Frequently Asked Questions on PediaSure
Got any questions about PediaSure, or want to know more about complete, balanced nutrition for your fussy eater? Read our frequently asked questions here.
Q: Who is PediaSure Shake for?
A: PediaSure Shake is a specially formulated supplement for children aged 1-10 years. It can be a regular part of a child’s daily diet, while you work to establish healthy eating habits. It can be used to supplement their nutritional intake in-between meals or at snack times.
PediaSure is not intended as a meal substitute. Children require a nutritionally balanced diet.
Q: What flavours does PediaSure Health Shake come in?
A: PediaSure Health Shake 850g powder and 200 mL ready-to-drink bottles come in three delicious flavours – vanilla, strawberry and chocolate – and children love the great taste1 which means less fuss, less stress and less worry for you.
PediaSure is not intended as a meal substitute. Children require a nutritionally balanced diet.
Q: How many servings of PediaSure Shake can my child have each day?
A: PediaSure Health Shake should be used alongside or in-between meals, as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Your child should have no more than the recommended daily allowance below of PediaSure Health Shake, dependent on their age:
- Up to 2 glasses/bottles for 1–4 year olds
- Up to 3 glasses/bottles for 5–10 year olds
Q: Why has the PediaSure formula been changed?
A: At Abbott Nutrition, we are constantly reviewing our formulations and ingredients to ensure that we continue to offer the best available products we can. Our new formulation has a number of improvements over the previous one, such as the addition of FOS fibre and a probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus); the addition of DHA; a lower fat level; improved taste and two new flavours.
Q: Why does PediaSure contain sugar?
A: At Abbott Nutrition, we’re committed to advancing nutrition science to help people be their healthiest. We commit to creating products that are nutritious and good-tasting. Nutrient-dense products such as PediaSure contain a small amount sugar to improve the taste (for example, Vitamins B and C can give an taste which is unpleasant to some), which is necessary if children are going to comply with consuming the supplement.
Q: Why do you make the claim “Best ever taste?”
A: We wanted to ensure that PediaSure’s new taste was acceptable to Australian kids, so we arranged for ‘blind’ taste testing to be undertaken by over 157 Aussie kids as well as their parents, to compare the old vanilla PediaSure with the new vanilla. The result? A significant preference for the new flavour based on mouthfeel, sweetness and overall taste.
Q: The new formulation contains 40% soy protein – why is this?
A: The protein in our old formulation came from dairy-based Casein and Whey proteins. The new formulation’s protein is sourced from 40% soy protein, 48% Casein and 12% Whey. PediaSure provides a unique blend of three different types of protein for muscle development and to help support strong bones. Soy is considered a high-quality protein, similar to casein and whey.
Q: Is the new formulation lactose free?
A: PediaSure contains trace amounts of Lactose (<2g of lactose /100g of product) and is generally suitable for those on a low lactose diet. However, if the child has a severe lactose intolerance, advice should be sought from their health care professional.
Q: Is the new formulation gluten free?
A: PediaSure contains trace amounts of gluten and is generally suitable for those on a low gluten diet. However, if the child has a severe gluten intolerance, advice should be sought from their health care professional.
Q: Is the new formulation suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes. PediaSure contains no ingredients from animal flesh and is suitable for vegetarians who consume foods from dairy sources.
Q: Kids grow a lot between the ages 1 and 10. How can PediaSure be suitable for kids of all of these ages?
A: The PediaSure formulation is consistent with current expert nutrition guidance, including that of the US Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). The US DRIs divide children’s requirements by age ranges from 1-3 years, 4-8 years, and 9-13 years and consider the different nutrients needed to support healthy growth in each of these age ranges. It is recommended that children aged 1-8 years of age consumer 2 serves of PediaSure per day, while children from 9-10 years of age should consume 2-3 serves per day.
Q: If I’m currently giving my child a vitamin and mineral supplement, can I stop if I start feeding them PediaSure?
A: The answer to this question depends on the child. Any additional supplementation of multivitamins or single vitamins and minerals should be recommended by a health care professional who has carefully assessed the child’s health, size, eating habits, and related factors, and who is aware of the nutritional profile of PediaSure.
Q: Can PediaSure be given to children with Diabetes?
A: PediaSure nutrients are like the nutrients in other foods and can be included in a meal plan for a child with Diabetes as long as it is prescribed by a paediatrician or dietitian, in accordance with appropriate carbohydrate and calorie counting.
Q: Is PediaSure suitable for children with milk protein allergy?
A: No. PediaSure contains casein and whey, so it cannot be consumed by children with milk protein allergy.
Q: Is PediaSure suitable for children with nut allergies?
A: Yes. PediaSure contains no ingredients derived from nuts. However, in the case of a child with a severe nut allergy, advice should be sought from their healthcare professional.
Q: Can I mix PediaSure with milk?
A: The scientifically designed nutritional formula of PediaSure is based on using water. Mixing with milk will change the formula. In some cases, however, to overcome taste fatigue the product can be mixed with milk, or indeed can be used as an ingredient in a wide variety of drinks and dishes.
Q: Can I serve PediaSure as a hot drink?
A: PediaSure can be served warm (below 30 °C) if that is the child’s preference, however it should not be boiled, as this can destroy some of the nutritional ingredients.
