Finding out your baby has a metabolic disorder can be a very scary time. Many parents haven’t even heard the term “metabolic disorder” before and learning that your baby needs a specialty formula can feel very daunting.
We are here to offer a variety of specialty formulas covered through your insurance and help you understand what a metabolic disorder is.
What is a Metabolic Disorder?
A metabolic disorder gets in the way of how a baby’s body breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, or handles enzymes. These disorders can be very serious and need to be treated or they could cause development delays, organ damage, or even death.
One way to help a baby who is diagnosed with a metabolic disorder is to provide foods that limit proteins. For infants and toddlers, offering a metabolic formula is very important.
How Do I know if My Baby Has a Metabolic Disorder?
Babies are screened for disorders at birth. One of the most common metabolic disorders is phenylketonuria, or PKU. There is a blood test that babies can take that will determine if a baby has this disorder.
If your baby is diagnosed with PKU, they can be placed on a special diet to help avoid complications.
Which Metabolic Formula is Right for My Baby?
We offer a variety of formulas that are designed for babies with metabolic disorders. These formulas were created specifically for infants and young children with metabolic disorders.
All of these formulas have been proven to help with various metabolic disorders. Visit our Metabolic Formula page to learn more about each formula and how it can help your baby who is struggling with a metabolic disorder.
Pregestimil is an infant formula designed for infants who experience fat malabsorption and who may also be sensitive to intact proteins. Fat malabsorption or steatorrhea may be associated with cystic fibrosis, short bowel syndrome, intractable diarrhea and severe protein calorie malnutrition.
Long-Term Usage: Pregestimil is designed to provide a sole source of nutrition for infants up to age 6 months, and to provide a major source of nutrition through 12 months of age. Normally, in feeding infants, gradual introduction of solid foods after 4-6 months of age is an important developmental as well as nutritional step.
In cases of chronic malabsorption disorders, Pregestimil is sometimes continued as a milk substitute in the diet of children. This and similar supplemental use of Pregestimil in the diet beyond 12 months of age may make a significant contribution to the maintenance of good nutrition in such patients, and is not known to be harmful in any way. When Pregestimil is used as a milk substitute, the total calcium content of the diet should be assessed.
Extended use of Pregestimil (or other infant formulas) as a sole source of diet is most appropriately monitored by physicians and nutritionists on a case-by-case basis.
Product Features
Hypoallergenic protein source (extensively hydrolyzed casein)
55% of the fat from medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oil
Designed for infants with fat malabsorption problems
Ready to use is virtually isotonic
DHA and ARA, important nutrients also found in breast milk, that promote brain and eye development1-8
TYROS 1 is an iron-fortified infant formula and medical food powder that is free of the essential amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine for infants and toddlers with documented tyrosinemia. This product provides all other essential amino acids as well as nonessential amino acids, carbohydrate, fat, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Use under direct and continuing supervision of a doctor.
Product Features
DHA and ARA
Phenylalanine- and tyrosine-free
Vitamin and mineral levels meet the U.S. Infant Formula Act requirements per 100 Calories
Increased levels of B vitamins, compared to routine infant formulas, for cofactor production
Vanilla scent
Mixes easily and stays in suspension well
Has choline, an essential nutrient important for brain development and the normal functioning of cells1,2
Phenyl-Free 1 is an iron-fortified infant formula and medical food powder that is free of the essential amino acid phenylalanine for infants and toddlers with documented phenylketonuria (PKU). This product provides all other essential amino acids as well as nonessential amino acids, carbohydrate, fat, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Use under direct and continuing supervision of a doctor.
Product Features
DHA and ARA
Phenylalanine-free
Vitamin and mineral levels meet the U.S. Infant Formula Act requirement per 100 Calories
Increased levels of B vitamins, compared to routine infant formulas, for cofactor production
Vanilla scent
Mixes easily and stays in suspension well
Has choline, an essential nutrient important for brain development and the normal functioning of cells1,2