Publications

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.