New KetoCal 2.5:1 Liquid – Questions & Answers

We are pleased to introduce the first and only nutritionally complete ketogenic formula in a 2.5:1 ratio with MCT, specifically developed for adults and children 8 years of age and older. Below is a collection of common questions and answers about KetoCal 2.5:1 Liquid.

1. What is KetoCal 2.5:1 Liquid?

KetoCal 2.5:1 Liquid is a convenient, ready-to-feed ketogenic formula with a 2.5:1 ratio, with added medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, fiber, and DHA. It is available in great-tasting vanilla.

2. Who is KetoCal 2.5:1 for?

KetoCal 2.5:1 was specifically designed for adults and children age 8 and over who are following the ketogenic diet for the management of intractable epilepsy. KetoCal 2.5:1 is a medical food and is intended for use under medical supervision.

3. How do I know if KetoCal 2.5:1 is right for me or my loved one?

Check with your healthcare provider to determine if KetoCal 2.5:1 is appropriate for you or your loved one.

4. How does KetoCal 2.5:1 better meet the nutritional needs of adults, adolescents and older children?

KetoCal 2.5:1 was specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of adults and children over the age of 8. Specifically, KetoCal 2.5:1 provides:

  • Higher protein compared to 4:1 ketogenic formulas, to meet the higher protein needs of adults, adolescents and older children
  • Age-specific content of vitamins and minerals
  • 25% of the fat from MCT oil
  • Multi-fiber blend

By providing a convenient, ready-to-feed ketogenic formula, KetoCal 2.5:1 can help to simplify the ketogenic diet.

5. Why is this formula in a 2.5:1 ratio?

Adults and adolescents have higher protein needs compared to younger children. A modified ketogenic diet or MAD provides more protein than a 4:1 ketogenic diet and may help meet protein needs. For patients who use ketogenic formula, it may be necessary to add protein to 4:1 formulas to meet their higher protein needs*. KetoCal 2.5:1 provides a solution for these patients by providing higher protein compared to a 4:1 ketogenic formula.

6. How can KetoCal 2.5:1 be used?

KetoCal 2.5:1 can be used as a:

  • Sole source of nutrition**
  • Tube feeding
  • As a snack or at meal times
  • To create delicious ketogenic recipes

7. How does KetoCal 2.5:1 taste?

KetoCal 2.5:1 comes in great-tasting vanilla flavor. See for yourself! Ask your healthcare provider for a sample today or request one here.

8. How do you prepare KetoCal 2.5:1?

KetoCal 2.5:1 is a convenient, ready-to-feed product. Simply shake for 5 seconds and drink or pour into the feeding bag. There is no measuring or mixing required!

9. Are there coverage and cost assistance options for KetoCal 2.5:1?

Yes, KetoCal 2.5:1 may be covered by your insurance or Medicaid. It may also be covered by the National School Lunch Program or by the KetoCal Assistance Program. For more information, visit https://myketocal.com/reimbursement.aspx or www.nutricia-na.com/NutriciaNavigator.

10. How can I try a sample of KetoCal 2.5:1?

Ask your healthcare provider for a sample of great-tasting vanilla KetoCal 2.5:1 or request a sample here.

11. Where can I learn more about KetoCal 2.5:1?

You can learn more about KetoCal 2.5:1 at https://myketocal.com/ketocal2_5-1.aspx.

*Older children, adolescents and adults have higher protein needs compared to younger children.
**May be used as a sole source or supplemental nutrition depending on the age and energy (caloric) needs of the individual.

KetoCal® Air Travel Tips

Traveling-with-KetoCalTraveling for the holidays? We want to make sure you have no trouble taking your KetoCal with you. Here are some tips for air travel with KetoCal:

Ship it ahead of time:

When possible, many families prefer to ship KetoCal to their destination ahead of time. When you purchase KetoCal from Nutricia, shipping is free for orders over $25. You can order by calling 1-800-365-7354. We recommend that you order a week or so in advance so that you don’t have to worry about whether or not your formula will get there in time for your arrival. Be sure to ask your family/friends/hotel staff to store the KetoCal indoors at room temperature (it should not be stored outdoors in cold weather).

Flying with KetoCal:

Medical Necessity Letter: When flying with KetoCal, we recommend that you get a letter from your doctor or dietitian explaining that KetoCal is a medically necessary formula used with the medical ketogenic diet for the management of epilepsy/Glut1DS/PDHD. You may not need it, but it never hurts to have it in case you have any trouble getting your KetoCal through security.

Checked Luggage: If you are packing KetoCal in your checked luggage, it might be useful to include the medical necessity letter in your bag in case it gets searched by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Carry-On Bags: If you are bringing KetoCal in your carry-on bag, be prepared for some additional screening and give yourself extra time so that you aren’t stressed about missing your flight. Be sure to pack a little extra formula in case of flight delays, which are fairly common during peak travel days around the holidays.

As you likely know, there are limits to the quantity of liquids you can carry on when flying (3.4 fluid ounces or 100 milliliters). Luckily, formulas and medically necessary liquids are exempt from this quantity limit, although they require extra screening. As soon as you arrive at security, notify the TSA agent that you are traveling with medically necessary liquid formula. Have the medical necessity letter from your healthcare provider handy in case you need it. If you do not want the formula to go through an X-ray or to be opened, notify the TSA officer. You will have to go through additional screening in this case, so be sure to give yourself extra time.

Powders may also require additional screening at TSA checkpoints. When you arrive at security, notify the TSA officer that you are traveling with medically necessary powdered formula. Have the medical necessity letter from your healthcare provider handy in case you need it.

  • Ice packs: Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories used to keep your formula cool are allowed through security as long as they are frozen or partially frozen. Like formula, they may require additional screening.

For more information, check out the TSA guidelines for travel with medications, including liquids, and for travel with children, including formula.

Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!

Mallory

KetoCal is a medical food for the dietary management of intractable epilepsy and is intended for use under medical supervision. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether KetoCal is right for you.

The medical ketogenic diet for epilepsy should be used under medical supervision.