SMA Alfamino Hypoallergenic Infant Formula

Product Information

Vandenplas Y, et al. Safety and adequacy of a semi-elemental formula for children with gastro-intestinal disease. Amino acids 2010;38(3):909-914.

Breast milk is best for baby and provides ideal nutrition. Good maternal nutrition is important for preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding could negatively affect breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Professional advice should be followed on infant feeding. Infant formula should be prepared and used exactly as directed or it could pose a health hazard. The preparation requirements and cost of providing infant formula until 12 months of age should be considered before making a decision to formula feed.

Important notice

Nowak-Wegrzyn A, et al. Evaluation of hypoallergenicity of a new, amino acid-based formula. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2015;54(3) 264–72. In both cases, the cow’s milk protein triggers the body’s immune system to have an allergic reaction. This can cause symptoms that affect the skin, breathing and/or digestive system of your baby. There are two types of allergic reactions:

Schappi M, et al. Omega 3 PUFA enriched semi-elemental diet for protracted diarrhoea. Abstract PG3-14 presented at ESPGHAN, 2006. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that pregnant women and new mothers be informed on the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding – in particular the fact that it provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for babies. Mothers should be given guidance on the preparation for, and maintenance of, lactation, with special emphasis on the importance of a well-balanced diet both during pregnancy and after delivery. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle-feeding or other foods and drinks should be discouraged since it will have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Similarly, mothers should be warned of the difficulty of reversing a decision not to breastfeed. Before advising a mother to use an infant formula, she should be advised of the social and financial implications of her decision: for example, if a baby is exclusively bottle-fed, more than one can (400 g) per week will be needed, so the family circumstances and costs should be kept in mind. Mothers should be reminded that breast milk is not only the best, but also the most economical food for babies. If a decision to use an infant formula is taken, it is important to give instructions on correct preparation methods, emphasising that unboiled water, unsterilised bottles or incorrect dilution can all lead to illness. Schappi M, et al. Omega 3PUFA enriched semi-elemental diet for protracted diarrhoea (abstract). ESPGHAN. 2006. Abstract PG3-14. Koletzko S, et al. Diagnostic Approach and Management of Cow’s-Milk Protein Allergy in Infants and Children: ESPGHAN GI Committee Practical Guidelines. JPediatrGastroenterolNutr2012;55(2):221-229.

The ASCIA Guide for Milk Substitutes in Cow’s Milk Allergyprovides information about safe, nutritionally equivalent alternativesfor infants with cow’s milk allergy, if a particular specialised formula is not available due to supply issues.. The ASCIA Guide is available at https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/guide-for-milk-substitutes-cows-milk-allergy In Australia and New Zealand more than 2% (1 in 50) of infants are allergic to cow's milk*. Most children outgrow cow's milk allergy by the age of three to five years. Although nearly half of the children affected by CMPA grow out of it by 1 year, and two-thirds at 2, we understand that in the initial stages it can be a very challenging time as a parent. Nowak-Wegrzyn A, et al. Confirmed Hypoallergenicity of a Novel Whey-Based Extensively Hydrolyzed Infant Formula Containing Two Human Milk Oligosaccharides Nutrients 2019;11(7):E1447.

Mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding, but in case this is not an option, specialty formulas are available for infants and young children with CMPA to reduce or completely remove the allergenic potential. These formulas contain the adequate nutrients to support healthy infant growth and development. There are two different types of formulas for the management of CMPA:Host A and Halken S. Cow's milk allergy: where have we come from and where are we going? Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2014;14(1):2-8. Food allergies such as CMPA can affect anyone, however those infants with a family history of allergy are at higher risk. CMPA occurs when a baby’s immune system reacts negatively to the proteins in cow’s milk. Muraro A, et al. EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines: diagnosis and management of food allergy. Allergy 2014;69(8):1008–1025.

Puccio G, et al. Effects of Infant Formula With Human Milk Oigosaccharides on Growth and Morbidity: A Randomized Multicenter Trial. J. Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017; 64(4):624-631. Chauveau, A., et al. Immediate hypersensitivity to extensively hydrolysed formulas: An important reminder. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2016. 27(5): p. 541-543. Sela DA and Mills DA, Nursing our microbiota: molecular linkages between bifidobacterial and milk oligosaccharides. Trends Microbiol, 2010. 18(7): p. 298-307. If you are concerned that your child may have CMPA, speak with your child’s doctor to discuss symptoms and possible diagnosis. In case of a severe allergic reaction, seek medical assistance without delay. Once diagnosed, CMPA can be effectively managed in consultation with a healthcare professional. The key is to seek support from a healthcare professional as early as possible in the journey to ensure an early and correct diagnosis. Nestlé Health Science produces a range of foods for special medical purposes (FSMP) for use under medical supervision. A sample product should only be requested for a patient if deemed suitable following a professional evaluation from an appropriate healthcare professional. Althera® and Alfamino® are infant FSMPs and should only be used after the full consideration of the feeding options available, including breastfeeding.Host A and Halken S. Cow's milk allergy: where have we come from and where are we going? EndocrMetabImmuneDisordDrug Targets 2014;14(1):2-8. Delplanque B, et al. Lipid Quality in Infant Nutrition: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities. JPediatrGastroenterolNutr2015;61(1):8-17. Rapp M, et al. Characterization of an extensively hydrolyzed whey infant formula with a low bitterness. Clin Transl Allergy. 2013; 3(Suppl 3): P132. IgE mediated –rapid onset allergic reactions and can occur within 15 minutes after consuming cows’ milk or dairy products.