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Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

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Appendix N<br />

Modular Products<br />

Modular <strong>for</strong>mulas or products are not nutritionally complete. They contain specific<br />

nutrients, which can be added to commercial or home-prepared <strong>for</strong>mulas. Examples<br />

of modular products include the following:<br />

• Fats, used <strong>for</strong> additional energy; medium-chain triglycerides are fats that do not<br />

require bile acids and lipase <strong>for</strong> digestion and absorption. If the child can digest<br />

fats, a simple vegetable oil can be used.<br />

• Readily-digested carbohydrates used <strong>for</strong> additional energy<br />

• Protein and specific amino acid preparations to increase protein intake<br />

<strong>Care</strong>ful monitoring of modulars is important to insure that all nutrient needs are<br />

being met and that the <strong>for</strong>mula is tolerated <strong>with</strong> the additions. See Appendix S <strong>for</strong><br />

examples of modular products.<br />

<strong>Special</strong>ized Formulas<br />

<strong>Special</strong>ized <strong>for</strong>mulas are available <strong>for</strong> children <strong>with</strong> specific needs, such as<br />

prematurity, renal failure or inborn errors of metabolism. A physician or RD who is<br />

familiar <strong>with</strong> the products and their particular uses should select the <strong>for</strong>mula.<br />

Additional <strong>for</strong>mula thoughts<br />

The more viscous a <strong>for</strong>mula, the slower it will flow through the tube. This may make<br />

it more difficult to gravity feed/bolus feed some <strong>for</strong>mula, so parents may add water<br />

to “thin” the <strong>for</strong>mula so it will flow faster. Another alternative would be to use an<br />

enteral pump <strong>for</strong> bolus feeds. Formula that is cold is also more viscous and may<br />

cause stomach distress.<br />

When instructing parents on <strong>for</strong>mula use written recipes are very helpful along <strong>with</strong><br />

making sure parents have appropriate measuring utensils. For example, a soup<br />

spoon does not equal a teaspoon. Have the parents demonstrate how they mix the<br />

<strong>for</strong>mula. Often what is assumed is being delivered to the child is very different from<br />

what is actually given.<br />

Cleanliness is very important in preventing bacterial contamination and <strong>for</strong>mula<br />

tolerance. Multiple episodes of diarrhea may be bacterial contamination and not<br />

viral illness or <strong>for</strong>mula intolerance. Hang times <strong>for</strong> sterile <strong>for</strong>mula are 8-12 hours<br />

<strong>with</strong> aseptic handling. If you are using powdered <strong>for</strong>mula, the hang time is 4 hours.<br />

Please check <strong>with</strong> the <strong>for</strong>mula company regarding hang time. The American Dietetic<br />

Association has published Infant Feeding Guidelines (11).<br />

356 <strong>Nutrition</strong> <strong>Interventions</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Children</strong> With <strong>Special</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Care</strong> <strong>Needs</strong>

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