Calories Neocate

[MenaZovut]

I noticed today that Neocate Active has 100cal per 100ml, as opposed to about 67cal in full milk or follow on. I was a bit surprised, though it won't hurt my tiny ds! Anyone know the logic in this? I presumed it would simply be the same content wise, simply non-dairy.

[greenbananas]

I don't know very much about Neocate, but human breastmilk generally has more calories than full-fat cow's milk. Breastmilk has an average of 75 calories per 100ml but can be as much as 119 calories per 100 ml (the composition of breastmilk changes to suit the baby).

[freefrommum]

I think it's to do with the fact that it can be difficult to get sufficient calories and fat into babies/toddlers with milk allergy as they can't have the usual 'fatty' foods like cheese, yogurts, custard, cream etc. By the time they get diagnosed, lots have already lost significant amounts of weight due to vomiting and reluctance to feed so they need to try to re-gain weight. Neocate is quite different content wise to standard formula in other ways I believe too. I'm pretty sure it has more calcium and iron too as it is again difficult to get enough nutrition when on a restricted diet.

[thisisyesterday]

i would presume it is because it's very hard to get calories into a dairy intolerant/allergic child...

[MenaZovut]

Thanks, I knew it had more calcium as now he's moved on to Active he can stop taking the calcium supplement (phew).

He had lost huge amounts of weight in the early days, but is now pretty normal and has been on the standard Neocate. Seems odd to NOW at 14 months up his calories, when he's a sensible (in comparison to before) weight. He's slowly risen from the 0.4th to 9/25th centile on Neocate and is 96th for height, so slim and healthy as opposed to very underweight. Plus he stuffs he little face constantly (!). We seem to get calories in very well tbh as he's progressing slowly up the centiles.

[freefrommum]

That's good. I think the reason for upping the calories might be because they drink less of it, ie max 2 sachets per day so it's more concentrated.