Frequently Asked Questions

Neocate is a range of hypoallergenic, powdered formulas consisting of 100% free amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Neocate is indicated for the dietary management of cows’ milk protein allergy and other allergic conditions such as multiple food protein allergies. Neocate is designed to meet the nutritional requirements needed to support growth and development in infants and children.

Neocate Gold and Neocate LCP are special formulas designed for babies from birth to 12 months with cows’ milk protein allergy, multiple food protein allergies and other amino acid-based formula indications. They can be used as a sole source of nutrition and provide the necessary nutrients required for a baby’s growth and development, provided they are taken in adequate amounts. Neocate Gold has a higher percentage of Medium Chain Triglycerides or MCT (a type of fat) as compared to Neocate LCP, which assists with better fat absorption and digestion in babies. Ultimately it depends on your doctor’s clinical judgement to decide which formula is best suited for your baby.

Neocate Syneo is a special formula designed for babies from birth to 12 months with cows’ milk protein allergy or multiple food protein allergies. Neocate Syneo contains prebiotics (scFOS and lcFOS) and a probiotic (Bifidobacterium M-16V) to support the gut.

*long-chain fructo-oligosaccharide

**short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide 

Breast milk is the best choice for babies as it contains all the nutrition required for growth and development. However, sometimes it is not possible for babies with cows’ milk protein allergy to be exclusively breast-fed and a specialised infant formula such as Neocate may be recommended by a healthcare professional. Some mums choose to combine breastfeeding with formula feeding (mixed feeding) and some mums (for multiple different reasons) may switch to an infant formula completely.

Whatever you choose, it may be helpful to:

• Check with your doctor or dietitian if Neocate will be used in addition to, or to replace breast milk. If your baby is also taking solid foods, discuss with your healthcare professional how to incorporate this into your child’s feeding schedule. Also check with your doctor or dietitian regarding your supply of breast milk.
• Ask your doctor and/or dietitian if it is suitable to give the Neocate together with the breastmilk. Nursing mothers or lactation consultants will be able to advise on using a mixture of breast milk with Neocate.
• Discuss with your dietitian a suitable types of feeding equipment based on the age of your child e.g., sippy cup.

Your child’s appetite may be reduced when they are generally not feeling well, experiencing inflammation and/or irritation to their tummy because of their condition. When a child uses Neocate and symptoms start to improve overall, this can help to alleviate any tummy discomfort and distress caused by the condition, which subsequently may lift your child’s mood and improve their health as they start to feel better, you may eventually see their appetite increase as well.

Also, as children grow and develop, their energy and nutrient requirements increase, which means you can expect to see their appetite increase during this time, which usually means their formula and solid food intake will also increase.

Yes, this is perfectly normal. Stools can change in consistency and colour when a child is introduced to an elemental formula such as Neocate. The reason for this is that Neocate is a very simple form of nutrition that is readily digested by the body. It tends to get absorbed by the body high up in the gut meaning that very little of its nutrients pass into the lower gut. The large intestine is home to millions of bacteria that perform several functions including the breakdown of bile (a green substance) which your body naturally produces. These bacteria get less nutrition while your child is on Neocate and their numbers fall, so reducing the breakdown of bile. This means that more bile is present in your child’s stools, giving them a green colour. This process is a common effect when taking Neocate and does not negatively affect your baby.

The Neocate infant range (Neocate Syneo, Gold and LCP) is formulated to meet the daily nutritional requirements of an infant (0 to 12 months of age). If you are concerned that your baby is not gaining weight or growing adequately, please consult your healthcare professional. They will be able to assess if your baby’s nutritional needs are being met and if dietary adjustments are necessary.

If your child has been experiencing negative symptoms for some time, his or her condition may take some time to improve. Severe allergies can cause inflammation and irritation to the affected areas. This, like a cut or burn, will take time to heal.

Symptom improvement will depend very much on the severity and type of allergic condition your child is experiencing. Amino acid-based formulas like Neocate are supported by studies that have shown symptom resolution (vomiting and/or diarrhoea) or symptom improvement (eczema) within 3 to 14 days of starting the formula.1,2 If symptoms persist, or you have any concerns regarding the symptoms your child is experiencing, it is best to consult your healthcare professional.

It is important to follow your healthcare professional’s advice; do not stop using Neocate as soon as you see an improvement or resolution of symptoms. Discuss your child’s feeding plan with your healthcare professional.

To learn more about the First 14 days support program head to this page.

Neocate is an elemental formula, which means that the ingredients in Neocate are in their simplest and purest form, so they are easier for the body to process and digest. Neocate is based on 100% free amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein and, unlike formed whole proteins, do not cause allergic inflammation and are considered to be hypoallergenic. Other formulas are composed of whole or intact protein which are derived from cows’ milk have the potential to cause an allergic reaction in infants with cows’ milk protein allergy.