Baby and Parenting

What is hypoallergenic formula milk

Whether or not a formula milk is hypoallergenic – i.e. will not cause symptoms of allergic reaction – is determined by the proteins contained in the formula, not the sugar or carbohydrate. Misconceptions are common about what is and what is not hypoallergenic. No formula is NON-allergenic; the specialty formulas just have degrees of lesser stimulation of the allergic response. According to the Food standards agency “If your baby is diagnosed with a cows’ milk allergy, your GP might prescribe hydrolysed milk formula for her. You shouldn’t give her partially hydrolysed formula or soya formula without consulting your GP, because babies with cows’ milk allergy might react to these types of formula.”

The top hypoallergenic formulas include
Nutramigen which is a hypoallergenic formula, most children with milk allergy are ok with Nutramigen but not all as this is a lactose free but cow’s milk based hypoallergenic formula. Neocate is also not likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Adverse food reactions and allergies
According to figures up to 15% of the population have reported having had adverse food reactions at some point in their lives. However many believe the true prevalence of food allergy is lower and seems to range from 1% to 4%( about 6% of the paediatric population, but reportedly occurs in as much as 25% of children with eczema or other common allergies).

What types of foods cause allergic reactions in infants?
Infants tend more commonly to develop allergies to Hen egg white, Cows milk protein, Wheat, Peanuts, Bony Fish, Citrus and even Soya protein.

Do cows milk products causes colic?
The actual cause of colic is not known. There are many theories. However there is some evidence that sensitivity to cow’s milk may sometimes play a part.

Soy formula milk
Soy formula, though, which uses soy protein in place of cow’s milk protein, is a perfectly safe alternative for full-term infants if your child is unable to digest lactose (milk sugar) or if he/she seems intolerant to cow’s milk formula and becomes colic, gassy, fussy, or vomits during feedings.