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Who is PediaSure for?

1. What are the age guidelines for PediaSure®?

PediaSure is a good source of protein, and has 27 essential vitamins and minerals, for children up to 13 years of age. If you’re thinking of starting your little one on PediaSure and he or she is younger than 2 years old, be sure to check with your doctor first.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800‐986‐8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses, or read more about child nutrition.

2. Can a child younger than 2 years of age use PediaSure® products?

Talk to a healthcare professional about use of this product if your child is younger than 2 years of age. PediaSure products are not intended for infants younger than 1 year of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants under a year old should be breastfed or fed an iron-fortified infant formula.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

3. My child has a cow’s milk allergy. Are there any PediaSure® products that do not contain milk protein?

At this time, all PediaSure products contain milk protein and should be completely avoided for children with cow’s milk allergies.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

4. Can I use PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix for tube feeding?

Yes, reconstituted Shake Mix can be tube fed for supplemental feeding only.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

How does PediaSure relate to my child’s nutrition?

5. Can PediaSure® Grow & Gain products be used as a sole source of nutrition?

PediaSure Grow & Gain ready-to-drink shake products sold in the retail market are designed to provide a source of Complete, Balanced Nutrition® for children 2 to 13 years of age for supplemental oral use. In the hospital setting or under the care of a physician, PediaSure Grow & Gain ready-to-drink shakes may be used as sole-source nutrition or as a supplement. PediaSure Grow & Gain ready-to-drink shakes are designed for both short-term and long-term nutrition support. As with any nutrition product used as sole-source nutrition, a child using PediaSure® in this way should have close medical supervision. PediaSure Grow & Gain Shake Mix should not be used for sole-source nutrition.

The use of PediaSure for nutrition support of children has been evaluated in at least 16 studies (7 published, 9 unpublished) in the US. Excellent catch-up growth, GI tolerance, and acceptance of the formula have been documented in children receiving PediaSure for 30 years of clinical use.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

6. What is the recommended amount of PediaSure® to use in a day?

In general, there is not a limit on the amount of PediaSure that a child can safely consume. For an individual child, the amount of PediaSure that is needed—or is acceptable—on a daily basis should be discussed with the child's healthcare professional or dietitian. If the child is eating foods and drinking other beverages, it is especially important to determine how much PediaSure would be appropriate in the context of the overall diet.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

7. Does PediaSure® provide immune support?

Good nutrition plays a vital role in immune health support by providing key nutrients. PediaSure provides nutrients that support the immune system like protein, vitamin A, antioxidants (vitamins C & E and selenium), zinc, and vitamin D.

In addition, PediaSure Grow & Gain with Fiber* and PediaSure SideKicks* have prebiotic fiber, which provides fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut to support the immune system.

* PediaSure Grow & Gain with Fiber contains 9 grams of total fat per serving, and PediaSure SideKicks contains 6 grams of total fat per serving.

What is in PediaSure?

8. Are PediaSure® products gluten-free?

Yes, all PediaSure products are gluten‐free. Check out the nutrition facts for all PediaSure products

9. Are PediaSure® products certified Halal and Kosher?

Yes, PediaSure products are Kosher and Halal certified.

10. Are there any fish oils or fish derivatives in PediaSure® products?

Yes, two PediaSure products—PediaSure® Grow & Gain and PediaSure® Grow & Gain with Fiber—contain added DHA from tuna oil. This tuna oil is highly refined by processing, bleaching, and deodorizing and contains <10 ppm of residual fish protein. This means that it presents no allergen hazard to people with a fish allergy.

There are no fish oils or other fish derivatives (including shellfish) in PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix and PediaSure SideKicks®.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

11. What is DHA?

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid and an important nutrient that helps nourish the brain. PediaSure® Grow & Gain ready-to-drink shakes (with and without Fiber) have 32 mg DHA per serving.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

12. Why is there sugar in PediaSure®?

We have tested several versions of PediaSure® Grow & Gain and PediaSure SideKicks® formulations with children to study their taste preference. The testing showed that the children preferred a sweeter taste. It is important that the product has a pleasant taste that children will enjoy drinking and all PediaSure ready-to-drink nutrition shakes have a kid-approved taste.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

13. Is there any caffeine in PediaSure® products?

All non-chocolate-flavored PediaSure® Grow & Gain or PediaSure SideKicks® products contain 0 mg caffeine.

Chocolate-flavored PediaSure and PediaSure SideKicks contain caffeine from the cocoa powder used in the product. There is approximately 10 mg caffeine in 8 fluid ounces of PediaSure Grow & Gain and PediaSure SideKicks.*
Chocolate-flavored Grow & Gain Shake Mix has approximately 2.05 mg caffeine per 8 fluid ounce serving.

* In comparison, chocolate milk contains approximately 5 to 8 mg caffeine in 8 fluid ounces, cola carbonated beverages contain approximately 50 mg caffeine in 12 fluid ounces, and brewed coffee contains approximately 100 mg caffeine in 6 fluid ounces.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

14. Do PediaSure® products contain peanuts or tree nuts?

There are no peanuts or nut derivatives in PediaSure products. There are no peanuts or tree nuts in the manufacturing plants (or on the lines) where PediaSure products are manufactured.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

Do PediaSure products contain lactose?

15. What does "suitable for lactose intolerance" mean? Does it still contain lactose?

“Suitable for lactose intolerance” means that a product contains <4 grams lactose/liter as fed, or <0.5 grams lactose per serving as fed. Products that are “suitable for lactose intolerance” do contain small amounts of lactose but at a level that does not represent a medical concern for individuals with lactose intolerance.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure® Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

16. Can someone with lactose intolerance tolerate a small amount of lactose?

Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate some amount of lactose in their diet. A review of the medical and scientific literature shows that consuming up to 4 grams of lactose per liter results in no gastrointestinal symptoms. For comparison, 1 cup of milk contains 9-12 grams of lactose.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure® Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

17. How is lactose intolerance different from a milk allergy?

A milk allergy is a reaction by the body's immune system to one or more milk proteins and can be life-threatening when just a small amount of milk or milk product is consumed. Some symptoms of milk allergy can be similar to lactose intolerance symptoms (ie, gas, bloating, abdominal pain); however, lactose intolerance is not a milk allergy.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure® Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

18. What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is the inability or insufficient ability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. People with lactose intolerance may experience abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea after consuming products containing lactose.

Most people with lactose intolerance can tolerate some amount of lactose in their diet. Gradually introducing small amounts of milk or milk products may help some people adapt to them with fewer symptoms.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure® Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

Which PediaSure product is right for my child?

19. What is the difference between PediaSure® Grow & Gain and PediaSure SideKicks®? Why would I choose one over the other?

PediaSure Grow & Gain nutrition shakes are sources of Complete, Balanced Nutrition® to help kids grow when inadequate growth is a concern. They can also be used for kids who are unable to eat solid foods. PediaSure Grow & Gain shakes, including PediaSure® Grow & Gain with Fiber, have 240 calories per 8-fl-oz serving (1 bottle).

PediaSure SideKicks may be the right choice for your child if he or she needs more protein in their diet and fewer calories than PediaSure Grow & Gain Shakes. PediaSure SideKicks has 180 calories and 10g protein per 8-fl-oz serving (1 bottle).

Click here for a side-by-side comparison of all the PediaSure products.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

20. What is or where can I go to find out more about PediaSure® Peptide/PediaSure® Enteral 1.0 Cal and 1.5 Cal formulations?

Go to AbbottNutrition.com to find more specific information on these PediaSure® products, or talk to your healthcare provider for any patient-specific questions you may have.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

21. What is the difference between PediaSure® Enteral 1.0 Cal and the PediaSure® Grow & Gain I buy in the store? Can I use either one?

PediaSure Enteral 1.0 Cal products are medical foods intended for use under a healthcare professional’s supervision.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

How can PediaSure be prepared and stored?

22. Can PediaSure® shakes be warmed, like hot chocolate? Can I use a microwave oven?

PediaSure shakes can be heated so that they are warm, but should not be made so hot as to burn the mouth. Be sure to check the temperature of the product before offering it to your child. (Although it is not necessary to check the temperature with a thermometer, if one is used, the temperature should be in the range of 100°F to 110°F.) If you use a microwave to warm the product, pour it into a microwave-safe container prior to heating.

Click here to browse recipes made with PediaSure.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

23. Can I cook with PediaSure®? Do you have any recipes?

Yes and yes! Browse our healthy recipes for kids that are made with PediaSure.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

24. Can I freeze PediaSure® products?

We do not recommend freezing and then thawing these products. If the product is frozen and then thawed, it may change the physical appearance, making it look or taste unacceptable.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

25. What are the mixing instructions for PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix?

To prepare, pour ¾ cup of cold water into a glass. Gradually stir in 5 scoops of PediaSure Grow & Gain Shake Mix until dissolved.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

26. Can I mix PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix into foods or nutrition drinks?

Yes, it can be mixed with a variety of foods.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

27. Can I mix PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix into smoothies?

Absolutely—in fact, adding 5 scoops of PediaSure Grow & Gain Shake Mix is a great way to power up your child’s fruit smoothies with added nutrients including calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates, and 23 vitamins and minerals that your child may be missing.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

28. What will happen if a child consumes PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix that was mixed incorrectly (too much/too little)?

There are no safety concerns if a child inadvertently consumes too much or too little powder occasionally. The concerns are regarding daily, repeated occasions, of over or under consumption for many months and/or years.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

29. How do I know when my PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix expires?

Please reference the "Use By" date on the bottom of the can.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

30. How should PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix be stored before and after it is mixed?

An opened can of powdered shake mix should be covered with the cap and stored in a cool, dry place—but not refrigerated. Once opened, use contents within 3 weeks.

Once mixed with water, PediaSure Grow & Gain Shake Mix should be used promptly or covered, refrigerated, and used within 24 hours.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

31. Can I put PediaSure® Grow & Gain ready-to-drink nutrition shakes in the refrigerator for later use?

Yes. Follow the instructions on the label: "After opening, reclose, refrigerate, and use within 48 hours."

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

32. Can my child drink PediaSure® products directly from the container?

Yes. Except for PediaSure® Grow & Gain Shake Mix, all PediaSure products come ready to use and require no preparation. Many kids find that PediaSure tastes better when chilled.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

What should I know about buying PediaSure?

33. Where can I purchase PediaSure® products?

PediaSure products are widely available in most grocery stores, drugstores, mass retailers (such as Walmart and Target), and club warehouse stores (such as Sam's, Costco, and BJ's). You can find PediaSure in the baby/toddler aisle.

Our store locator can help you locate major retailers near you that carry the PediaSure family of products.

You can also purchase PediaSure online at the Abbott Nutrition Store.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

34. Are there coupons available for PediaSure® products?

Yes! Click here to sign up for our e-newsletter and valuable savings on PediaSure products. You’ll receive a $2-off coupon just for signing up.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

35. Can you buy PediaSure® with SNAP*/EBT (previously known as food stamps)?

Yes, PediaSure® Grow & Gain ready-to-drink nutrition shakes are SNAP/EBT eligible.

*SNAP is a trademark of the US Department of Agriculture and an abbreviation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. No endorsement of any brand or product by the USDA is implied or intended.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

36. Is PediaSure® Grow & Gain available through the WIC* program?

Yes, PediaSure Grow & Gain ready-to-drink nutrition shakes are WIC eligible in all 50 states, except Arkansas for children up to age 5. Ask your doctor or local WIC representative if your child can benefit from the nutrition in PediaSure Grow & Gain.

* WIC is a trademark of the US Department of Agriculture and an abbreviation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. No endorsement of any brand or product by the USDA is implied or intended.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

37. Why can’t I find my favorite flavor of PediaSure Grow & Gain in stores?

PediaSure Grow & Gain Berry, PediaSure Grow & Gain S’mores, PediaSure Organic Chocolate, PediaSure Organic Vanilla and PediaSure PRO Chocolate will be discontinued through 2023. PediaSure Grow & Gain is still available in up to 4 flavors along with PediaSure SideKicks and PediaSure Shake Mix.

What should I know about PediaSure SideKicks and protein?

38. How does the protein level in PediaSure SideKicks® compare to PediaSure® Grow & Gain?

PediaSure SideKicks has 3 grams more protein per 8-fl-oz serving (a total of 10 grams, or 40% more) than PediaSure Grow & Gain, which has 7 grams protein per 8-fl-oz serving.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

39. What is the PediaSure SideKicks® protein source?

The protein in PediaSure SideKicks is from milk and soy.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

40. Is PediaSure SideKicks® designed to help kids grow?

Yes.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

41. How much protein should my child consume daily?

US Recommended Levels of Protein*

For children ages 1-3 years5%-20% of total energy intake

For children ages 4-18 years10%-30% of total energy intake

Recommended Dietary Allowances for protein increases with age:

children ages 1-3 years13g daily

children ages 4-8 years19g daily

children ages 9-13 years34g daily

PediaSure SideKicks® provides 10g of protein per 8-fl-oz serving.

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.


* Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2005. https://www.nap.edu/read/10490/chapter/1. Accessed August 13, 2020.

42. How do I know if PediaSure SideKicks® is the right PediaSure® product for my child?

PediaSure SideKicks may be the right choice for your child if he or she needs more protein in their diet and fewer calories than PediaSure® Grow & Gain shakes.

PediaSure SideKicks has 180 calories and 10g protein per 8-fl-oz serving (1 bottle). PediaSure Grow & Gain has 240 calories and 7g protein per 8-fl-oz serving (1 bottle).

Still searching? If your question isn't answered here, call our PediaSure Feeding Expert line at 800-986-8793 for Live Nutrition Support with our trained experts, including dietitians and nurses.

What should I know about PediaSure and artificial growth hormones?

43. Which PediaSure products have no artificial growth hormones?

All PediaSure products are currently made with milk ingredients coming from cows not treated with rbST (an artificial growth hormone). We have verified that our dairy suppliers (farmers) are not using artificial growth hormones.

44. Do PediaSure products that are not labeled “no artificial growth hormones” contain artificial growth hormones?

No, PediaSure products are made with milk without artificial growth hormones, but only PediaSure Grow & Gain will be labeled as such, starting in December 2018. The “no artificial growth hormones” callout will be located on a green background on the cap of the front label.

45. Are specialty products (PediaSure Peptide, PediaSure enteral formula, etc) made with no artificial growth hormones?

Yes, PediaSure enteral products contain milk ingredients that have been verified to not contain artificial growth hormones. PediaSure Peptide contains milk ingredients (or hydrolyzed milk proteins) that have been verified to not contain artificial growth hormones. PediaSure Harvest does not contain milk ingredients.

46. What is the benefit of no artificial growth hormones?

The FDA has stated that no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST (recombinant bovine somatotropin—also known as rbGH or recombinant bovine growth hormone) treated and non-rbST-treated cows. That said, we also listen to our consumers. Moms have told us that they are interested in products without artificial growth hormones, so we are communicating this information.

What should I know about the formulation change of PediaSure Grow & Gain?

47. What changed with PediaSure Grow & Gain nutrition shakes?

All flavors and pack sizes of PediaSure Grow & Gain and PediaSure® OptiGRO® Plus (Costco) ready-to-drink nutrition shakes now have 25% less sugar,* are made with non-genetically modified (non-GMO) ingredients, and include vitamin K2. All flavors and pack sizes of PediaSure® Grow & Gain with Fiber shakes now have 33% less sugar, are made with non-GMO ingredients, and include vitamin K2.

* 9g added sugars per serving compared to 12-14g added sugars per serving in previous formulation.

† 12g added sugars per serving compared to 18g added sugars per serving in previous formulation.

48. Are the new PediaSure Grow & Gain ready-to-drink nutrition shakes still complete and balanced nutrition?

Yes, PediaSure Grow & Gain shakes are still designed to provide a source of Complete, Balanced Nutrition® for children ages 2 to 13 for supplemental oral use. This includes a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat to help kids catch up on growth.

49. Can the new PediaSure Grow & Gain shakes still be used as sole-source nutrition?

Yes, PediaSure Grow & Gain ready-to-drink shakes may be used as sole-source nutrition or as a supplement. PediaSure Grow & Gain shakes are designed for both short-term and long-term nutrition support. As with any nutrition product used as sole-source nutrition, a child using PediaSure Grow & Gain shakes in this way should have close medical supervision.

50. Is there a noticeable difference between the old and new formulation?

You or your child may notice a difference in the taste, but there should not be a noticeable difference in color, smell, or thickness.

51. How does PediaSure Grow & Gain provide immune support?

PediaSure Grow & Gain shakes have 7 nutrients for immune support, including protein, vitamins A & D, zinc, and antioxidants (vitamin C & E and selenium).

52. What does non-GMO mean?

On our label, non-GMO refers to the fact that the ingredients in the product are not genetically engineered. There isn’t a US national standard for labeling non-GMO, so we’ve chosen to be consistent with the European Union standards.

53. Will the previous formulations of PediaSure Grow & Gain liquids still be available?

No, they are being replaced with the reformulations.

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