“Pediatric Formula Basics”

CHOA Nutrition Support Core Seminar -Thanks to Kipp Ellsworth for organizing this series and sharing content. This lecture is a really good review and would be a great place to start when discussing formulas with medical students and residents.

Link to Webex (49 min): “Pediatric Formula Basics” by Clancy Bryant, MS, RD (March 2, 2021). Password: FbhSgup5

Also, can reach via: Our first Nutrition Support Core Lecture of 2021: “Pediatric Formula Basics” by Clancy Bryant, MS, RD-20210302 1810-1

Key points:

This lecture reviewed selection of formulas for infants, children and adolescents; some of the most common formula choices (but not all) were reviewed
This talk reviewed reflux guidelines as reflux symptoms often impact decisions on formula choice in infancy. Thickened formulas like Enfamil AR and Similac Spit Up do not work with acid suppression medications.
WIC resources (for children <5 years) -can identify through website: https://dph.georgia.gov/WIC/wic-formula-resources
- WIC script requires 2 ICD-10 diagnosis which are relevant to chosen formula
- For standard formula, no prescription is needed; if formula is not on WIC formulary, it will not be covered
- If child is NPO, write for “patient is NPO, please give maximum formula”
For cholestatic liver disease: high MCT formulas include pregestamil (55%), Alimentum (33%) and elemental formulas (33-49%)
For chylous effusions, very high MCT formulas (83%, 84%) include enfaport and monogen (needs EFA supplementation)
Formulas for children and adolescents come in concentrations of 0.6 kcal/mL to 2.0 kcal/mL
- Reduced calorie formulas (eg. Pediasure Reduced Calorie or Compleat Pediatric Reduced Calorie) are helpful to provide adequate micronutrients/protein in children with hypocaloric needs
Blenderized formulas often helpful for children with retching (when given via gastric route); some of these may increase vitamin A levels and beta-carotene (eg. Nourish, Compleat Pediatric Organic Blends). Real food blends are not nutritionally-complete. Harvest is able to run through enteral tube without dilution.
- For those older than 10 years of age, Liquid Hope is similar to Nourish and Compleat Organic Blends is similar to Compleat Pediatric Organic Blends
Low electrolyte formulas, like Renalcal and Renastart, may be useful for children with kidney dysfunction. Corresponding formulas for >10 years of age include Suplena and Novasource Renal
Kate Farms is often a good choice for patients with multiple allergies or eosinophilic esophagitis