Camino pro® Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
- How is Camino pro® different from other formulas?
- I am trying to lose weight and maintain my phe/leu levels. If I drink a low calorie formula, I am hungry all the time and I eat too much phe/leu. If I take a higher calorie formula to fill me up, it's hard to lose weight. Can Camino pro® help me lose weight?
- Do I have to take a vitamin and mineral supplement with the Camino pro® system?
- If I have a mix of different Camino pro® products each day, how do I figure out how many products I need to eat/drink in one day?
- Can I try Camino pro® to see if I like it?
- What if I only like some of the products in the Camino pro® system?
- Can I mix and match the products when I am ordering?
- Where should I keep my Camino pro® products?
- How long will the Camino pro® products stay fresh?
- Do I need to weigh or measure any of the Camino pro® products?
- Will insurance companies pay for these products if they are in food?
- My state does not cover low protein food. Does this mean that I can't get coverage for the sorbet stix?
- My son doesn't have health insurance but he needs these products. Will Cambrooke accept the Medicaid or State payments?
- My child is 32 pounds and 4 years old. Can he use the Camino pro® products?
- I left the products in my car on a hot day. Are they still good?
- Do I need to drink water with Camino pro® Products?
- I really like my formula but think it would be nice to have the option to use Camino pro® products sometimes. Can I do that?
- Can I take more Camino pro® to get more protein for training or body building?
- Are there electrolytes in the Camino pro® products? (i.e., Can they be used if a child is too sick to eat?)
Questions And Answers
How is Camino pro® different from other formulas?
Cambrooke Foods' Camino pro® Modular Medical Food System delivers your protein supplement in a variety of ways, so you never get bored. Whether you choose Camino pro® GMP Drinks, amino acid Drinks, or Sorbet Stix you'll get the protein you need along with vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health. In addition, several Camino pro® products are an excellent source of fiber, which no other formula line delivers.
I am trying to lose weight and maintain my phe/leu levels. If I drink a low calorie formula, I am hungry all the time and I eat too much phe/leu. If I take a higher calorie formula to fill me up, it's hard to lose weight. Can Camino pro® help me lose weight?
The Camino pro® system is uniquely designed to allow you to mix and match products to meet your calorie needs, whether you are trying to lose, maintain, or gain weight. Sorbet Stix are our lowest calorie products, delivering 10 grams of protein equivalent* with only 70 calories. However, because they also contain 3.4 grams of fiber, the Sorbet Stix will keep you fuller longer than other low calorie formulas. Similarly, Camino pro® ready-to-drink beverages contain only 150 calories while delivering 15 grams of protein equivalent and 5.5 grams of fiber. Camino pro® salad dressings provide 5 grams of protein equivalent and can be used in place of your usual dressings so they are not contributing any excess calories to your daily intake. Work with your dietitian to come up with a combination of Camino pro® products that meet your calorie and protein needs, and perhaps most importantly, your taste preferences.
*Protein equivalent means phe-free protein for PKU and leu/ile/val-free protein for MSUD.
Do I have to take a vitamin and mineral supplement with the Camino pro® system?
Each product in the Camino pro® system is complete with vitamins and minerals, and is designed for use in patients 5 years and older. If you are consuming an appropriate amount of Camino pro® medical food, you will most likely not need a supplement. However, vitamin and mineral needs are unique to your life stage and gender, so there is no "one size fits all." Your dietitian can determine if further supplementation is necessary.
If I have a mix of different Camino pro® products each day, how do I figure out how many products I need to eat/drink in one day?
Your dietitian will determine how many grams of protein equivalent you need each day from medical food. This is your "protein prescription." You can then choose a variety of Camino pro® products that add up to your protein prescription. Because Camino pro® products contain 5, 10, or 15 grams of protein equivalent, they are easy to add up. For example, let's say your protein prescription is 60 grams per day. Following are 2 examples of the many ways you could use Camino pro® to meet those needs.
| Daily Camino pro® Intake | Protein equivalent, grams |
|---|---|
| 2 Pina Colada Drinks | 30 |
| Lemon Sorbet Stix | 10 |
| Enchilada Sauce | 5 |
| 1000 Island Dressing | 5 |
| Lemon Bar | 10 |
| Total Protein equivalent | 60 grams |
| Daily Camino pro® Intake | Protein equivalent, grams |
|---|---|
| Lemon Bar | 10 |
| Fruit Punch Drink | 15 |
| 2 Balsamic Vinaigrette dressings | 10 |
| Berry Sorbet Stix | 10 |
| Balsamic vinaigrette | 5 |
| Lemon Sorbet Stix | 10 |
| Total Protein equivalent | 60 grams |
Can I try Camino pro® to see if I like it?
Yes, Cambrooke Foods would be happy to send you a Camino pro® sample pack. Just complete the Sample Request Form and have your dietician or physician sign it. Fax or mail us the completed form, and we will send you an assortment of Camino pro® products to sample along with a Consumer Evaluation Form. We really want to know what you think, so if you complete the Customer Evaluation Form and mail it back to us, you will receive a free gift from Cambrooke Foods!
What if I only like some of the products in the Camino pro® system?
Each product in the Camino pro® line can be ordered separately, so you can order only those that work for you.
Can I mix and match the products when I am ordering?
You can mix and match boxes of products, but not individual units. Therefore, you may order 1 carton of BetterMilk, 1 carton of Pina Colada drinks, 2 cartons of Berry Sorbet Stix, etc. However, you may not order 10 packets of BetterMilk, 15 Pina Colada Drinks, 25 Berry Sorbet Stix, etc. The number of units/box for each product flavor follows:
| Camino pro® Product | Number of units per box |
|---|---|
| BetterMilk | 28 packets |
| Fruit Punch Drink | 28 pouches |
| Pina Colada Drink | 28 pouches |
| Berry Sorbet Stix | 12 stix |
| Lemon Sorbet Stix | 12 stix |
Where should I keep my Camino pro® products?
All unopened products should be stored in a cool, dry environment. Avoid storing products in areas of extreme heat, humidity, or direct sunlight. While unopened products do not require refrigeration, storing them in the refrigerator will extend shelf life, keeping the product fresher longer. Once a product is opened, consume entirely or refrigerate remaining contents. Sorbet Stix are intended to be served frozen, similar to an ice pop. Therefore, freeze before consumption.
How long will the Camino pro® products stay fresh?
All unopened Camino pro® products have a shelf life of one year when stored appropriately. Refrigeration of unopened units is not required but is recommended to extend shelf life. If a product is opened and not consumed entirely, refrigerate remainder and consume within 48 hours.
Do I need to weigh or measure any of the Camino pro® products?
The Camino pro® System was designed with simplicity in mind. Each product is packaged in single-serve containers, so that means no measuring, no weighing, and no mixing. Just open and eat, drink, or drizzle, or dip!
Will insurance companies pay for these products if they are in food?
Camino pro® products are medical foods just like the old-fashioned powdered formulas that come in a can or pouch. They have all the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that the old formulas have. The all have reimbursement codes that will allow them to be covered by insurance companies. The only difference is that they taste great and are easier to incorporate into your diet.
My state does not cover low protein food. Does this mean that I can't get coverage for the sorbet stix?
Camino pro® products are not low protein foods. Even though some are in the form of food, they are actually medical foods that contain the appropriate blend of amino acids to treat PKU or MSUD (depending on the product). If your state covers medical food (aka formula), then it can also cover Camino pro® Products.
My son doesn't have health insurance but he needs these products. Will Cambrooke accept the Medicaid or State payments?
Currently Cambrooke Foods does not accept Medicaid payments. Please contact your local pharmacy to see if they would be willing to order Camino pro® on your behalf and bill Medicaid directly.
My child is 32 pounds and 4 years old. Can he use the Camino pro® products?
The Camino pro® System was designed for children and adults ages 5 and older. However, some products within the system may be appropriate for younger children. Your dietitian will determine if your child would benefit from the use of Camino pro® products.
I left the products in my car on a hot day. Are they still good?
Yes. Leaving Camino pro® products in a hot car for one day will not harm them. However, storing Camino pro® products at high temperatures or in direct sunlight for long periods of time will shorten shelf-life. All unopened products should be stored in a cool, dry environment.
Do I need to drink water with Camino pro® Products?
It is not necessary to drink water along with Camino pro® Products. However, because medical foods contain more electrolytes and amino acids than many other foods or drinks, they can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in those who are not adequately hydrated. For this reason as well as for general good health, it is important to drink water regularly. Therefore, drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal and hydrate before, during and after exercise.
I really like my formula but think it would be nice to have the option to use Camino pro® products sometimes. Can I do that?
The Camino pro® products were designed to complement each other, so it is best if you use the entire system. However, each product can be purchased separately, so you are free to add Camino pro® GMP Drinks, amino acid Drinks and Sorbet Stix to your daily routine for convenience and excitement, without giving up your current formula completely. You will, however, need to decrease the volume of your current formula that you take daily, and you must consult your dietitian for guidance on how to do this. He/she can work with you to create the combination that best suits you, and revise your medical food prescription to help with insurance coverage.
Can I take more Camino pro® to get more protein for training or body building?
If you are taking your full prescription of medical food, chances are you do not need extra protein. However, if you and your dietitian agree that you have increased protein and energy needs due to training, it is certainly safe to take an extra serving or two of Camino pro® each day. While all Camino pro® products are complete with vitamins and minerals, they do not contain excessive amounts that will put you at risk for vitamin or mineral toxicities if you consume extra. Since every individual's nutrient needs are unique, you must work with your dietitian to come up with the right diet program for you.
Are there electrolytes in the Camino pro® products? (i.e., Can they be used if a child is too sick to eat?)
All Camino pro® products contain electrolytes. During illness, especially when a child has diarrhea, increased amounts of fluid and electrolytes are lost from the body. In children, this fluid loss can be excessive, and frequently can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can become dangerous even more quickly if the child is also vomiting. While many reach for Gatorade®, 7-Up®, Kool-Aid®, and apple juice during illness, these household beverages do not contain the electrolytes kids need to rehydrate quickly. However, Camino pro® Drinks and Sorbet Stix contain higher concentrations of electrolytes, which is much closer to that of Pedialyte® than most other beverages. Therefore, Camino pro® Drinks and Sorbet Stix may be a good option during illness. However, keep in mind that these products were not designed specifically for rehydration therapy, and therefore they contain more nutrients than products designed for this use, such as Pedialyte® . If the child has trouble keeping the Camino pro® Drinks or Sorbet stix down, diluting the drinks with water, to 50% concentration or even less, may help. You may also recommend Pedialyte® in addition to diluted Camino pro®.
Here is how the electrolyte content of Camino pro® compares to Pedialyte® and other beverages commonly consumed during illness.
| Sodium mEq/L | Potassium mEq/L | Chloride mEq/L | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedialyte® | 45 | 20 | 35 |
| Camino pro® Drinks and Sorbet Stix | 30 | 33 | 30 |
| 7-Up® or Sprite® | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Gatorade® | 20 | N/A | N/A |
| Powerade® | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Kool-Aid® | 0.05-6 | 14 | 0 |
| Apple Juice | 0.1-3.5 | 32 | 0 |