Nutrition & Diets

Koko Dairy Free is a versatile and palatable dairy free alternative to milk and would be suitable if you need a dairy free diet for cow’s milk protein intolerance or lactose intolerance. Because Koko Dairy Free is free from soya it is also useful where there is soya intolerance. Being free of animal products it is also suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians.

It is not suitable as a sole source of nutrition for infants under 12 months of age as, like cow’s milk, it is not nutritionally complete.

There is no evidence to suggest that those with nut allergy should avoid Koko Dairy Free, as coconuts are a fruit and not a nut.

Calcium Enriched - are you getting enough?

Calcium is essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, (also for normal blood clotting, nerve function and enzyme activity.)

It is an essential nutrient throughout life for everyone and is especially important in children, adolescents and breastfeeding & post menopausal women.

A poor calcium intake can be an important contributory factor in the development of osteoporosis (brittle bones).

For optimum absorption of the calcium in your diet, vitamin D is required. This is made naturally in your skin when it is exposed to sunlight.

Dietary sources of Vitamin D include oily fish (sardines, mackerel), eggs, offal, and vitamin D enriched foods such as margarine and breakfast cereals.

Daily calcium requirements (DOH 1991)

Age group                              calcium requirement

0-12 months                                          525mg

1-3 years                                               350mg

4-6 years                                               450mg

7-10 years                                             550mg

males 11-18 years                                1000mg

males 19+ years                                   700mg

females 11-18 years                              800mg

females 19+ years                                700mg

Breastfeeding                                        an extra 550mg

Food Allergy Diets

If you suspect that you or your child has a food allergy or intolerance then you should make an appointment to see your GP who will be able to carry out allergy testing or refer you to a specialist centre for testing. Your GP is also able to refer you to a Registered Dietitian if dietary changes are necessary.

Follow the link for specific information on:

• Lactose Intolerance
  
• Milk Protein Intolerance
  
• Soya Intolerance
  

Other Diets

Fat Reduced & Low Calorie Diets

The total fat content of Koko Dairy Free is similar to semi-skimmed milk, so anyone reducing their fat intake for health reasons would find it a useful alternative to full fat or whole cow’s milk. Studies of populations who rely heavily on coconut oil do not appear to have any greater risk of coronary heart disease.

The fat in Koko Dairy Free is 60% Medium Chain Triglycerides or MCT fat. Breast milk contains some MCT fat, but coconut is one of the very few natural sources of MCT fat in our diets. MCT fats are used in a different way in the body compared to long chain triglycerides (LCTs) and to other saturated fats. They are very efficiently converted into fuel by the body. They do not require bile salts for absorption and may be useful in people with malabsorptive conditions. The MCT fats in Koko Dairy Free (Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid and Lauric Acid) are also thought to have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral properties and naturally occur in human breast milk.

Koko Dairy Free is lower in energy or kilo calories than skimmed and semi-skimmed milk, so is a useful alternative milk for those watching their weight.

Protein Restricted Diets

Koko Dairy Free is low in protein, so may be useful in diets where protein needs to be restricted. 100ml of Koko Dairy Free contains one 5mg phenylalanine exchange.