Current experience in the use of amino acid-based formula in children

Abstract

Amino acid-based formulas (AAFs) are similar to most other infant kinds of milk except for one important difference. Instead of containing whole or broken down cow’s milk protein, they contain amino acids. These individual amino acids are so small that they are not recognised by the immune system as allergens and do not provoke any allergic reaction in children with cow’s milk allergy. In recent studies, AAFs were well tolerated and supported growth in otherwise healthy infants without cow’s milk protein allergy, and in those with cow’s milk protein allergy. Short bowel syndrome, a disorder characterized by diarrhea, malabsorption, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, and eventually malnutrition, is usually caused by massive intestinal resection. Even though the causes of short bowel syndrome are diverse, the management has identical pillars: parenteral nutrition and early enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition remains an important and controllable factor. The direct trophic effect of nutrients and stimulation of gastrointestinal secretions and hormonal factors enhances intestinal adaptation. AAFs promote rapid weaning of parenteral nutrition after the introduction of an elemental formula. Besides, studies show that they reduce intestinal inflammation (the level of fecal calprotectin).