PediaSure Grow & Gain: The Standard for Healthy Growth
PediaSure Grow & Gain is the most widely recognized and commonly used formula in the PediaSure lineup, specifically designed to help children grow and gain weight. It serves as a source of complete and balanced nutrition, which is particularly beneficial for children who are picky eaters or those experiencing inadequate growth. This formula contains 240 calories and 7g of protein per 8-oz serving, along with 27 vitamins and minerals.
The product comes in both ready-to-drink shakes and a powder mix that can be prepared with water. For children needing added fiber for digestive support, there is also a "Grow & Gain with Fiber" variant.
PediaSure SideKicks: High Protein, Lower Calorie
For parents whose primary concern is filling nutritional gaps rather than adding extra calories, PediaSure SideKicks is the ideal choice. This product offers 40% more protein and 25% fewer calories compared to Grow & Gain. With 10g of protein and 180 calories per 8-oz serving, SideKicks is formulated to provide balanced nutrition without the higher caloric load, making it suitable for active children or those with a healthy weight who still need help bridging dietary gaps.
PediaSure Pro: Targeting the Tween and Teen Years
Abbott has introduced PediaSure Pro to address the changing nutritional demands of children between the ages of 9 and 15. This formula is specifically developed to support immune health, promote bone growth, and aid in muscle building during the crucial adolescent growth spurt. It is an advanced nutritional supplement tailored for the specific needs of preteens and teenagers.
PediaSure Organic: The Organic Choice
For families who prefer to prioritize organic ingredients, PediaSure offers a certified organic version of its nutritional supplement. The organic formula provides the same complete and balanced nutrition as the classic PediaSure variants but uses ingredients that meet organic certification standards.
Specialty PediaSure Formulas for Specific Needs
Beyond the general wellness products, PediaSure also provides specialized formulas for more complex health requirements. These are often used under the guidance of a healthcare professional for children who cannot consume enough nutrients orally. Examples include specialized formulas for tube feeding, such as:
- PediaSure Enteral
- PediaSure Harvest
- PediaSure Peptide
These products are designed to meet very specific, medically-directed nutritional needs.
Comparison of Key PediaSure Products
| Feature | PediaSure Grow & Gain | PediaSure Grow & Gain with Fiber | PediaSure SideKicks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Healthy growth and weight gain | Digestive health and healthy growth | Filling nutritional gaps; High protein, lower calorie |
| Calories (per 8-oz) | 240 | 240 | 180 |
| Protein (per 8-oz) | 7g | 7g | 10g |
| Fiber (per 8-oz) | <1g | 3g | <1g |
| Form | Liquid and Powder | Liquid and Powder | Liquid |
| Best For | Picky eaters, underweight children | Children with digestive issues, constipation | Active children, maintaining a healthy weight |
How to Choose the Right PediaSure for Your Child
- Assess your child's primary need. If your child needs to gain weight, Grow & Gain is the standard. If they simply have nutritional gaps but are at a healthy weight, SideKicks may be more suitable.
- Consider digestive health. For children with digestive irregularity, the Grow & Gain with Fiber variant can provide added support.
- Factor in age. PediaSure Pro is specifically formulated for the nutritional requirements of older kids and preteens (ages 9-15), while other products cater to the 1-10 age range.
- Check for allergies or dietary restrictions. Some products contain dairy proteins, so they are not suitable for children with milk protein allergies. Always review the ingredient list and consult a pediatrician.
- Discuss with a healthcare professional. It is always best to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to determine the most appropriate PediaSure product for your child's specific health profile.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of PediaSure available empowers parents to make informed decisions about their child's nutritional support. From the calorie-rich Grow & Gain formula designed for weight gain, to the high-protein SideKicks for filling nutritional gaps, and specialized options for unique health requirements, there is a product tailored for various needs. By comparing nutritional profiles and considering your child's age and health goals, you can select the formula that best complements their diet and supports their development. For a full product comparison, consult the PediaSure website directly.
