Efficacy and safety of hydrolyzed cow milk and amino acid-derived formulas in infants with cow milk allergy

AAF may be preferable for infants with multiple food allergies, especially to maintain normal growth

Background

To determine the nutritional adequacy, and growth-promoting efficacy of protein hydrolysate or amino acid-derived formulas (AAF) in infants with Cow’s milk allergy.

Methods

Extensively hydrolyzed whey formula (We) was compared with an AAF in a randomized, prospective follow-up study for 9 months.
We group: n= 22 infants (mean age of 6 months)
AAF group: n= 23 infants (mean age of 7)

Nutritional adequacy and growth were determined.

Results

Both formulas were clinically and biochemically tolerated.

• Mean plasma essential amino acids concentration was lower in We fed group but higher in the AAF fed group compared to values for breast- fed control infants (p=0.00I).
• There was a different trend between the groups in weight – initially weight increased similarly in both groups but later declined in the We fed group while it continued to increase in the AAF group (p=0.09).

• Length increased in the AAF group but not in the We fed group when compared to the starting length (p=0.006) (see figures).

• Energy intakes were similar between the two groups at 12 months. Energy, protein, and fat intakes from the different formula were relatively similar.
• In both groups, atopic eczema improved significantly (p=0.001) and progressively, with a downward trend in serum total and milk specific IgE concentrations, proving the efficacy of both formulas.