 
What are the Nutrition and Autism products?
The Nutrition and Autism products are hypoallergenic, gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) medical foods clinically proven to resolve dairy and multiple food protein allergies and related gastrointestinal issues in children. Many parents of children with autism use Neocate’s E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior to help manage special diets, like the GFCF diet.
What is the GFCF diet?
The gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet is the most commonly used elimination diet for children with autism. People who follow this diet remove all gluten (a protein found in barley, rye, oats, and wheat) and casein (a protein found in dairy products) from their diets. Many families report that dietary elimination of gluten and casein has helped regulate bowel habits, sleep, activity and habitual behaviors as well as enhance overall progress in their individual child.
What are common GI problems found in children with ASD?
Common GI problems include leaky gut, malabsorption, whole protein intolerance, reflux, constipation and diarrhea.
How can E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior help children with autism?
Many children with autism suffer from gastrointestinal problems, such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, and are unable to break down the complex proteins found in wheat (gluten) and/or dairy (casein) products. Many families have found that children with autism benefit from diets that avoid milk, wheat and sometimes soy proteins. Following a special diet, however, can make it difficult for some children to get the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. E028 Splash and Neocate Junior are nutritionally complete, gluten-free, casein-free medical foods that ensure these nutritional needs are met. The products are also elemental, which means that all of the nutrients are in their purest form and require little additional digestion. This is important because children with autism often suffer from malabsorption and/or maldigestion.
How do these products differ from supplements or multivitamins?
Multivitamins are considered dietary supplements and are not intended to be a sole source of nutrition. E028 Splash is a nutritionally complete medical food and can serve as the sole source of nutrition for children ages 1-10. In addition to vitamins and minerals, E028 Splash contains free amino acids as a protein source, as well as carbohydrates and fats for energy.
What changes can I expect to see in my child?
Typically, within the first two weeks of starting a special diet and beginning to use E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior, children have observable improvements in GI symptoms, responsiveness, runny nose, black circles under eyes and behavioral symptoms. Skin changes may take a little longer to observe. Some people notice changes in the first few days while others don’t see major improvements for three or more weeks.
Do these products require a prescription?
Because E028 Splash and Neocate Junior are classified by the FDA as medical foods, they do not require a prescription. However, your child should be under the care of a healthcare provider while using the products.
What is a medical food?
The United States Food and Drug Administration gives the following definition of a medical food: “A medical food is prescribed by a physician when a patient has special nutrient needs in order to manage a disease or health condition, and the patient is under the physician’s ongoing care. The label must clearly state that the product is intended to be used to manage a specific medical disorder or condition.”
Can I get reimbursement by insurance?
Insurance coverage will depend on your plan, as well as the state you live in. For assistance in obtaining coverage, please contact our Nutrition Services Department at 1-800-365-7354, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST.
How can I get my child to drink the product?
It is not uncommon for a child to reject the new products at first, especially those who use milk as a main calorie and protein source or those still eating a lot of wheat and dairy foods. Gently support your child and continuously offer E028 Splash to him/her in a positive manner. Visit www.nutritionandautism.com to view some transitional tips.
What is the most effective way to use these products?
E028 Splash and Neocate Junior work best when used in conjunction with a special diet, such as the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet. If you are just starting your diet and milk was a primary food for your child, you can substitute with E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior while you work on gradually introducing other foods and protein sources. The number of servings each day depends on each child’s age, weight and medical condition. A child relying on E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior as his or her primary source for nutrition might take 3-4 servings each day, while a child taking it to complement a special diet might only need 1 box each day to meet his/her nutritional needs. Be sure to consult your healthcare professional regarding your child’s specific intake requirement.
Where do the amino acids come from?
The amino acids used in E028 Splash and Neocate Junior are synthetically derived from plant and vegetable sources.
What if my child has a corn allergy? Are your products still safe for him/her?
Typically, with a corn allergy, the body is unable to tolerate the corn protein. We have extracted all of the corn protein out of the E028 Splash and Neocate Junior products leaving only the corn carbohydrate source, which is suitable for a child with a corn allergy.
I thought corn syrup was bad for you? Why is it in the ingredient list?
There is a difference between the corn syrup that is used in the Neocate products compared to corn syrup that is found in other products. The corn syrup solids that are used in our Neocate family are the sole source of carbohydrate and are processed to remove any corn proteins as well as sucrose (fructose + glucose). Products that list high fructose corn syrup in the ingredient list have been processed in a way to specifically increase fructose and therefore increase the sweetness of the product.
Should I be concerned about sugar content?
It’s true that too much sugar is unhealthy in children’s diets and it’s wise to limit it from most foods. When using a specialized formula like E028 Splash, the simple sugars in it are necessary to help your child quickly replenish and absorb nutrients they may have been lacking for a long time. Children need carbohydrates more than adults because they are growing. Your clinician can help you determine how much E028 Splash a day is appropriate, and for how long. If you are still concerned about sugar intake, Neocate Junior unflavored is a good alternative.
My child is sensitive to flavorings. Which product would be best for him/her?
Our E028 Splash and flavored Neocate Junior products do contain artificial flavoring ingredients. Like all Nutricia products, they are manufactured under the strictest quality assurance and are assessed to ensure they meet the highest standard of purity. However, we understand that some children cannot tolerate certain artificial flavors. For people seeking a nutritionally complete yet unflavored medical food, we have Neocate Junior Unflavored, which is 100% free of any artificial flavoring.
Tell me more about E028 Splash…
E028 Splash is conveniently packaged in a single-serving ready-to-drink box. It is available in grape, tropical and orange-pineapple flavors. If your child has a citrus intolerance, grape would be the appropriate flavor because it doesn’t contain citric acid.
How do I get my child interested in drinking E028 Splash?
The E028 Splash sampler includes two boxes of each of the 3 flavors so you can try them all and determine your child’s favorite. Remember that E028 Splash is best served chilled. For many kids, the drink box is convenient and a great feature. If your child does not accept the drink box, try pouring the liquid into his/her favorite cup.
Tell me more about Neocate Junior and how it is different from E028 Splash…
Neocate Junior is manufactured as a powder and can be easily mixed with water or with a variety of common “safe” foods or drinks for those on a special diet. Neocate Junior has a slightly higher protein equivalent for GI tissue repair and extra vitamins and minerals for malabsorptive conditions. It also has a carbohydrate profile formulated to be gentle to the digestive system. This product comes in chocolate and tropical flavors, along with an unflavored version.
How do I get my child interested in taking Neocate Junior Unflavored?
The most effective way to give children Neocate Junior unflavored is to mix it into other GFCF “safe” foods and drinks. Try mixing it into dairy-free smoothies, applesauce, mashed potatoes or soups. Reconstituted Neocate Junior can be heated gently but not boiled. We recommend adding Neocate Junior as a dry powder to each portion of cooled cooked food just prior to consuming. Water or other fluids must always be given with or after food containing Neocate powder.
Where can I find additional information?
Additional information on Nutrition and Autism can be found at www.nutritionandautism.com. You can also contact our Nutrition Department at 1-800-365-7354, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm EST.
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