Jevity 1.2's Formulation and Lactose-Free Claim
Jevity 1.2 Cal is a concentrated, high-protein, fiber-fortified formula manufactured by Abbott Nutrition, providing complete and balanced nutrition for patients who require supplemental or sole-source feeding. The product is officially labeled as "lactose-free" because the milk sugar, or lactose, has been removed during processing. This means that for individuals with lactose intolerance, the formula should not cause the digestive upset typically associated with consuming milk products. The process involves treating milk with lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose into more digestible sugars, or isolating milk proteins in a way that separates them from the milk sugar.
The Critical Difference: Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free
While Jevity 1.2 is safe for those with lactose intolerance, it is not dairy-free. This is a crucial distinction for patient safety. The formula contains protein derived from milk, specifically sodium and calcium caseinates, which are milk-based proteins. This means anyone with a true milk protein allergy must avoid Jevity 1.2 entirely. The manufacturing process removes the milk sugar, lactose, but leaves the milk protein intact. For individuals with a casein allergy, consuming Jevity 1.2 could trigger an allergic reaction. This is different from lactose intolerance, which is a digestive issue caused by the inability to properly digest milk sugar due to a lactase enzyme deficiency. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine if a patient has lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
Key Ingredients in Jevity 1.2
The ingredient list for Jevity 1.2 is formulated to provide a dense, balanced nutritional profile. A typical composition includes:
- Water: The base of the liquid formula.
- Corn Maltodextrin and Corn Syrup Solids: Sources of carbohydrates for energy.
- Sodium and Calcium Caseinates, Soy Protein Isolate: Sources of high-quality protein.
- Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT): Provides essential fats.
- Fiber Blend: A mix of soy fiber, oat fiber, and fructooligosaccharides (scFOS) to support bowel function.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A complete profile of essential micronutrients to meet daily requirements.
Nutritional Comparison: Jevity 1.2 vs. Other Formulas
To better understand Jevity 1.2's profile, it's helpful to compare it with other types of nutritional formulas. This table highlights the key differences, especially concerning dairy and lactose content.
| Feature | Jevity 1.2 Cal | Elemental Formula (e.g., Vivonex) | Standard Formula with Lactose | Plant-Based Formula (e.g., Katefarms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactose Content | Lactose-free | Lactose-free | Contains lactose | Lactose-free |
| Dairy Content | Contains milk protein (caseinates) | Dairy-free (hydrolyzed protein) | Contains dairy | Dairy-free |
| Protein Source | Intact proteins (caseinates, soy) | Amino acids (pre-digested) | Intact proteins (whey, casein) | Plant proteins (rice, pea) |
| Target Audience | Lactose intolerant; normal digestion | GI intolerance, malabsorption | No dietary restrictions | Dairy-free diet, vegans |
| Fat Source | Standard vegetable oils, MCTs | MCTs, other fats | Standard vegetable oils | Organic sunflower oil, MCTs |
Usage and Medical Supervision
Jevity 1.2 is a medical food designed for use under medical supervision. It is suitable for both long-term and short-term enteral feeding, as well as oral supplementation for patients with altered taste perception. The dosing and administration, whether via tube or orally, should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient's specific nutritional needs, condition, and tolerance. Proper use and preparation are essential to avoid contamination and ensure efficacy. Additional fluid may also be necessary to meet a patient's full hydration requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, Jevity 1.2 Cal is a lactose-free, high-protein, and fiber-fortified nutritional formula manufactured by Abbott. It is suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance, as the milk sugar has been removed during processing. However, because it still contains milk-derived proteins (caseinates), it is not a dairy-free product and should be avoided by anyone with a milk protein allergy. This distinction is crucial for patient safety. As a medical food, its use should always be guided by a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with the patient's dietary and health needs.
