FAQs

Probytes - FAQs

1. What is the Quality of protein used in Probytes?

Probytes provide protein from the best quality protein source, which provides all essential amino acids. It’s Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score is 1, which makes it an ideal protein for all ages.

2. What is the amount of fat in Probytes?

Probytes are also a low-fat diskette, as it provides, only 0.75g of protein per diskette, which makes it a good choice for all age groups.

3. Can Probytes be given during medical conditions?

Probytes can be given in Lactose intolerance, during recuperation, Post-hospital discharge, Elderly persons, Cancer patients, T.B patients, during illness. (Pls consult your Dr. in case of any kidney-related elements, hepatic problems or chronic diabetes where more protein is not recommended)

4. Does Probytes contains any Cholesterol or Transfat?

Probytes is totally Cholesterol and Transfat free protein diskettes.

5. Does Probytes can be a part of everyday snacking?

Yes. Probytes can be a very good option for snacking, as Probytes provides more protein, less fat, and no sucrose.

6. How many Probytes diskettes can be taken per day?

Children above 1 year can take 1-2 diskettes per day, others can take 5 diskettes per day, and those on diet looking forward to a high protein, low fat, low calories can take 8-10 diskettes per day.

7. Is Probyes safe in pregnancy and Lactating women?

Yes, 100%. Probytes are safe and essential in pregnancy and lactation as they need 40 – 50% more protein than normal women.

8. Who can eat PROBYTES Biscuits?

PROBYTES biscuits are high calorie and high protein supplements. It can be eaten by all, especially for those who need higher calories and proteins like during pregnancy, gym-goers, elderly, growing children, postoperatively, people recovering from any illness, etc.

9. How many PROBYTES Biscuits can you eat in a day?

A person can have 3 to 5 PROBYTES biscuits at a time, up to 3 times a day. Therefore, a person can have up to 15 biscuits a day.

I0. What is the protein source of PROBYTES Biscuit?

Casein, a protein present in milk, recognized for its excellent amino acid content. It is the main source of protein in PROBYTES Biscuits and is good in taste.

11. Can children eat PROBYTES Biscuits?

Casein present in PROBYTES Biscuits is easily digestible, children can have them. But make sure that macronutrient and nutrient requirements are being met.

12. Are PROBYTES Biscuits safe for a pregnant Women?

Yes. PROBYTES biscuits are rich in Vitamin A and protein, which is highly beneficial for pregnant women.

DHA- FAQs

1. What is D.H.A?

DHA stands for Docosahexaenoic Acid and is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is a special component of our eyes, brain, and nerve tissues. It is one of three key omega-3 fatty acids that are important in our health. DHA is a critical compound in our body’s brain, nerve, and eye structure and is the most important of these well-studied omega-3s. Everyone needs it throughout life but babies and toddlers whose bodies are growing have particularly high needs. Your body can only make a small amount of DHA from other fatty acids, so you need to consume it directly from food or a supplement.

2. What are the other 2 omega fatty acids?

The other two key fatty acids are:

* EPA usually found together with DHA in fish, seafood, algae, and ultra-lean meats.

* ALA, a simpler plant form of DHA that’s in flaxseed, hempseed, walnuts, pecans, canola, and dark-green vegetables.

3. What are the health benefits of DHA?

Refer the blog for DHA

4. What dose of DHA do you need?

Experts have not set a Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for DHA, but 200–500 mg of DHA plus EPA per day are generally advised for good health. This can come from diet, supplements, or a combination of both.

It’s best to discuss omega-3 supplement doses with your doctor for specific health concerns or if you plan to take high doses.

5. What are the Precautions and Potential Side effects?

· If you have a health condition or are taking any medications, check with your doctor before taking DHA supplements.

· Large doses of DHA and EPA can thin your blood, so if you’re taking a blood-thinning drug or have surgery planned, your doctor may advise you to avoid fish oil supplements or may need to monitor you more closely.

· If you have a fish allergy, your doctor may advise you to avoid fish oil supplements, though very pure fish oils may not cause a problem. Algae is a non-fish source of DHA used in some supplements, which prevents the fishy taste.

· Other potential side effects of DHA include a fishy taste in your mouth and burping. Choosing highly-purified supplements and freezing the capsules may help minimize these side effects.

The Bottom Line

· DHA is an omega-3 fat that you should consume from food, supplements, or both, as your body doesn’t produce much of it.

· It may help prevent or improve chronic conditions, such as heart disease, certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

· DHA is also essential for sperm health and healthy pregnancy, including a reduced risk of preterm births and the proper development of babies’ brains and eyes. In children, it may improve ADHD symptoms.

· For general good health, aim for 200–500 mg daily of DHA plus EPA from food, supplements, or both.

Prebiotics & Probiotics - FAQs

1. What are prebiotics and probiotics?

The origin of the term is the Greek word Bios, meaning life or living organisms. The prefix ‘pre’ means coming before and ‘pro’ means supporting. Prebiotics thus prepare the way for the Probiotics – the live beneficial bacteria which are naturally found in our bodies.

Prebiotics are commonly called ‘food for bugs’. Prebiotics are the fiber compounds that pass through the upper part of the digestive tract. Because they are not digested by humans they act instead as a food source to help the essential beneficial bacteria grow and
multiply in the infant’s gut. Prebiotics are thus not probiotic bacteria but provide a substrate serving instead to stimulate the growth and activity of the beneficial probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics – The term used for these friendly and harmless bacteria which help move food through the body and fight off all the harmful bacteria that can invade the infant’s gut the digestive system and small and large intestines. Probiotics colonize the large bowel or colon influence and thus inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, helping to improve digestion and enhance mineral absorption as well as to strengthen the baby’s immune system. In short, pre and probiotics reduce the ‘bad bacteria’ and increase the ‘good bacteria’ in the gut.

2. Does breast milk contain Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Breastmilk contains both prebiotics and probiotics. Yet breastmilk is far more than a list of ingredients and much more than nutrition. Breastmilk is a living substance; the bioactive components of breastmilk are critical for enhanced growth of babies, as well as their development and immunological protection. This is because breastmilk contains white blood cells called leukocytes, the cells of the immune system which defend the body against infectious diseases and invaders. These live components are active and effective in protecting and promoting the health of infants and young children; some of these components interact to boost their function. See http://ibfan.org/issue-scientific-breastfeeding

Breastmilk composition does not remain constant but instead adapts to closely match the changing needs of the infant. Breastmilk is a dynamic substance, individualized, and evolving to
suit each baby’s age and stage of development. As the baby grows older, the mother’s breastmilk produces more antibodies and lymphocytes to help the baby resist infections caused
by pathogens, the harmful bacteria, and viruses present in the environment. Therefore, human milk composition uniquely and exactly matches the needs of the infant at every age and stage
of development. Hence breastmilk can never be duplicated or copied artificially.

3. What Prebiotics are found in breast milk?

Breastmilk contains its own wide variety of prebiotics, called Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs). In adults, diets with high-fiber foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, berries, and greens contain naturally occurring prebiotics. Newborn babies cannot, of course, eat any of these foods and thus acquire prebiotics indirectly through breastmilk. HMOs are abundant and unique to human milk. Research has shown that HMOs are not just ‘food
for bugs’ but in fact, have an anti-adhesive and antimicrobial effect that may prevent pathogens from attaching to the surfaces of infant mucosa, thus lowering the risk for viral, bacterial and protozoan parasite infections.» Many other possibilities are listed, including lowering the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm babies. See ‘Human milk oligosaccharides: Every baby needs a sugar mama’:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22513036

4. What Probiotic bacteria are found in breast milk?

Breastmilk also contains a specific probiotic Bifidus factor that supports the growth of the beneficial Lactobacillus group of bacteria in the infant’s intestines. This Lactobacillus group
is part of the lactic acid bacteria which help to protect the baby against other harmful bacteria by creating an acidic environment in which these toxic invaders cannot survive. At the same time, breastmilk contains lactoferrin, enzymes, and other agents to protect the baby against viruses and provide an anti-inflammatory effect. See American Pregnancy Association: ‘What’s in Breastmilk?’: http://americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/whatsinbreastmilk.html

5. Are any Prebiotics and Probiotics found in formulas?

All infant formulas (milk-based and soy-based) are industrially processed and therefore inert products, without any of the live cells or anti-infective substances which are found in breastmilk and act as antibacterial, anti-viral or anti-parasitic agents. Formula manufacturers are therefore trying to replicate the prebiotics and probiotics found in human milk and add them to formula. These influence the ‘gut flora’ of formula-fed infants that is the good bacteria or microbiota in their intestinal tract.

6. When were Prebiotics and Probiotics added to formulas?

Scientists are constantly identifying new components in breastmilk, to add to the long list of beneficial substances that are already researched: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, plus vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and hormones. As research reveals the incredible complexity and value of breastmilk, formula companies are constantly trying to add the newest constituent to formula.
However, since 2002 there has been a steady increase in the number of promotional claims for the health and nutrition benefits of added prebiotics and probiotics – and claims that formula is ‘modeled on’ or ‘patterned after’ breastmilk.

7. Why are Probiotics ineffective in formulas?

Probiotic bacteria have to be alive when administered orally and then remain alive when they pass through the digestive system so that they improve the balance of other bacteria in the gut. They have to be safe for their intended use and not produce toxins or side-effects. They must also be supplied in adequate amounts to produce sufficient beneficial activity. High numbers are critical for probiotic bacteria to survive during the digestive process and then to arrive in sufficient amounts in the large intestine. The numbers in each dose of added probiotics are thus counted in millions or even billions, but it is uncertain how many actually maintain viability, that stays alive and remains active when they reach their destination in the large bowel.

In addition, each human body responds differently to probiotics. The Summary of the 2014 ESPGHAN Opinion (see Q8) states «The safety and effects of one probiotic microorganism should not be extrapolated to other probiotic microorganisms « and explains that « Probiotic effects are strain-specific; thus the efficacy and safety of each should be established and recommendations for using these strains should be made accordingly. This is because each one of the probiotic bacteria not only has a family name but also a species and sub-species name, followed by a series of letters and numbers which identify the particular strain. As stated by S. Bengmark the (genetic) difference between one probiotic bacterium and the other is larger than the difference between a man and a goldfish.

See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21861940

8. What is Prebiotic function?

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of good bacteria in the gut.

9. What is the role of bacteria in our gut?

Bacteria in our gut that provide health benefits are called gut friendly bacteria. These help in improving the gut health, metabolism, and boost immunity.

10. How Prebiotics in Breast milk regularize baby's bowl movements?

Breast milk is not only the best source of essential nutrients but is a good source of prebiotic oligosaccharides and water. Both these components play a vital role in regularizing the bowel movements. Prebiotics help in promoting a healthy gut improves digestion, hence, promote softer stool in babies.
Hydration is equally important in this aspect and breast milk (during exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months) is sufficient enough for maintaining hydration in babies.

11. What is GOS & FOS?

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo- oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics, which is derived from lactose (milk sugar) and chicory roots.

12. What is the role of Prebiotics in baby’s immunity?

Babies are born with an immature system and the maturity-onset starts at 1 year. Breastfeeding is the best way to boost a baby’s immunity. Mother’s milk contains all required nutrients and bioactive compounds like prebiotics, antibodies, beneficial bacteria that pay the path for building immunity.

13. How to identify the colic pain in babies?

Crying for hours and not be soothed after feeding or rocking, bloated tummy, clenching fists and tightening stomach muscles may indicate colic. If you see these symptoms please contact your health care professional to confirm.

14. Does breast milk strengthens baby's immunity?

Yes, breast milk contains many beneficial components that help support and strengthen the baby’s immune system. Breast milk along with energy provides antibodies, lysozymes, prebiotics, beneficial bacteria, etc which help in building strong immunity to fight against infections.

15. Does Prebiotics help with constipation in babies?

Studies suggest that prebiotic oligosaccharides in breast milk, have a positive impact on stool consistency and frequency. They promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the baby’s gut, improving gut health, and digestion. Hence, regularizing the bowel movements and promoting softer stools in babies.

16. Are Prebiotics good for diarrhea?

Breast milk is an important source of nutrition and bioactive compounds like prebiotic oligosaccharides, that help to establish the balance of bacteria in the gut. Research supports the fact that healthy gut bacteria composition, enhances both gut health and digestion. To reduce instances of diarrhea due to infections, improving gut health through the baby’s diet is crucial.

17. Does Breast milk has Prebiotics?

Yes, breast milk does have prebiotics. Oligosaccharides are the 3rd largest component of breast milk. They have a prebiotic effect as they stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut, prevent the growth of bad bacteria, and confer immunity.

18. Does Prebiotics help in cough & cold?

The immune system is a complex network that protects the body from infections. Prebiotics help to establish a balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut leading to a healthy and stronger gut. Gut being the largest immune organ, with 70-80% immunity coming through the gut, there is no surprise that a healthy gut contributes to a stronger immune system to fight against various infections like cold, cough, fever.

19. How Prebiotics helps digestive system?

Prebiotics act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote their growth and activity, prevent the growth of bad bacteria, making the gut stronger and healthy. This results in a resilient digestive system.

20. Does healthy gut prevents infections in the baby?

Gut being the largest immune organ, play an important role in protecting against various infections. It comprises of friendly bacteria which promotes optimum functioning and development of gut health. Stronger gut confers stronger immunity against infection-causing bacteria, viruses, etc.

21. What are the types of immunity?

Innate and Adaptive Immunity. The innate immunity is the natural immunity, we are born with whereas adaptive immunity is something we acquire in response to exposure to invading pathogens over a period.

22. How GOS, FOS (Prebiotics) strengthens immunity?

Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotics, which help in maintaining a healthy gut system by promoting the growth of good bacteria and reducing the growth of bad bacteria. It is a stimulating factor for the postnatal development of the immune system, fights antigens, and lays the foundation for a healthy body.

23. Does Prebiotics causes diarrhea?

No, prebiotics does not give you diarrhea. Prebiotic oligosaccharides {Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS)-Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)} inhibit growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria (bad bacteria), enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria. Research supports the fact that healthy gut bacteria composition, enhances both gut health and digestion and may support the reduction of incidences of diarrhea.

Activzyme – FAQs

1. What is Activgut?

Activgut is a unique, proprietary blend of 4 specific enzymes, viz. α-amylase (starch hydrolyzing enzyme), protease (protein hydrolyzing enzyme), lipase (Fat hydrolyzing enzyme) and lactase (lactose hydrolyzing enzyme).

2. What is the significance of each enzyme present in this Activgut preparation?

· α–Amylase: Breaks down carbohydrates, such as starch, glycogen, and polysaccharides into smaller units

· Lipase: Breaks down lipids, improves fat utilization and supports healthy gallbladder function

· Protease: Breaks down protein and peptides, supports immune function

· Lactase: Breaks down lactose (milk sugar) and useful for lactose intolerance

3. How Enzymes influence one's health and nutritional state?

Enzymes are an essential part of any chemical reaction that takes place in our bodies. Various biological reactions are regulated by different types of enzymes.

For example, several enzymes play a key role in the proper digestion of the food that we consume every day in order to be assimilated and help the body to absorb several nutrients.

4. How Enzyme deficiency effects our health?

· Since the ancient days, people have known the various health and nutritional benefits of enzymes. Today, people are convinced about enzymes’ role in improving overall health and wellness in general and gut/digestive health in particular—thanks to clinically-based evidence.

· However, in some people, the body’s natural ability to produce certain pancreatic enzymes like lipase, amylase as well as other extrapancreatic enzymes that play a crucial role in macronutrient digestion starts declining very early (as early as 25 years of age). This might lead to malabsorption if enzyme insufficiency is left unaddressed. Supplementing with digestive enzymes takes care of your digestive health, while also supports weight management, joint health, relieving muscle soreness, and much more.

5. What are the advantages of enzyme supplementation?

Enzyme supplementation helps:

· To withstand the stress caused by sudden changes in food consumption patterns, exposure to environmental pollutants, extensive travel, and unexpected changes in weather.

· In cases of enzyme insufficiency, caused by damage to the sites of enzyme production.

· To lessen the symptoms caused by digestive and metabolic disorders, wherein individuals lack specific enzymes. For example, lactose intolerance, which is caused by lactase deficiency.

6. How important is it to know the origin of these enzymes present in this supplementation?

· A majority of the digestive enzyme supplements currently available in the market are from animal sources. Hence, enzyme origin would be a great concern for a customer who is strictly vegan. Microbial enzymes, often called “plant-derived,” are of bacterial or fungal origin and are produced through fermentation using these microorganisms.

· Some of the best-known sources of microbial enzymes used in supplements include species like Aspergillus and Rhizopus (fungal), Bacillus (bacterial), and Saccharomyces (yeast).

7. What are the advantages of microbial enzyme supplements?

· Supplements having microbe-based enzymes are having several advantages: The activity of microbe-derived enzymes like lipase is believed to be similar to porcine and bovine pancreatic enzymes. Data on their safety and efficacy in the treatment of malabsorption and lactose intolerance are encouraging.

· Another advantage is that they may be used at a lower dosage and possess a broader pH range of activity compared to animal-based enzymes. Another advantage of using micro-organisms as a source of enzymes for nutritional supplements is that they are inexpensive and provide abundant supply.

LCI HMF – FAQs

1. What is the optimum condition requiring HMF to an infant? Are there any national and international guidelines on the use of (HMF)?

The preterm infants <32 weeks gestation or <1500g birth weight, who fail to gain weight despite full volumes of breast milk feeding, are the best suited for use of additional fortification of breast milk. However, in absence of sufficient data to categories a particular infant who should receive fortifier human milk, there is a general consensus that all infants with a birth weight below 1800g would benefit from additional fortification as per ESPGHAN 2009. The existing WHO and NNF guidelines somehow also support the abovementioned condition for use of additional multi-component fortification of breast milk.

2. What are the short and long term benefits of HMF?

A systematic review of ten randomized controlled trials (more than 600 infants with birth weight less than 1850 g multi-component fortification of HM compared with the feeding of unfortified HM was associated with small but statistically significant short-term improvements in weight gain (+2.33 g/kg/d; 95%CI 1.73, 2.93), linear growth (+0.12 cm/week; 95%CI 0.07, 0.18), and head growth (+0.12 cm/week; 95%CI 0.07, 0.16)⁽¹⁾. Only two trials have evaluated long-term growth effects of HM fortification and did not demonstrate any difference in weight, length, or head circumference at 12 and 18 months of corrected age^{(2, 3)}. Only one trial looked at a developmental performance at 18 months: at this age test scores were higher in the fortifier in the fortified group by 2.2 points for the Bailey Mental Development Index, by 2.4 points for the Psychomotor Development Index, and by 3.1 points for social maturity, but these differences were not significant.

3. What are the pros and cons of adding Iron to HMF?

In Indian context with a high prevalence of Iron deficiency in Indian mothers and more SAG status in preterm and LBW neonates, the addition of 1mg Iron/100ml of human milk would meet up with ESPGHAN guidelines and would go a long way in reducing Iron deficiency anemia in Indian infants.

4. Discuss importance of protein content of HMF?

Adequate protein intake has an impact not only on short term growth but also on long term neurological outcomes. Cochrane analysis showed that protein supplementation of human milk in preterm infants leads to increase in short term weight gain (WMD 3.6g/kg/day, 95CI 2.4 to 4.8g/kg/day), linear growth (WMD 0.28cm/week, 95% CI 0.38cm/week) and head growth (WMD 0.15 cm/week, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.23cm/week)

5. What are the various types of fortification used?

The three different forms of fortification are standard, tailored, and adjustable.{4,5}

· Standardized:- Adding a constant amount of fortifier without taking into account the initial milk composition from each individual mother.

· (2) Tailored (“a Ia carte”):– Based on milk analysis. The amount of fortifier is adjusted according to weekly determinations of milk protein content to achieve target protein intakes at all times.

· Adjustable:- Based on the metabolic response of the infant. The amount of fortifier is adjusted after determining blood urea nitrogen as an index for the adequacy of protein intake.

6. What are adverse effects of HMF feared of?

Osmolality is a critical determinant of feed tolerance. Rise of Osmolality observed can be explained by the fact that polysaccharides present in HMF, are broken into constituent mono and oligosaccharides. So we expect an ideal fortifier to alter Osmolality to a minimum. The Cochrane review, on the basis of the small number of infants for whom this outcome was reported, showed a non-significant trend toward an increased risk of feed intolerance in treated infants (RR2.85, 95% CI 0.62 to 13.1)⁽¹⁾. Among the reasons used to advocate HM feeding for VLBW infants is the belief that it is advantageous in reducing infections when compared to preterm formula. HM is a highly complex secretion with live cells and a wide variety of biologically active factors; it has anti-infective properties due to the high content of lgA, lysozyme, lactoferrin, and interleukins. A possible concern with HMF is that the added nutrients may affect these unique qualities. Adding HMF was reported to be associated with some lysozyme and lgA reduction but this observation was not replicated in later studies. Total bacterial colony counts in milk stored at refrigerator temperature are significantly greater in fortified than in unfortified milk; however, the magnitude of this difference may not be of biological importance. From a clinical point of view, a systematic review comparing infants fed unfortified and fortified HM did not show any significantly increased risk of NEC in infants receiving FHM (RR 1.33, 95%CI 0.7 to 2.5)

7. When Should HMF be stopped?

There are no standard evidence-based guidelines for the same. If the baby is on direct breastfeeds at the time of discharge, HMF fortification is usually discontinued as it interferes with direct breastfeeds. If the baby is on expressed breast milk, then HMF should be continued till the baby achieves its birth percentile on growth charts. Conventionally in such cases, HMF is continued till 40 weeks.

8. What is the energy Value of HMF?

Human milk has an average of 67 Cal /100ml and the addition of LCI-HMF/100ml human milk provides an additional 14 calories, thus, making it a total of 81 Cals/100ml. the Calories in LCI-HMF come from FAT and PROTEIN and not from carbohydrates. It adds value to the product and at the same cuts down the Osmolar Load.

Bibliography for the above FAQs of HMF

1. Kuschel CA, Harding JE. Multicomponent fortified human milk for promoting growth in preterm infants (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Library 2004;3

2. Lucas A, Fewtrell MS, Morley R, al. Randomized outcome trial of human milk fortification and development outcome in preterm infants. Am J clin Nutr 1996;64:142-51.[40]

3. Wauben IPM, Atkinson SA, Shah JK, et al. Growth and body composition of preterm infants: influence of nutrient fortification of mother’s milk in hospital and breastfeeding post-hospital discharge. Acta Paediatr 1998; 87:780-5.

4. More GE, Minoli I, Ostrom M, Jacobs JR, Picone TA, Raiha NC, et al. Fortification of human milk: evaluation of a novel fortification scheme and of a new fortifier. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1999;20:162-72.

5. Arslanoglu S, Moro GE, Ziegler EE. Adjustable fortification of human milk-fed to preterm infants: does it make a difference? I Perinatol 2006;26:614-21.

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