"I have a technical question about the nutritional adequacy/appropriateness of Absorb Plus for children. I know that the product was basically designed for adults. I have been taking it for the past 2 weeks as part of a healing program for ulcerative colitis. I am also a professional who works with many children who have gastrointestinal problems (i.e. reflux, colitis etc.). Some of these kids are on elemental diets that contain a a lot of added sugar and artificial ingredients. I have been impressed with the ingredients you include in your product. Have you used Absorb Plus for children with ulcerative colitis and other GI problems? How does the nutrient balance in the product relate to the nutrients needed by children at different ages? If it is appropriate for children, what would be the youngest child with a gastrointestinal problem or allergy with whom you would use it?"
Yes, many readers have used Absorb Plus with their children. The youngest I can recall was six. I've been letting my own kids drink it during times of illness (flu, etc, where they don't want much food) since they were two.
With reference to your question: "How does the nutrient balance in the product relate to the nutrients needed by children at different ages?"
The answer is: It doesn't. Absorb Plus and other elemental products are not meant to replace a child's (or adult's) complete nutritional needs. Absorb Plus is meant to be the best food source I could formulate IN ELEMENTAL FORM - and this is key, because many nutrients we require cannot exist in elemental form - for short periods of time, for example, 3 months or less.
Regarding what age would be appropriate, I would go by what the gastroenterologists are recommending. For example, if a child is already on a pharmaceutical elemental product (or the GI is recommending it), then you could certainly substitute Absorb Plus for the poorer quality product.
take care,
Jini