Parapharma Tech started in 2010 as a mission to provide a healthier alternative thickening option to cereals for infants with reflux. It was clear that cereals were causing more harm than good in the infant population, causing constipation, adding bulky starch to the diet and requiring babies to stop breast feeding. It was time for a change to the age old practice of thickening formula with cereal in the US. We partnered with Dr. Enrique Hernandez, pediatric gastroenterologist in South Florida, to develop Gelmix. Gelmix harnesses the power of carob bean gum to thicken breast milk or formula, without adding the unnecessary bulk and calories of cereal. Gelmix is the first USDA Organic thickener specifically designed for pediatric use in the USA. In 2018, the joint NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN recommendations on GERD recognized that carob bean gum thickeners are the only thickeners suitable for thickening breast milk for infants under 1 year old.
In 2018 we expanded our product line to include a new thickener, called Purathick, another USDA Organic thickener made for hot and cold beverages, for adults and children over 1 year old. It has all the same benefits of Gelmix but was made specifically to thicken regular everyday beverages for people with dysphagia or swallowing problems. We are proud to have the only USDA Organic thickeners on the market in the United States.
Ingredients matter, and our mission continues on as we strive to develop new healthful organic products and supplements for pediatrics and adults.