Neocate

What is special about this formula?

This formula is based on single amino-acids broken down to their molecular form, with no lactose.

Who is this formula for?

It is made for babies that suffer from certain intestinal illnesses including malabsorption or babies that suffer from a high degree of sensitivity/allergy to both cow’s milk protein and soy protein. In practice, this is almost the only formula that babies that have significant problems in intestinal absorption, or with significant cow’s milk protein allergy that has not passed (or that other hydrolyzed formulas cannot be attempted) can receive.

There is another formula available with similar properties called ‘PurAmino’.

What stages are there in Neocate and what are the instructions for preparation?

Neocate LCP – birth to one year.

Neocate Junior – Above the age of one year, in three flavors: strawberry, vanilla, neutral.

The preparation is a little different compared with other formulas, one measuring spoon per 30 cc (milliliter) of water.

What is the problem with this formula?

How it tastes. It takes a long time for babies to get used to this less tasty formula, up to the point of not wanting to eat.

This is very variable, of-course, I’ve seen babies who had no problem with this formula and others that refused to eat.

Problem is that this formula is usually the last resort in certain conditions and there are almost no other options.

How can the taste of Neocate be improved?

Addition of 5 cc of grape sugar to every bottle (about 180 cc), improves the taste very much and can help the baby get used to the new formula in the beginning.

After the establishment of feeding, I suggest a gradual reducing the amount of grape sugar added.

How can this formula be purchased?

Neocate might an expensive formula that in many countries requires prescription to purchase. I assume that everyone who purchases this formula has good reason to and may apply for funding.

Other recommendations for children with cow’s milk protein allergy?

If the allergic reaction was significant and life-threatening, changes to other formulas or introduction to milk should only be done after consultation and approval of a pediatric allergy specialist.

However, in most cases the sensitivity presents with abdominal pain and diarrhea. In that case, my recommendations are:

1. Advancing to solid introduction at an early age starting age of 4 months, in order to expose the babies to other foods and lower incidence of other food allergies. Read more in this link.
2. Consultation with a pediatrician around the age of 8-9 months about the possible exposure to milk products, as written in the chapter about cow’s milk allergy.

If the case is of a significant intestinal disease, causing malabsorption, the decision to change to another formula should be that of the professional who recommended it in the first place.

Good luck!