Understanding Lactose in Nutricia Products
Nutricia, a leader in specialized nutrition and part of the Danone company, develops products for various health needs, including managing dietary intolerances. While Nutricia provides a wide selection of lactose-free options, this does not apply to their entire portfolio. Products are often tailored for specific medical purposes and therefore have different formulations. This guide breaks down the lactose content across different Nutricia product categories, emphasizing the importance of checking individual product labels and consulting a healthcare professional for specific dietary requirements.
Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) and Lactose Content
Many of Nutricia's ONS are categorized as "clinically lactose free," containing less than 0.030g of lactose per 100ml, making them suitable for those needing additional nutrients but who must avoid lactose. However, some ONS are formulated with milk-based ingredients that contain lactose and are therefore not suitable.
For a list of common Nutricia ONS that are clinically lactose-free or not clinically lactose-free, please refer to the referenced web documents.
Infant and Pediatric Formulas for Lactose Intolerance
Nutricia offers specialized infant and pediatric formulas for dietary needs like lactose intolerance. Some products are amino acid-based and suitable for severe food protein allergies, making them lactose-free.
Examples include Almiron Lactose Free, a specialized lactose-free milk powder, and the Neocate series, which are amino acid-based formulas. Note that Almiron Lactose Free is not suitable for galactosemia or cow's milk protein allergy, and amino acid-based formulas are for complex allergies. Always consult a pediatrician before using any specialized infant formula.
Tube Feeds and Medical Foods
Most of Nutricia's extensive range of adult and pediatric tube feeding products are clinically lactose-free and safe for patients with lactose intolerance. For example, Nutrison Concentrated is gluten, lactose, and fibre-free. However, exceptions exist, such as Nutrison Peptisorb, Nutrini Peptisorb, and Infatrini, which are not clinically lactose-free.
Comparison of Lactose-Free vs. Lactose-Containing Products
| Feature | Lactose-Free Examples | Lactose-Containing Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) | Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) |
| Specific Product | Fortisip | Fortisip Yogurt Style |
| Lactose Content | <0.030g per 100ml (clinically lactose free) | Contains milk proteins and lactose |
| Usage | Suitable for lactose intolerance | Not suitable for lactose intolerance |
| Key Ingredient Profile | Maltodextrin, milk proteins, sugar | Milk proteins, yogurt components |
| Other Examples | Fortijuce, Nutricia preOp, Fortimel PlantBased Energy | Forticreme Complete, Protifar |
Reading Labels and Seeking Professional Advice
For those with lactose intolerance, checking the ingredient list is crucial. Look for statements about lactose content. For medical nutrition, including ONS and tube feeds, using the product under medical supervision is mandatory. A doctor or dietitian can recommend the correct Nutricia product based on a patient's exact nutritional needs and health status.
Conclusion
Nutricia is not entirely lactose-free but offers a substantial number of products that are either clinically lactose-free or entirely free of lactose. Consumers must check individual product specifications. Professional guidance from a healthcare provider is essential for any medical nutrition, especially for complex allergies or conditions. Nutricia remains committed to providing specialized nutrition, including options for those with lactose intolerance. For more details, visit Nutricia's UK FAQ page.
