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Cornstarch

The document discusses the use of cornstarch for boys with Barth syndrome. It notes that cornstarch is slowly digested, taking 4-6 hours to be fully broken down. This helps prevent hypoglycemia and muscle protein loss overnight by decreasing the time spent fasting after eating cornstarch before bed. The document provides guidelines for dosing cornstarch based on weight and age to provide enough calories for the first 4-6 hours of sleep. Cornstarch can be mixed into foods like pudding or milk and should not be used in formula.

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135 views2 pages

Cornstarch

The document discusses the use of cornstarch for boys with Barth syndrome. It notes that cornstarch is slowly digested, taking 4-6 hours to be fully broken down. This helps prevent hypoglycemia and muscle protein loss overnight by decreasing the time spent fasting after eating cornstarch before bed. The document provides guidelines for dosing cornstarch based on weight and age to provide enough calories for the first 4-6 hours of sleep. Cornstarch can be mixed into foods like pudding or milk and should not be used in formula.

Uploaded by

Maarij
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Cornstarch

During fasting, the body initially uses mostly stored glycogen (starch) from the
liver to meet energy needs. After the glycogen stored in the liver is used up, muscle
proteins then become the main source of energy. A longer fast will mean that more
muscle protein will be needed to provide energy.

Cornstarch Fact Sheet


In Barth syndrome, the boys tend to use a larger percentage of their muscle mass during
an overnight fast. This can make it difficult to maintain or gain muscle mass.

Liver Glycogen
(Starch)
Main source of energy
during the first 6 hours of
fasting. Energy
(Glucose)
Muscle Protein
Main source of energy
after 6 hours of fasting.

Uncooked cornstarch is the most slowly absorbed carbohydrate. It takes between 4-6
hours for the cornstarch to be completely digested. Because the cornstarch is slowly
digested, the amount of time spent fasting is decreased after eating cornstarch. This
helps to prevent hypoglycemia and minimize muscle protein loses overnight.

When Should I use Cornstarch?


 Cornstarch should be given before bed.
 Infants can be given cornstarch once they are sleeping more than 8-9 hours on a
regular basis.

How Much Cornstarch is Needed?


The goal is to provide the amount of calories needed during the first 4-6 hours of
sleeping. The amount of calories needed is based on the weight of the child. The
following table provides a general guideline for dosing*.

Cornstarch Fact Sheet


The Barth Syndrome Foundation
www.barthsyndrome.org
Rhonda Avery RD, LD/N,CDE (Watson Clinic LLP)
June 2006

DISCLAIMER: This fact sheet is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information
provided here should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care.
Cornstarch Dosing

Age Mean Weight Cornstarch


12-18 mos 10 kg (22 lbs) 2 teaspoons
18-36 mos 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs) 3 teaspoons
3-5 yrs 15 kg (33 lbs) 3.5 teaspoons
5-8 yrs 17 kg (37.5 lbs) 4 teaspoons
8-12 yrs 22 kg (48.5 lbs) 5 teaspoons
12-15 yrs 30 kg (66 lbs) 2 Tablespoons
Older
Adolescents ---- 1-2 Tablespoons**

* Dr. Richard Kelley – Corn Starch Dosage; February 13, 2005. Archives

** Calculations based on Adult Basal calorie needs per hour of sleep. Assuming basal needs of
50kcal for the first 2-3 hours of sleep. The exact dose will vary based on the boy’s weight.

How to Give the Cornstarch:

 Can be mixed in . . .
- pudding, yogurt, milk, milk drink or shake
- cold juice (Do not use with Orange juice) – drink immediately

 Do not use in Formula – it makes the formula too thick

Cornstarch Fact Sheet


The Barth Syndrome Foundation
www.barthsyndrome.org
Rhonda Avery RD, LD/N,CDE (Watson Clinic LLP)
June 2006

DISCLAIMER: This fact sheet is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. The information
provided here should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care.

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