Resources: Frequently Asked Questions
What type of product is E028® Splash and/or Neocate® Junior?
These products are hypoallergenic, 100% free amino acid-based medical foods specifically designed for the dietary management of cow milk allergy, multiple food protein intolerance and other related gastrointestinal issues. The products are nutritionally complete for children ages 1-10.
How can E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior help children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?
E028 Splash and Neocate Junior can be helpful for children with ASD in 3 ways:
- GI treatment
- Relief of symptoms of food allergy/intolerance
- Safe implementation of a special diet
Many parents use the products to ensure adequate nutrition while following a restricted diet, such as the Gluten-free, Casein-free (GFCF) Diet. Any elimination diet can make it difficult for a child to get the critical nutrition needed for proper health, growth and development. E028 Splash and Neocate Junior allow special diets to be implemented safely, while helping to treat GI issues and relieve symptoms of food allergy/intolerance. It has been reported that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who followed a restricted diet with E028 Splash had better results than those who followed a restricted diet without it.1
What is the GFCF diet?
The Gluten-free, Casein-free (GFCF) diet is the most commonly-used special diet for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This diet entails removing all gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats) and casein (a protein found in milk and milk products) from the diet. Oftentimes, soy is eliminated as well. Many families report that this diet has helped regulate bowel habits and sleep, and subsequently has enhanced overall progress in their individual child.
What are common GI problems found in children with ASD?
Common GI problems may include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, reflux, bloated belly, leaky gut, inflammation and malabsorption.
How are E028 Splash and Neocate Junior different from dietary supplements or multivitamins?
E028 Splash and Neocate Junior fall under the “Medical Foods” classification defined by the FDA. Unlike dietary supplements or multivitamins, medical foods are specially formulated and processed for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition and are to be used under medical supervision.2 Another distinction is that E028 Splash and Neocate Junior are nutritionally complete. In addition to vitamins and minerals, they contain non-allergenic free amino acids for protein, easy-to-absorb forms of fats and carbohydrate and have more calories per ounce than milk. They can provide ALL the nutrients that a child needs to grow and thrive. Dietary supplements and multivitamins are dietary “extras”; they are not intended to serve as the sole source of nutrition and do not address the calorie deficiency commonly seen in children with ASD.
How are E028 Splash and Neocate Junior different from other milk alternatives?
There are many milk alternatives, such as soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, hemp milk, etc. For children who cannot tolerate milk proteins, soy proteins may be problematic too, so soy milk is not always a good alternative. Rice milk, almond milk and hemp milk are great substitutes in everyday foods; however, they are lacking important nutrients, especially when it comes to quality protein. E028 Splash and Neocate Junior are nutritionally complete and provide protein in the form of non-allergenic amino acids.
What changes can I expect to see in my child once I start a special diet and begin using E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior?
If your child positively responds to the dietary changes, you should expect to see improvements in gastrointestinal function, skin rash (if already present) and other symptoms of food allergies or intolerances. There have been reports that behavior improved in some children once the GI symptoms were resolved. Improvements in sleep patterns have also been reported by families and clinicians. It is important to adhere to the diet for at least 6 months to see if your child will respond. If you haven’t seen changes in this time, talk with your clinician about adjustments to the diet and whether or not it is useful to continue.
Do E028 Splash and Neocate Junior require a prescription?
E028 Splash and Neocate Junior are classified as medical foods. Medical foods do not require a prescription; however, they are TO BE USED UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION.
Are there any cost assistance options for E028 Splash and Neocate Junior?
Yes - Cost assistance options include insurance reimbursement, government-funded health insurance, WIC, Flexible Spending Accounts and partial tax deductions. For more information on cost assistance options and instructions for how to obtain coverage, contact our Nutrition Services Department at 1-800-365-7354.
How can I get my child to drink E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior?
It is not uncommon for a child with ASD to reject new foods, including E028 Splash and Neocate Junior. This might be more evident if the child is still consuming milk, and other dairy and gluten-containing foods. Continue to offer the E028 Splash or Neocate Junior in a positive manner; it often takes 12-15 tries for a child to accept a new food. It may be helpful to gradually transition to the new product. Start by mixing 1/4th of the new product and 3/4th of another preferred beverage. As your child gets used to this mixture, increase the concentration of the new product to half and then ¾ until your child will drink the new product alone. Try putting the E028 Splash or Neocate Junior in a favorite cup. If you are using Neocate Junior, you can stir the powder into any “safe” food or drink. Try making it with apple juice, vanilla rice milk, apple sauce, smoothies, etc. Other methods to improve acceptance include serving the products cold and even using a straw. If smell is an issue with your child, try using a cup with a lid. For recipe ideas, contact our Nutrition Services Department at 1-800-365-7354.
What is the most effective way to use E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior?
The most effective method to ensure success is to use these medical food products with the GFCF diet. This entails eliminating ALL sources of gluten and casein (and oftentimes soy), in addition to any other foods that the child is allergic or intolerant to, such as egg, peanut, shellfish, etc. It’s always most effective to work with a healthcare professional. Doing so is not only safer but also increases the likelihood of success because all factors are taken into consideration and the dietary plan can be tailored to your child’s unique needs.
How much E028 Splash and/or Neocate Junior should I give my child?
The amount of E028 Splash and Neocate Junior that your child requires will depend upon age, weight, activity level and the amount of other foods the child consumes each day. Be sure to consult your healthcare professional to determine your child’s specific intake requirement.
Are E028 Splash and Neocate Junior safe for a child with a corn allergy?
Typically, with a corn allergy, the body reacts to the protein component of corn. Although you will notice “corn syrup solids” on our ingredient list, all corn proteins have been extracted, leaving only the carbohydrate source (glucose), which is generally suitable for a child with a corn allergy. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if the product is appropriate for your child.
Are Corn Syrup Solids (CSS) the same thing as High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)?
No - E028 Splash and Neocate Junior do not contain HFCS. Although both CSS and HFCS are made from corn, HFCS involves an extensive manufacturing process to convert the glucose of the corn into a high-fructose derivative which is added to foods as a sweetener and preservative. Alternatively, CSS are composed of the glucose naturally occurring in corn and serve as the carbohydrate component of our products.
Should I be concerned about sugar content?
It’s true that too much sugar is unhealthy in a child’s diet and it’s wise to limit it from most foods. When using a specialized formula like E028 Splash or Neocate Junior, the simple sugars in it are necessary to help your child quickly replenish and absorb nutrients that 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 the appropriate daily intake for your child and the length of time your child should continue consuming this amount. If you are still concerned about sugar intake, Neocate Junior Unflavored is a good alternative.
What if my child is sensitive to flavorings or colorings?
None of the Nutricia products contain artificial colorings; however, E028 Splash and flavored Neocate Junior do contain artificial flavorings. 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 and for these children, Neocate Junior Unflavored may be a better option.
For additional information, contact our Nutrition Services Department:
1 Converse, Judy. Special-Needs Kids Eat Right. Penguin Books, 2009. Page 179.
2Medical Foods Program: Import and Domestic.. Compliance Program Guidance Manual: Ch. 21. The Food and Drug Administration, 2008.
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