in the Neocate box. Remove any excess with a clean knife blade.
4. Add the required number of measuring spoons to the bottle. Close the bottle. Shake vigorously until the powder is dissolved. Check the temperature of the prepared milk at your wrist (approximately 37 degrees C).
5. After one hour, discard any formula remaining in the bottle and do not reheat during the meal.

Infant formula powder is not sterile. It is ideal, especially for infants who are vulnerable to infection, to prepare the formula immediately before feeding. In enteral feeding, the amount of prepared formula should not be used more than 4 hours after preparation.

Neocate Infant contains, in addition to Neocate LCP, added nucleotides and DHA/ARA, two polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a crucial role in infant growth and development.

The differential diagnosis between food allergy and food intolerance in newborns and infants is difficult due to similar clinical manifestations and the short time available for making a therapeutic decision.

Food intolerances are more common than allergies and are due to the immaturity of certain enzymes in the metabolic chain. In food intolerances, episodes of diarrhoea and regurgitation are more common than in allergies. Allergies are conditions with more complex manifestations, often associated with allergic dermatitis, asthmatic manifestations and oedema. A quick solution for relieving symptoms until the cause is identified is to administer a special non-allergenic and well-tolerated formula that attempts to preserve the composition of breast milk as much as possible, such as Neocate Infant. Once the clinical symptoms have subsided, try resuming feeding with the lactose-free formula and monitor the child. If symptoms reappear, switch to a hypoallergenic formula such as Neocate LCP.

Neocate Infant and Neocate Syneo are intended for babies under one year of age. They contain DHA and ARA to mimic the benefits of breast milk for the baby's brain development. The difference between the two is that Neocate Syneo contains prebiotics and probiotics in a special blend. This should help your baby's good bacteria levels resemble the intestinal balance of breastfed babies and tolerate the formula better.

Neocate Junior is specially formulated for children over one year old, with a higher calorie content. Junior options come with or without prebiotics, and there are different flavours for each option.

Consult your doctor and see what they recommend.

It can vary from child to child:

• If you need a Kosher or Halal certified formula, then you should choose Neocate.
• If you have a child who is very sensitive to soy or potatoes, then you should start with Neocate.
• If taste is most important and your child is not sensitive to soy, then you could start with Alfamino.
• If your child is underweight and needs to gain weight, their doctor may recommend starting with Alfamino.

Keep in mind that breast milk is the best food for babies.