Frequently Asked Questions
- How much PediaSmart® will meet the Dietary Reference Intakes?
PediaSmart® contains 100% or more of the NAS-NRC Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals:
- For children 1 to 8 years of age, in 1000 milliliters (approximately 33 fluid ounces or slightly more than four 8-fluid ounce servings).
- For children 9 to 13 years of age, in 1500 milliliters (approximately 50 fluid ounces or slightly more than six 8-fluid ounce servings).
- How is PediaSmart® different from PediaSure®?
PediaSmart® is nutritionally comparable to the leading brand PediaSure®; however, it is the only beverage on the market that provides complete organic nutrition. PediaSmart® contains only natural and organic flavors with no artificial colors or sweeteners, genetically modified ingredients, pesticides, added growth hormones or hexane processed oils. Nature’s One® purchases its organic milk protein concentrate from farmer-owned cooperatives where cows are fed only organic grains and grasses from organic pastures.
A recent study from the United Kingdom, soon to be published, reports on the benefits of consuming organic foods.1 Of particular interest is the finding that organic milk can contain up to 60% more antioxidants than found in conventionally produced milk. Antioxidants are molecules that help to prevent damage to the body’s cells. Examples of antioxidants are Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
1. The Herald, United Kingdom. “Organic food really is better for you, says study funded by the EU,” October 29, 2007. Sourced November 6, 2007 from: http://72.32.142.180/news_story.php?id=5369 and http://www.freshplaza.com/news_detail.asp?id=10167.
PediaSure is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories. - Can PediaSmart® be used with children under 1-year of age?
PediaSmart® is not an infant formula nor is it intended to be used with children under 1 year of age unless directed by a healthcare professional. Nature’s One® believes breast milk is the best source of nutrition for an infant. When breast milk is not available, Nature’s One® offers Baby’s Only Organic® formulas. Consult your healthcare professional before changing an infants diet. For additional information on Baby’s Only Organic® formulas, please click on the following link:
Baby's Only Organic Dairy Formula - No Melamine in PediaSmart®.
Nature’s One® began precautionary testing for melamine shortly after the China infant formula contamination became public. Approved screening methods used by a third-party laboratory confirm there is NO MELAMINE or Cyanuric Acid in Baby’s Only Organic® formulas and PediaSmart® nutritional beverages. Nature’s One® does not use packaging or cleaning solutions that contain melamine or cyanuric acid.
Parents can rest assured that all products are manufactured in the U.S.A. Nature’s One® production and ingredient standards extend beyond “organic” insuring the highest nutritional quality of any leading brand.
- BPA Testing and 100% BPA-Free Packaging for Nature's One® Formula Products.
Testing Concludes BPA Undetected
Nature’s One® has finalized BPA testing on its powdered formula (produced in 2009) using a third-party laboratory. The testing method is 10-times more sensitive than the current test used by the FDA. As expected, no BPA was detected in Nature’s One® formula products.100% BPA-Free Packaging
With the help of Nature’s One® suppliers, all components of our packaging used in 2010 are 100% BPA-free. This includes the new “easy-open” lid that once used an epoxy based resin. Nature’s One® will be introducing new light-weight canisters and “easy-open” lids for all Baby’s Only Organic® formulas and PediaSmart® nutrition beverages produced in 2010.Environmentally Friendly Packaging
Our new canisters are good for the environment because they are recyclable and on average contain 50% recycled content. Additionally, the canisters are light weight since they are made of paperboard instead of tin. This reduces environmental waste and energy used in manufacturing and transportation. The canister’s metal top and bottom are also recyclable. Again, all components of the packaging are BPA-free.As an organic manufacturer, Nature’s One® is concerned over the level of chemicals ingested by infants, toddlers and children and will always use the highest quality ingredients and materials available to produce and package its organic pediatric products.
- What is Bisphenol-A (BPA).
The concern with bisphenol-A coatings used in some packaging is the potential migration of bisphenol-A into canned foods. Health concerns related to bisphenol-A have been reported because of bisphenol-A’s endocrine-disrupting properties, particularly the estrogen pathway.1 Bisphenol-A is used in the epoxy resin that coats the inside of some metal cans. This coating helps to prevent corrosion of the can, contamination of the canned food from dissolved metals, and bacterial contamination causing spoilage of the food. Thus, the coating helps to maintain the food product’s quality and taste and aids in extending shelf life.
All components of Baby’s Only Organic® and PediaSmart® packaging used in 2010 are 100% BPA-free. Nature’s One® has finalized BPA testing on its powdered formula produced in 2009. As expected, no BPA was detected in Nature’s One® formula products. The testing method, provided by a third-party laboratory, is 10-times more sensitive than the current test used by the FDA.
The greater risk of BPA migration has been found to be related to heat exposure during processing.2 BPA migration appears to be most often associated with liquid products such as ready-to-feed and concentrated formulas sold in cans where high processing temperatures are used once the liquid is sealed in the can. High temperatures are needed during canning of liquid products to achieve sterility and prevent botulism or the growth of other microorganisms that would lead to spoilage. The presence of high processing temperatures is thought to provoke a migration of the bisphenol-A into the liquid products.
1. Kuehn, B. “Expert panels weigh bisphenol-A risks,” JAMA. 2007; 298: 1499-1503.
2. Goodson, A. et al. “Survey of bisphenol A and bisphenol F in canned foods.” Food Addit Contam. 2002; 19: 796-802. - Does PediaSmart® contain caffeine?
PediaSmart® Vanilla does not contain caffeine.
PediaSmart® Chocolate contains a very low amount of caffeine (approximately 4.5 milligrams per 8 fluid ounces) which is derived from the organic cocoa powder. For comparison purposes, one 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 60-120 milligrams of caffeine; one 8-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee contains 1-5 milligrams of caffeine; and one 8-ounce cup of green tea contains 20 milligrams of caffeine.
- Does PediaSmart® meet the American Heart Association’s guidelines on fat composition?
The American Heart Association suggests keeping total fat intake between 30 to 35 percent of calories for children 2 to 3 years of age and between 25 to 35 percent of calories for children and adolescents 4 to 18 years of age, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
PediaSmart® contains 3.8 grams of fat per 100 Calories which equates to 34% of Calories from fat and, therefore, meets the American Heart Association’s guidelines for children.
PediaSmart® contains 9 grams of fat per 8 fluid ounce serving.
- Can PediaSmart® be used as a sole source of feeding or be fed by tube?
Under the guidance of a healthcare professional, PediaSmart® can be used as a sole source of nutrition and with a tube feeding. The specific amount to be used daily will need to be determined based upon a child’s nutritional and medical status. Mixing instructions should be discussed to assure that the product is prepared and fed properly. PediaSmart® is not for parenteral use.
- Can PediaSmart® be warmed or frozen?
PediaSmart® does not need to be warmed prior to consumption. However, if a child prefers a slightly warmed beverage, PediaSmart® can be heated but care must be taken to assure that it is not too hot to burn the lips and mouth. Always check the temperature of the warmed PediaSmart® before feeding it to your child. Although PediaSmart® can be warmed in a microwave safe container without affecting the nutrient quality of the product, the use of a microwave is not recommended because the liquid in the center of the container may be much hotter than the outer product and container resulting in scalding or burns.
Although freezing PediaSmart® will not affect its nutrient content, PediaSmart® should not be frozen because the physical appearance of the product will change when it is thawed making it unacceptable.
- Can ADULTS use PediaSmart® as a daily nutritional supplement?
There are presently no adult organic supplements on the market today. However, adults may use PediaSmart® as a source of extra calories and nutrients. Although the product was specifically designed to help meet the nutritional needs of young children, there are no ingredients in the product that could not be consumed by an adult. If PediaSmart® is used as a supplement to an adult’s daily diet, the amount to consume daily will depend upon the overall daily caloric and nutritional needs and can be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider. One 8 fluid ounce serving of PediaSmart contains 237 calories. We recommend presenting our leading brand Nutritional Comparison Chart to your doctor.
- Can PediaSmart® be mixed with milk instead of water?
The mixing instructions for PediaSmart® state to use water because the protein source is organic non-fat cow’s milk. If PediaSmart® is mixed with any type of milk, the protein, sodium and other dietary components will be increased. This could potentially be a problem for children with medical challenges because of the increased renal solute load (dietary components that are excreted in the urine) and its effect on water balance in the body with the potential for dehydration.
If a healthy child with no renal issues is well hydrated and consuming adequate water throughout the day, PediaSmart® can be mixed with milk to increase calories and nutrients in the overall daily diet. We recommend a healthcare provider be consulted before preparing PediaSmart® with any liquid other than water. Mixing with milk will also require extra stirring effort in order to completely mix the powder.
