MEDIA RELEASE PR35019
First and Only Weaning Product Based on 100% Non-Allergenic Amino-Acids Specifically Designed
for Children With Cows' Milk Protein Allergy and Multiple Food Protein Intolerance
LIVERPOOL, June 11 / PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -
- Nutricia Launches Neocate Nutra at the European Society for Paediatric
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)
Nutricia, the European market leader in advanced medical
nutrition, announces the launch of Neocate Nutra, the first and only weaning
product made from 100% non-allergenic amino acids. Neocate Nutra has been
specifically developed for weaning infants and older children with cows' milk
protein allergy (CMPA) and multiple food protein intolerance (MFPI). Unlike
many weaning products, Neocate Nutra contains no hidden allergens and is
designed to provide children with the key essential nutrients they need for
development. With its unique format, Neocate Nutra is suitable for taking
infants through the various stages of weaning and also for older children on
very restricted diets who are looking for convenient and varied food options.
Neocate Nutra represents a groundbreaking advance in the
management of CMPA, a condition which affects between 2 to 7.5% of infants
worldwide.(1) With the launch of Neocate Nutra, parents of CMPA infants of a
weaning age and above can, for the first time, choose with confidence a
weaning product that is made from 100% non-allergenic amino acids, ruling out
any possible allergic reactions caused by an exposure to any trace of cows'
milk. Neocate Nutra contains key essential nutrients potentially missing from
a dairy-free diet and contains a child's full dietary requirements of calcium
and two thirds of their daily requirements for iron and vitamin D*. This
helps to ensure valuable nutrition for healthy bones, growth and development
throughout the weaning stage and beyond.
"The weaning stage can be nerve-wracking for parents of infants with
cows' milk protein allergy as there is often a fear that they may react to
other foods. Having a weaning product that is totally milk-free and can be
used to provide infants with new tastes and textures means one less thing for
parents to worry about." said Dr. Adam Fox, Consultant & Honorary Senior
Lecturer in Paediatric Allergy, Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St
Thomas', London.
Standard weaning foods available potentially contain allergens
such as milk, wheat and gluten. The use of unmodified mammalian milk or
unmodified soy or rice milk, is not recommended for infants as these milks
are not adequately nutritious.(2) In addition, soy can also present
cross-reaction risks.(1,3)
Good nutrition is not only essential for a child's physical
and emotional well-being, but also provides weaning infants with a choice and
variety of different foods, tastes and textures they need to help with their
mouth and tongue co-ordination for speech development.(4)
"We are delighted to introduce Neocate Nutra as the first and
only amino acid-based weaning product for children with cows' milk allergy
and other food allergies." commented Martin Pettifor, Category Director for
Allergy Relief at Nutricia. "Neocate Nutra has been developed as a direct
result of feedback from parents.(5) Parents of children with food allergies can
now wean their child with Neocate Nutra without fear of exposure to hidden
allergens that can cause an allergic reaction."
Note to Editors:
About Nutricia
Neocate Nutra is produced by Nutricia Advanced Medical
Nutrition. Nutricia is a specialised unit of Danone, with a mission to lead
the use of Advanced Medical Nutrition in disease management and disease
prevention. With its focus on innovative, science-based nutrition delivering
proven consumer benefits and better clinical outcomes for patients, Nutricia
supports Danone's broader mission to bring health through food to the
greatest number. Nutricia was acquired by Danone in 2007.
About Amino Acid-Based Formulas
The development of the amino acid-based formula (AAF) in CMPA has proven
an important step forward in providing safe and effective nutrition for
infants with cows' milk allergy.(4) Nutricia has a strong heritage in AAF,
having developed the first one ever, Neocate, which celebrated its 25th
birthday in 2008.
About Neocate Nutra
Nutricia's Neocate Nutra is the first amino acid-based weaning product
for infants from 6 months and children with CMPA.
Neocate Nutra is a versatile and convenient product. When water is added
to this powder-based product, a smooth, spoonable "yoghurt style" consistency
is formed which can be adjusted by adding more or less water as desired. With
its neutral taste, Neocate Nutra is perfect on its own or can be combined
with a variety of sweet or savoury "safe" foods. Neocate is manufactured in a
cows' milk protein-free plant. Neocate Nutra is suitable for infants from 6
months and young children.
National launches of Neocate Nutra will be taking place across the world
during the course of 2009 and 2010.
References
1. Hill DJ, Firer MA, Shelton MJ., et al. Manifestations of milk allergy
in infancy: clinical and immunologic findings. J Pediatrics 1986;
109:270-276.
2. Vandenplas Y. Optimising the Diagnosis and Management of Cow's Milk
Allergy within Primary Care. European Pediatric Review, 2009; 3(1) in
press.
3. ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Soy Protein Infant Formulae: A
Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. JPGN 2006;
42:352-61.
4. Weaning, in Manual of Dietetic Practice, Second Edition, Blackwell
Science,1994: pp264-68.
5. Act Against Allergy Parent Survey, Oct 2008. Data on file.
Source: Nutricia
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