There has been a lot of buzz lately about the benefits of dietary fiber and the need to eat more. So, what is dietary fiber anyways? Dietary fiber is a complex carbohydrate that is not completely digested in your body. Unlike other food components such as fats, proteins or other carbohydrates that get completely broken down and absorbed in your body, dietary fiber passes relatively intact through your stomach, small intestine, colon and out of your body.  So it might seem like fiber does not do much, but it has several important roles in maintaining health.

Why eat fiber?  While fiber has no nutritional value, it can have a big impact on health, lowering the risk for certain cancers, lowering cholesterol and minimizing the complications of diabetes. Also, it may aid with appetite control since it expands after you eat it and is more filling. In general, good sources of fiber include many fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole wheat breads, and fiber rich cereals.

Insoluble & Soluble Fibers

Fiber can be classified into two categories: soluble and insoluble. The two categories differ because of their ability to bond with water molecules. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel substance which slows digestion. Soluble fiber (such as gums & pectin) molecules are able to pick up water as they pass through the digestive system. It is then broken down in the colon by bacterial flora.  Research shows that soluble fiber lowers cholesterol and delays glucose absorption.

Insoluble fiber (such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) does not dissolve in water. It is not digestible and passes through the digestive system rapidly and intact. This helps to increase bowel movements and improves constipation.

In addition to being able to bond with water, fiber molecules also bond with substances such as hormones, bile acids and potential carcinogens and help to carry them through and out of your digestive system. Because of this, fiber plays an important role that benefits you.

Most adults and children do not get enough fiber and usually take some form of supplement to meet daily fiber needs.  Usually eating a variety of enriched fiber foods can help you meet the daily fiber requirements.  But for some children with food allergies this can be difficult because of their limited diet. Neocate Junior with Prebiotic Fiber is a good option to help boost the fiber in their diets.

Is your family getting enough fiber in their diets? What are some of your favorite fiber-rich foods?

- Renee

We’re excited to introduce you to our newest product — Neocate Junior with Prebiotics. As many as 55 percent of children don’t get enough fiber and for those on a restricted diet, it can be even more difficult! For that reason, we have added prebiotic fiber to our Neocate Junior formula.

Why is prebiotic fiber important? Prebiotics promote digestive health by supporting healthy bacteria in the gut and inhibiting bad bacteria. Studies have shown that prebiotics can help decrease constipation, diarrhea, gas and vomiting.

If you want to learn more about how prebiotics work and the importance of fiber in your children’s diet, check out this blog entry.

This smoothie is a fiber-packed snack that your little ones on Neocate Junior with Prebiotics will love!

In a blender, mix,

• ½ cup prune juice or preferred juice (but prune juice provides an additional source of fiber!)
• ½ cup water
• 1 small banana, sliced and frozen
• 1/4 cup frozen strawberries or your favorite, high-fiber fruit (apples, pears, berries, plums, etc.)
• 2 ice cubes* (unless you use frozen fruit, in which case, you may not need it)

Blend well until ingredients are well-mixed and smooth. Next, add:

• 6 scoops Neocate Junior with Prebiotics

Blend ingredients gently using a low setting on the blender or by mixing with a spoon (you don’t want to blend on high once you’ve added the Neocate powder as this can degrade some of the nutrients)

Pour and serve!

Makes about 12 oz.

On behalf of all of us here at Nutricia North America, we want to wish you and your families a very happy, healthy holiday season! We’ll return January 5^th with another year of blogging! Until then, we’ll leave you with some festive recipes and a toast to 2010!

“May this year be without reflux and gas,
Let colic and eczema be things of the past!
Allergy relief and GI health await,
Cheers to 2010 from your friends at Neocate!”

Milk-Free Hot Chocolate

• 4 scoops Neocate Junior Chocolate
• 4 ounces water
• 2 tsp sugar (optional)

Heat water on the stove or in the microwave. Remove from heat, allow to cool and add Neocate powder and sugar. Stir well. Top with marshmallows (check the label to be sure the brand is appropriate for your child’s dietary restrictions).

Calories: 170
Protein: 5.2g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrate: 22.5g
Calcium: 183mg
Vitamin D: 1.8mcg

Milk-free Peppermint Shake:

• 6 scoops Neocate Junior unflavored
• 6.5 ounces water
• 1 cup Organic Rice Dream® Vanilla Frozen Dessert  if tolerated, or alternatively, add 1 cup crushed ice
• 1/8^th tsp peppermint flavor (be careful, a little goes a long way!)
• 2 tsp sugar (optional)

Add all ingredients except Neocate powder into the blender and mix until smooth. Next, add Neocate powder and mix on low setting until blended. Pour and serve. Makes 1-2 servings. If your child drinks smaller servings, pour half and store the remaining shake in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Tip: Remember using the Old-fashioned peppermint sticks as a straw? Try using it with this shake! Check ingredients because brands will vary. Alternatively, you could use candy-striped straws, which you can find at most party stores!

Calories: 409
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrate: 54g
Calcium: 295mg
Vitamin D: 206mcg

See you next year!!!

- Mallory