Neocate Use in Short Bowel Syndrome
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs when a significant portion of the small intestine is taken out. There are many causes of SBS in infants and children including an infection or inflammation of the intestinal system of premature or low birth weight infants, malformation of a portion of the intestine, or a congenital anomaly presented at birth. The small bowel is a very important part of the digestive process. It absorbs about 90% of the nutrients and fluids your body needs to function. Loss of any part of the small bowel reduces the area for absorbing key nutrients and fluids.
Allergies tend to be more prevalent in infants and children with SBS. This may be due to damage to the inner lining of the intestine causing the body to react to intact protein. Such reactions are typically allergic reactions.
Two main goals of therapy for SBS is to help the gut adapt to the damage that has been done and to maintain nutritional stability. The gut will adapt with time by growing longer, increasing its ability to absorb nutrients and digest formulas and foods normally. Amino acid-based formulas, such as Neocate play a role with nutritional stability. Neocate is used to help with the absorption of nutrients during the adaptation period. Neocate provides all the necessary nutrients required for a child’s growth and development in an easy to digest form.
More information on SBS can be found in our SBS parent guide. Click here to download
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