FAQ about Band Buddies®

Are there Allergens in Band Buddies® Products?

All Band Buddies® products are labelled according to TGA and AQIS guidelines for the presence of common allergens. Please check the labels before use. If you are unsure if Band Buddies® products are suitable for you please consult your health care professional before use.

Can anyone take Band Buddies® products?

While our products were developed nutritionally for Adult weight loss surgery patients, almost anyone could use them for general good health or in conjunction with a weight loss program.

Will the higher dose of Iron in NutriChew™ Chewable Multivitamins stain my teeth?

There is no clinical evidence that the higher dose of Iron in NutriChew™ Chewable Multivitamins will stain teeth and other chewable products with similar levels have not been shown to stain teeth, however, if you feel more comfortable rinsing your mouth out with water after taking your NutriChew™ Multivitamins please do so.

Where can I get Band Buddies® products?

Band Buddies® products are available in New Zealand for direct shipment to customers via our Online Store located on the Home Page of our website. Band Buddies® Online Store is administered by Paypal for Customer security. Band Buddies® do not store or have access to payment data.

Why do Band Buddies® NutriMeals™ have added fiber in the form of Inulin?

A study published in April 2009 has found that vegan women, who eat only plant-based foods, have bones as healthy as those of non-vegetarian women. In the research involving 105 postmenopausal vegan Buddhist nuns and 105 non-vegetarian women, the researchers were surprised to find that their bone density was identical. Lead researcher Professor Tuan Nguyen from Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research says "In this work we showed that although the vegans studied have lower protein and calcium intakes, their bone density is virtually identical to that of people who eat a wide variety of foods, including animal protein. The nuns' calcium intake was very low, only about 370 mg a day, where the recommended level is 1,000 mg. Their protein intake was also very low at around 35 g a day, compared with the non-vegetarian group, which was 65 g." You might ask if the calcium intake of these vegans is approximately one third of the recommended daily allowance and when dairy food (which they don’t eat) is widely considered to be the superior source of calcium, why is their bone strength not compromised at all? Well, we now know that part of the answer lies with a substance called inulin. Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides (several simple sugars linked together) produced by many types of plants. Inulin is used by some plants as a means of storing energy and is typically found in the roots or rhizomes. In the colon, bacteria metabolise inulin to produce short chain fatty acids which in turn reduce the pH in the gut (making it acidic). This turns calcium into its free ionic form—similar to the positive effect that stomach acid has on absorption in the small intestine. This ionic form of calcium helpsincrease the passive trans-cellular transport making the calcium free to move across the gut lining into the blood stream. This interaction between calcium and inulin results in improved calcium bioavailability. Inulin has several other positive attributes - it is a soluble fibre that dissolves in water to form a gelatinous material that may help lower blood cholesterol. Because inulin does not elevate blood sugar levels it may also be helpful in the management of diabetes and other blood-sugar relatedillnesses. Finally and most importantly, inulin is a prebiotic - “a selectively fermented ingredient that allows specific changes, both in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microflora that confers benefits upon health and well being.’’ Stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut will improve your digestion, restore bowel regularity, enhance the effectiveness and intrinsic strength of your immune system and improve the absorption of all nutritional factors, not only calcium.

Is there an issue with Iron & Calcium competition in NutriChew™ Chewable Multivitamins?

The competition between Iron and Calcium is much more of a concern with Gastric-Bypass surgery patient due to the malabsorption properties of the procedure. Because malabsorption is not generally a concern with the Adjustable Gastric-Band or Sleve procedures, the patient has a much greater ability to absorb the Iron and Calcium when taken together. The Calcium and Iron are included in the NutriChew™ Formula to assist the patient in reaching their recommended daily value as advised by their Dietitian or health care professional.

Where are Band Buddies® products made?

Band Buddies® products are all developed and made in Australia and proudly carry the ‘Made in Australia’ logo. Use of the ‘Made in Australia’ logo is restricted to companies who have demonstrated their compliance with the criteria that determines Australian development and manufacture.

I take Blood Thinner medication. Is there vitamin K in NutriChew™ Chewable multivitamins?

Blood thinner medications are commonly used by many Weight Loss patients. Vitamin K relates to a group of lipophilic, hydrophobic vitamins that are needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins, mostly required for blood coagulation. For this reason, NutriChew™ Chewable Multivitamins do not contain Vitamin K . If unsure about your suitability please consult you health care professional before use.

Should I take Multi Vitamins before my surgery?

This is something you should discuss with your Surgeon and/or Dietitian. There is some strong evidence of nutritional deficiencies occurring in Obese patients, and in pre-op weight loss surgery patients. Some programs recommend multivitamins before surgery, others do not. Conversely, there are some nutrients that you may need to stop taking prior to surgery - your Doctor or Dietition should be able to tell you what these are.

Can I take NutriChew™ Chewable Multivitamins with my other medications?

There are interactions that can occur between Vitamins, Minerals and Prescription Drugs. It is best to ask your Doctor or Pharmacist about possible interactions.