Amino acid-based formula is a type of
infant milk formula made from individual
amino acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. Although hundreds of amino acids exist in nature, by far the most important are the alpha-amino acids, which comprise proteins. Only 22 alpha am ...
. It is
hypoallergenic and intended for infants suffering from severe allergy to milk and various gastrointestinal conditions, such as
food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a systemic, non IgE-mediated response to a specific trigger within food - most likely food protein. FPIES presents in two different forms: an acute form and a chronic form. In its acute form, ...
and
malabsorption syndrome
Malabsorption is a state arising from abnormality in absorption of food nutrients across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Impairment can be of single or multiple nutrients depending on the abnormality. This may lead to malnutrition and a variety ...
s.
It is sometimes referred to as elemental formula but this is considered a misleading name.
Issues with the use of amino acid-based formula include its high cost and its unpalatable taste.
Intake of amino-acid formula for healthy infants shows no advantage in growth.
Background
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and together they form the protein requirements in formula needed for growth and development. The amino acids are in the simplest form, making it easy for the body to process and digest. Amino acid-based formula may be considered hypoallergenic since it does not contain
peptides that may trigger an immune response.
Because infants and children have different nutritional needs, amino acid-based formulas are typically formulated either for infants 0–1 years of age or for children 1–10 years of age.
Uses
Amino acid-based formulas may be used for those with cow's milk or soy protein allergy. However, most infants who suffer from food allergy respond well to extensively hydrolysed formulas, and only few of those with the most severe form of the illness require the use of amino acid-based formulas.
It may also be used for other medical conditions requiring an amino acid-based diet, such as
short bowel syndrome, and transition from
parenteral
A route of administration in pharmacology and toxicology is the way by which a drug, fluid, poison, or other substance is taken into the body.
Routes of administration are generally classified by the location at which the substance is applied. ...
to
enteral nutrition.
See also
*
Milk allergy
*
Food allergy
References
{{Infants and their care
Infant feeding
Amino acid derivatives