Gelmix Mini Pack
10 x 2.4g Stick Packs

HOW TO MIX GELMIX
Follow these steps to mix Gelmix with breast milk, formula or water:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
2. Pour desired amount of lukewarm liquid (about 100°F) into bottle.  Freshly expressed breast milk at body temperature is sufficient.
3. Sprinkle in Gelmix powder following Usage Recommendations.
4. Cap and shake well for about 30 seconds, until powder is completely dissolved.  Work quickly to avoid clumps.
5. Wait 5-10 minutes until desired consistency is reached.  Mix again before feeding.  Always test temperature before feeding.

Most liquids can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance & rewarmed for feeding.  If served cold, the consistency will be thicker.

Note:  Gelmix may cause gassiness and loose stools at start.  This usually subsides on its own within 1-2 weeks of use or by reducing the amount used.

MIXING VIDEOS & PRINTABLE MIXING GUIDES

Printable Mixing Guide-Breast Milk
Printable Mixing Guide-Formula

 
TIPS ON THICKENING BREAST MILK
Always follow Health Canada and CDC guidelines on safe handling and storing of breast milk.  Breast milk tends to be thinner than formula, needing more thickener.  Use the higher Useage Recommendation to achieve desired consistency of 2.4g per 4 oz (120 ml) for Slightly Thick, or 2.4g per 3 oz (90 ml) for Mildly Thick.

For best results, mix Gelmix with freshly expressed milk at body temperature.  In a clean, sealed container, the mixture may sit at room temperature up to 4 hours or in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.  The thickened mixture is also freeze-thaw stable and can be stored frozen for up to 4 months.

Gelmix may also be mixed with previously frozen or thawed milk, however once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed after storing in the refrigerator or freezer, it should be used within two hours.  According to the CDC, breast milk should not be rewarmed more than once.

TIPS ON THICKENING FORMULA & WATER
Always follow manufacturer's guidelines on safe handling and storage of formulas.  Elemental formulas tend to be thinner than regular infant formulas.

Thickened water may be stored in a clean, sealed container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.  Then, just mix in the powder formula when ready to feed.

Use prepared infant formula within one hour from when feeding begins.  If you do not start to use the prepared infant formula within 1 hour, immediately store the bottle in the fridge and use it within 24 hours.

Gelmix is not intended for use with pre-thickened formulas or in addition to other thickening products. 

 Recommend use within 30 days of opening jar. / Utiliser dans les 30 jours suivant l'ouverture.

Alberta Blue Cross DIN:  00999610
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) DIN:  95900190

Is Gelmix a powder or gel?      
Gelmix is a powder thickener that gels up when mixed with warm liquids.  The reason it is called “Gelmix” is because of the smooth gel-like mouth feel it creates when mixed into liquids. 

Is Gelmix free of common allergens?
Yes, Gelmix is free of all common allergens. Gelmix does not contain any dairy, corn, soy, wheat, gluten, lactose or casein. Allergies to carob bean gum (from the galactomannan family) are extremely rare in academic literature. Gelmix is also vegan, GMO free and certified USDA organic and kosher.

Where is Gelmix manufactured?
Gelmix products are manufactured at a USDA organic certified GMP plant in South Florida. The USDA seal means that Gelmix follows the National Organic Program, which means less contamination with potentially harmful chemicals and no GMOs. Gelmix also undergoes strict manufacturing and testing.

Why do I have to use WARM breast milk or formula?
Gelmix works best with warm breast milk or formula. In order to ensure the powder dissolves easily and creates a thickened consistency, Gelmix must be mixed into lukewarm liquid (around 100°F). Freshly expressed breast milk at body temperature is sufficiently warm. Be careful not to overheat the liquid. Hot water greater than 120°F is too hot and may cause the Gelmix to clump, and breast milk quality deteriorates significantly at temperatures above 120°F. 

What kinds of liquids will Gelmix thicken?
Gelmix was specifically formulated to thicken breast milk and formula, however it can thicken any liquid that can be warmed for mixing. If you’re looking to thicken milk, water or juice for children over 12 months old, Purathick Natural Thickener, for hot and cold liquids, is a better option. 

How thick can Gelmix make liquids?
Gelmix effectively thickens liquids to Slightly Thick (thin nectar), Mildly Thick (nectar) and Moderately Thick (honey).  

 However, Moderately Thick liquids are more difficult to pass through a nipple/teat and are NOT typically recommended for infants. This difficulty may increase risk of dehydration due to poor oral intake. Always consult a medical professional before thickening liquids to ensure it is appropriate for your infant’s individual needs. 

I’m getting clumps, what can I do to prevent that?
Hot liquids (>120°F) may cause the Gelmix to clump, so be careful not to overheat. Work quickly when mixing to avoid clumps. When the Gelmix sits in the liquid for too long without mixing, it starts to bind and becomes more difficult to assimilate. 

How many teaspoons are in a serving of Gelmix?
A full serving of Gelmix is 2.4g, equivalent to 1 tsp. The scoop that comes with the jar is a half serving 1.2g scoop, equivalent to 1/2 tsp. 

What is the displacement factor per 2.4g (1tsp) of Gelmix?
One of the advantages of using Gelmix over other thickeners is that the displacement is very low.  Gelmix requires only 2.4g per 90-120 ml (3-4 fl oz) for Mildly Thick (Nectar) consistency, and adds 10 calories.  2.4g Gelmix per 120 ml (4 oz) displaces the liquid about 2.5 ml, or a ratio of about 1 ml per 48 ml.

Can I mix breast milk ahead of time with Gelmix?
Yes, lukewarm breast milk mixed with Gelmix may be stored in a sealed container at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 4 hours, or in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. The thickened mixture is also freeze-thaw stable and can be stored frozen for up to 4 months.   

Is it safe to warm breast milk?  How should I do it?
Thawed breast milk or pre-thickened feeds can be rewarmed by placing bottles in a container of warm water. Rewarm for no more than 15 minutes and check the temperature – it should feel lukewarm, not hot. Breast milk should not be rewarmed more than once.

Can I mix formula ahead of time with Gelmix?                
Gelmix may be prepared with warm formula up to 24 hours in advance.  Mix & store in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator.  Feeds can be rewarmed by placing in a container of warm water.  Rewarm for no longer than 15 minutes and check the temperature – it should feel lukewarm, not hot.  If served cold, the mixture will be thicker. 

For powder formulas, you can also mix just water and Gelmix in advance, and then add formula when ready to feed.  Gelmix + water can be stored in a clean, sealed container at room temperature for up to 24 hours

What if my infant experiences gassiness or loose stools when starting Gelmix?         
Gelmix contains natural fiber, and transient gassiness is a common side effect among infants using Gelmix for the first time. Gassiness usually subsides within two weeks of use or by reducing the amount used. Always consult a physician if your infant exhibits any signs of dehydration.

Do I need to crosscut the nipple or increase the nipple size for thickened feeds?      
Gelmix mixes into a smooth texture that flows easily through regular sized nipples. Not all babies have the same strength or drive, so consult with your pediatrician or feeding therapist on where to start. It may be necessary to go up a size for thickened feedings, however cross cutting the nipple is a very dangerous practice and is not necessary for thickened feeds with Gelmix.

My formula has a probiotic. Can I use it with Gelmix?
Heat can damage the probiotic. Since heating the liquid is required to mix with Gelmix, it is not recommended to use ready to feed formulas that contain a probiotic. For powder formulas, Gelmix can be mixed with warm water to thicken, then allowed to cool down before mixing in the powder formula.

Can Gelmix be used with preterm infants?        
Gelmix is contraindicated for preterm and low birth weight infants until they have reached a minimum weight of six pounds  (2.73 kg) and a corrected age of 2 weeks (42 weeks post-menstrual age). Always consult a medical professional before thickening liquids to ensure it is appropriate for your infant’s individual needs.

Is Gelmix covered by insurance?
Gelmix is covered by Alberta Blue Cross and NIHB programs.  Most insurance companies will provide coverage for Gelmix if your physician provides a prescription and it is filled by a pharmacy.  
Alberta Blue Cross DIN:  00999610
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) DIN:  95900190

Gelmix Brochure with Mixing Instructions

Gelmix Product Specifications

Gelmix Safety in Canada

Kosher Letter of Certification

Gelmix FAQ

Thickening Breast Milk with Gelmix-Printable Guide

Thickening Formula with Gelmix-Printable Guide

Using Household Measuring Spoons to Measure Gelmix

French-mode d'emploi et valeur nutritive

IDDSI RESOURCES - TESTING DRINK THICKNESS:

•      IDDSI Flow Test Video
•      Level 1 - Slightly Thick For Babies & Children - Handout
•      Level 2 - Mildly Thick for Babies & Children - Handout
•      Level 3 - Moderately Thick for Babies & Children - Handout

Gelmix and Purathick are available at these pharmacies:

Specialty Food Shop
The Hospital For Sick Children
110 Elm Street
Toronto, ON  M5G 1X8
1-800-737-7976

KidCare Pharmacy
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON  K1H 8L6
613-737-2316

McMaster Pharmacy
McMaster Children's Hospital
1200 Main Street W
Hamilton, ON
905-521-5019

Lasalle Clinic Pharmacy
1813 Lasalle Blvd
Sudbury, ON
P3A 2A3
705-521-1811

Pharmacie Georges Rizkallah
6140 boul Henri-Bourassa Est
Montreal, QC H1G 5X3
514-324-9931

Brunet Pharmacie
1150 Boulevard Saint-René O
Gatineau, QC J8T 6H1
819-246-5722

SRx Pharmacy
8625 - 112 Street NW (Campus Tower, lower level)
Edmonton, AB
587-454-2413