If you have any concerns about your baby, you should contact your doctor and/or dietitian for advice.
What is Neocate?
Neocate is a hypoallergenic, powdered formula consisting of 100% free amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Neocate is designed to meet all the nutritional requirements needed for normal growth and development in infants and children. Neocate is designed for the treatment of cow/soy milk allergy, multiple food protein allergy.
Neocate tastes and appears different than other infant formulas. Is this normal?
Yes, this is quite normal. The protein source in Neocate is different than milk-based or hydrolyzed formulas. The free amino acids give the formula its characteristic taste, smell and an appearance similar to breast milk. Adult taste preferences are different to those of an infant. Neocate will probably taste different then any other food or drink you have consumed but this does not mean your child will dislike or refuse it. Our exclusive formulation gives it superior taste, smell and texture. Young children however may be resistant to any new taste sensations and so it may take a few attempts to establish your child on Neocate.
Neocate may appear paler than a typical formula but, again, this is normal. Do not be tempted to add more Neocate powder to give the formula a deeper color. Neocate must only be made up in accordance with the instructions on the can or given to you by your child’s doctor and/or dietitian.
When will I see an improvement after starting Neocate?
If your child has been experiencing negative symptoms for some time, his or her condition may take time to improve. Severe allergies can cause inflammation and irritation to the affected areas. This, like a cut or burn, will take time to heal. It is important during this time to keep your child exclusively on Neocate and not give any other formula or foods unless otherwise directed by the doctor or dietitian. If your child has been on solids, it is important to make sure that those foods suspected of causing a problem are completely eliminated from the diet. Use only those foods recommended by your child’s doctor or dietitian.
Neocate has been clinically proven to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in the stools and vomiting associated with milk protein allergies in just 3 days and relieve all symptoms including gastroesophageal reflux and skin irritations, such as eczema and atopic dermatitis, in just 14 days.
Will Neocate Infant formula meet all of my child’s nutritional needs?
Neocate Infant is formulated to meet the daily nutritional requirements of an infant. If you are concerned that your child is not gaining weight or growing adequately consult your doctor and/or dietitian. They will be able to assess if nutritional needs are being met and if dietary adjustments are necessary.
My child’s bowel movements have changed since beginning Neocate. Is this normal?
Yes this is perfectly normal! Stools can change in consistency and color when a child is introduced to an elemental formula such as Neocate. The reason for this is that Neocate is a very simple form of nutrition. It tends to get absorbed by the body high up in the gut meaning that very little of its nutrients pass into the large intestine. The large intestine is home to millions of bacteria that perform a number of functions including the breakdown of bile (a green substance) which your body naturally produces. These bacteria get less nutrition while your child is on Neocate and their numbers fall, so reducing the breakdown of bile. This means that more bile is present in your child’s stool giving them a green color. This process is a natural effect of taking Neocate and does not affect your baby.
My baby’s appetite has increased since starting Neocate. Is this normal?
Your appetite can be impaired when you are generally not feeling well and/or have gut inflammation. It may be that Neocate is the first formula your child has taken which does not cause discomfort and distress. As Neocate resolves these symptoms, a child’s mood and health should improve, which may help to improve appetite. Neocate has also been shown to promote catch-up growth in children with food allergies. As children grow, energy demands increase, as well as their need for formula intake.
The doctor has prescribed my baby Neocate. He/she is currently breast-fed. How do I introduce Neocate?
Although breastfeeding is the best for babies, occasionally baby is unable to tolerate breast milk and an alternative such as Neocate infant formula is recommended.
If your baby is fully breastfed, it may take a little extra perseverance to get baby to take Neocate when it is prescribed.
It may be helpful to:
- Check with your doctor if Neocate is in addition to, or to replace breastfeeds.
- Get someone other than the breastfeeding mother to give baby Neocate for the first few feeds.
- If the baby is also taking solid foods, perhaps only give solid foods after the formula has been taken.
- Make sure the mother expresses her breasts when they feel full for a few days until the supply of breast milk decreases then ceases. Also check for breast lumps and bumps, then massage them away to avoid developing mastitis.
- A “supply line” to give the Neocate together with a breast feed can be helpful. Ask your doctor and/or dietitian if this is suitable. Nursing mothers or a lactation consultant will be able to give advice on using the supply line.
- Cup feed your baby the Neocate. Discuss with your dietitian a suitable type of feeding cup e.g. sippy cup.
Will my insurance company cover the cost of Neocate?
Insurance coverage will depend on your plan, as well as the state in which you reside. There are several states that mandate Neocate coverage, click here for an up-to-date listing of these states. A reimbursement guide assigned to help you determine whether your child qualifies for any type of local assistance programs is also available by clicking here or visiting our reimbursement page. Consult your doctor and/or insurance company to assist you with any specific questions you may have. For additional suggestions and helpful documents that may assist in obtaining coverage, please contact our Nutrition Department at 1-800-Neocate.
Where can I purchase Neocate?
You can order Neocate directly from Nutricia North America by clicking here or visiting www.OrderNeocate.com or calling 1-800-Neocate. Neocate is also available to order through your local pharmacy
Why is Neocate only available through the pharmacy and not on my grocery store shelf?
Neocate falls under an exempt infant formula classification. Such formulas typically are prescribed by a physician and must be requested from a pharmacist. Exempt infant formulas are generally represented and labeled solely to provide dietary management for specific diseases or conditions that must be used under medical supervision.
What makes Neocate different from other Formulas?
Neocate is elemental. This means that the ingredients in Neocate are in their simplest and purest form so they are easier for the body to process and digest. Neocate is based on 100% free amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein and, unlike formed whole proteins, do not cause allergic inflammation. Other formulas are composed of whole proteins or whole protein fragments (hydrolysates) which are derived from cow's milk or soy. These have the potential to cause allergic inflammation.
100% Amino Acid-based
Neocate
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Formula containing
partially digested proteins
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