Pediasure is a well-known milk brand from the United States. It is considered a nutritional supplement for children to meet their specific nutritional needs during their growth journey. Many parents who are looking for a milk product to help their children grow taller wonder if Pediasure is included in this list. Let’s explore in more detail the ingredients and specific benefits of Pediasure milk for children.
What is Pediasure?
Pediasure is a brand of nutritional supplement specifically designed for children. It is a popular product used to support the nutritional needs of picky eaters, those with poor appetite, or children who require additional nutrients due to certain medical conditions or growth concerns.
Pediasure is a balanced combination of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) as well as essential vitamins and minerals. The product is designed to support overall growth and development in children. Pediasure is available in powdered form or as a ready-to-drink beverage, and it can be used as a supplement alongside regular meals or as a meal replacement.
Origin of Pediasure
Pediasure is a powdered milk brand manufactured by Abbott Nutrition, a leading company in the field of nutrition and healthcare, based in the United States. Pediasure milk is produced and distributed worldwide, including Vietnam. However, manufacturing conditions and ingredient sources may vary depending on the country. If you are interested in the specific origin of Pediasure products, please refer to the information on the product packaging or contact the manufacturer or local distributor for accurate information.
Ingredients of Pediasure
The ingredients of Pediasure may vary to some extent depending on the product version and country. However, below is an example of commonly found ingredients in Pediasure milk:
- Carbohydrates: Pediasure contains carbohydrates such as maltodextrin, sucrose, and dextrin. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body.
- Protein: Protein is an important component of Pediasure and is typically sourced from milk proteins such as casein and whey protein concentrate. Protein provides essential amino acids for growth and development.
- Fats: Pediasure milk provides fats from sources like soybean oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil. Fats are an important energy source and aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Vitamins and minerals: Pediasure supplements include vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, D, E, K, C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and various others. These substances play crucial roles in the body’s development and functioning.
- Dietary fiber: Some Pediasure products may contain added dietary fiber such as inulin. Dietary fiber helps maintain digestive health and supports the immune system.
For example, for a standard 225ml serving of Pediasure powdered milk, the nutritional content is as follows:
- Energy: 226 kcal
- Protein: 6.74 grams
- Fat (Linoleic Acid, α-linolenic Acid, DHA): 8.81 grams
- Carbohydrate: 29.5 grams
- Vitamin A: 450 IU
- Vitamin D3: 180 IU
- Vitamin E: 5.2 IU
- Vitamin K2: 4 mcg
- B-group vitamins (Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, etc.)
- Calcium: 225 mg
- Phosphorus: 189 mg
- Magnesium: 44.6 mg
- Zinc: 1.51 mg
Along with other minerals such as iron, copper, selenium, iodine, potassium, sodium, folic acid, biotin, arginine, taurine, etc.
Does Pediasure help increase height?
Pediasure milk is produced to supplement the necessary nutrients for children’s physical development. However, height growth depends on multiple factors and cannot be solely achieved by drinking milk. Pediasure milk provides calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and protein, which are essential for bone health but not sufficient for optimal height growth.
Moreover, Pediasure milk may not be suitable for children with lactose intolerance. The nutritional value may also be compromised during the heat processing of milk. The absorption of nutrients from milk can vary depending on the individual’s physiology. According to nutrition experts, Pediasure is classified as a weight gain and energy supplement rather than specifically promoting height growth.
To promote height growth, children need to ensure proper nutrition, including the supplementation of products like Pediasure. Additionally, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and a healthy lifestyle contribute to optimizing a child’s height potential.
Appropriate Age for Using Pediasure
Pediasure powdered milk is intended for children aged 1 to 10. The product is specifically recommended for the following individuals:
- Underweight children, stunted growth, or malnourished children.
- Children with poor appetite or picky eating habits.
- Children with high energy needs due to heavy physical activity.
- Children with poor nutrient absorption or undergoing recovery from illness.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pediasure
Advantages:
Pediasure milk contains essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, providing children with the necessary nutrients for their development and growth.
Pediasure is available in powdered form or as a ready-to-drink milk, making it convenient to use and carry while on the go. This helps parents easily provide nutritional supplementation to their children anywhere.
With its balanced nutritional composition, Pediasure can support children who have weight gain issues, slow growth, or need nutrient supplementation during the recovery period after illness.
Disadvantages:
Pediasure milk may have a higher cost compared to regular milk or other nutritional supplements on the market. This may create financial pressure for some families.
Some children may have allergic reactions or intolerance to the components in Pediasure milk, such as milk, soy, or other ingredients. It is crucial to check for allergies and seek medical advice from a pediatrician before use in such cases.
Pediasure milk cannot replace a balanced and varied diet. Providing diverse and nutritious food from natural and fresh sources is still essential for the development and growth of children.
Pediasure milk contains a certain amount of sugar, and if used excessively or in high doses, it can lead to rapid weight gain, overweight, or obesity in children.
Important Considerations when Giving Pediasure to Children
When giving children Pediasure milk, there are some important considerations to ensure safe and effective use of the product:
Consultation with experts: Before starting to use Pediasure milk for a child, it is important to consult with a doctor or a nutrition expert. They can assess the child’s nutritional needs and provide appropriate usage guidance.
Adhere to the recommended dosage: Parents should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, adhere to the recommended dosage, and follow the usage instructions provided on the product packaging. It is important not to exceed the recommended dosage as it may have adverse effects or be detrimental to the child’s health.
Check the ingredients: It is a good practice to check the ingredients of any nutritional product. Read the ingredient list of Pediasure milk on the packaging to ensure there are no allergens or ingredients that are unsuitable for the child. If the child has a history of allergies or intolerances to any components, it is important to consult with a doctor before use or consider an alternative product.
Not a replacement for main meals: Pediasure milk cannot replace a balanced and varied diet. Children still need to be provided with natural foods, fiber, and other nutrients from different food sources. Pediasure milk should be used as a supplement alongside main meals, breakfast, or before physical exercise.
Monitor and observe: Parents should closely monitor any reactions or changes in the child’s health after using Pediasure milk. If there are any adverse effects or abnormalities, discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Combine with other dietary habits: Pediasure milk can be used as a nutritional supplement, so it should be combined with a balanced and varied diet. Ensure that the child is supplemented with natural foods and a diverse menu to meet their nutritional needs, such as fish, shrimp, crab, eggs, chicken, yogurt, cheese, spinach, kale, broccoli, soybeans, almonds, cereals, etc.
Promote a healthy lifestyle: In addition to meeting nutritional needs, children should engage in regular exercise and have an early bedtime before 10 p.m. This promotes optimal nutrient absorption and supports bone growth, helping children increase their height and overall well-being.
Pediasure milk is widely used in Vietnam to help children supplement energy and essential nutrients. However, milk plays a supportive role in providing part of the necessary nutrition for children’s growth in height rather than solely determining their physique. It is important to purchase from reputable stores to ensure you are buying genuine, quality products. Daily meals still need to be nutritionally balanced, and it is important to enhance the consumption of healthy foods while instilling in children a scientific lifestyle to optimize their growth potential.
