According to Dr. Greene, the most common allergy in infants is to cow’s milk protein. Baby formula allergy comes from foreign protein which acts as an allergen. Infant milk allergy can be to regular cow’s milk, infant formula and soybean formula.
Some of the symptoms of baby formula allergy are rash, skin eczema and vomiting. Allergic reaction to formula can also result in diarrhea, gassiness, fussing and crying.
Infants with allergic reactions to formula can be fed through a choice of hypoallergenic formulas. Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas or EHFs are also referred to as Predigested. Hypoallergenic formulas have been broken down, making it easier for infants to digest. Infant’s pediatrician may recommend EHFs or even send the infant to an allergist. Most allergists have samples of hypoallergenic formulas to try.
Babies with formula allergy have several options when it comes to formula feedings. Here are five baby formulas for infants with food allergies, also known as Extensively Hydrolyzed Formulas;
Enfamil Nutramigen LIPIL is made for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy and is also for babies with colic. Nutramigen is lactose-fee and has same formula benefits for brain and eye development.
enfamil.com offers a certificate for a free sample of Enfamil Nutramigen LIPIL that can be printed out and taken to your child’s pediatrician.
Pregestimil LIPIL is a hypoallergenic infant formula that is iron-fortified and lactose-free. Pregestimil can be given to infants with formula allergies as well as other ailments such as short-bowel syndrome. LIPIL includes all the benefits of DHA and ARA, which are nutrients found in breast milk.
For more information visit enfamil.com
Similac Alimentum Advance is also a hypoallergenic formula for infants with protein allergy and colic. According to similac.com, some protein sensitivity symptoms include diarrhea, rashes and sleeping problems. From personal experience, Alimentum Advance was something my son was on for a short period of time. We were recommended Alimentum Advance formula after he had a bout of gassiness that would not go away even after we tried infant gas medication. We noticed that his gassiness and fussiness went away within hours, and he slept better throughout the night. For information and Similac formula offers
visit similac.com
EleCare is a formula with DHA and ARA that is recommended for infants with severe food allergies. EleCare is infant formula for those who suffer from protein allergies such as cow’s milk and soy. EleCare however cannot be purchased over the counter and must be used with the supervision of a pediatrician.
Neocate is another option for infants with cow milk allergy. Ingredients in Neocate are broken down making it easier for infants to digest. Neocate, much like EleCare, is not available on grocery store shelf. Neocate is a hypoallergenic formula that can be ordered through a local pharmacy or through the neocate.com website.
Websites Used:
http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/babyformulas.htm
http://organizedwisdom.com/Baby_Formula_Allergies
http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=21&action=detail&ref=81
