Store Brand Hypoallergenic Infant Formula: Clinically Studied for Cow's Milk Allergy
Quick Facts7
CMA occurs when your baby's immune system abnormally reacts to a protein in cow's milk.
Healthcare professionals believe CMA occurs in approximately 2% of babies in the United States and in approximately 0.5% of breastfed infants.
Risk factors for CMA include having a parent or sibling with allergic conditions, such as asthma, eczema, and seasonal allergies.
There are no specific diagnostic tests for CMA.
Physicians typically recommend eliminating cow's milk from your baby's diet and from diets of moms who breastfeed. Most cases resolve on their own by the time your baby turns six years of age.
An allergy is a chronic condition. It involves an abnormal reaction to an ordinarily harmless substance. These substances are called allergens; common allergens include milk, egg, fish proteins, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts or almonds), soy, and wheat.
Food allergies can be mild or severe; some can be deadly. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention. On the other hand, food intolerance (sensitivity) can be annoying and uncomfortable, but it's not serious or life threatening.
The human immune system usually protects us from bacteria and viruses. In people with an allergy, the immune system mistakenly sees the allergen as an invader and initiates a chain reaction. The immune system's white blood cells produce IgE antibodies that attach themselves to mast cells. This response causes a release of histamine and other potent chemicals that can be harmful.
Symptoms of Cow's Milk Allergy
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in babies. CMA affects up to 7 percent of infants during the first year of life and induces a range of symptoms of varying intensity. In CMA, the immune system abnormally reacts to a protein in cow's milk and attacks the protein. This immune response can harm your baby's stomach and intestines. Common symptoms of CMA include:
- Colic, which is characterized by incessant crying for more than three hours
- Dermatitis and other skin reactions
- Respiratory distress, such as coughing, wheezing, and/or runny nose
- Gastrointestinal (GI) distress: regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and iron deficiency
What Moms Say about Their "Colicky" Babies
According to moms, symptoms vary. But most moms describe common symptoms of cow's milk allergy as: "colicky, constipated, diarrhea, reflux, eczema, spitting up, vomiting, bloated, and gassy."
It is a common practice for pediatricians to recommend a different type of infant formula for a baby when symptoms of allergy or intolerance occur. You may have seen or heard of hypoallergenic infant formula. Hypoallergenic formulas are "extensively hydrolyzed," meaning cow's milk proteins are broken down to significantly reduce the potential for allergic reactions in babies.
Approximately 50 percent of babies on hypoallergenic formula have CMA. A hypoallergenic formula is usually selected and recommended by a healthcare professional after diagnosing an infant with CMA. In fact, physicians are the primary influencer of moms considering hypoallergenic infant formula.
Nutramigen® and Similac® Alimentum®: The Big-Name Hypoallergenic Formula Brands
Nationally advertised brands use the term "hypoallergenic" on the labels of products for cow's milk allergy that are also designed to manage colic and address other symptoms associated with CMA. These expensive hypoallergenic formulas are branded (Enfamil®) Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum.1
Hypoallergenic formula breaks down—or hydrolyzes—cow's milk proteins. Hypoallergenic formula helps prevent your baby's immune system from reacting negatively to cow's milk protein and decreases the likelihood of CMA in most infants. Hypoallergenic formula is also unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in most infants.
Clinically Studied Store Brand Hypoallergenic Formula
For more than 80 years, parents have been paying a lot of money for hypoallergenic infant formula like Nutramigen. Perrigo Nutrition, the maker of store brand infant formulas, invested time and resources to give parents a savvier alternative.
The recent addition of Store Brand Hypoallergenic formula broadens access to formulations at more affordable prices for dietary management of children with cow's milk allergy.
Store Brand Hypoallergenic infant formula is sold by leading retailers across the nation as various "store brands." Store brand hypoallergenic formula compares to the nutrition of Nutramigen and Similac Alimentum.
Features and Benefits
- Helps calm colic due to CMA2
- Clinically studied and tested to manage CMA2
- Nutritionally complete
- Expert-recommended DHA for brain support3
- Probiotic to help support digestive health
- Non-GMO (ingredients not genetically engineered)4
- No artificial growth hormones5
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union – (U)D
In a clinical study of children with cow's milk allergy, 98.3 percent were able to tolerate Store Brand Hypoallergenic formula. This finding is published in a peer-reviewed journal.6
A Savvy Alternative to Nutramigen and Alimentum
The costs of Nutramigen and Alimentum can exceed $200 a month to feed an infant with CMA.7 Store brand hypoallergenic infant formula is a nutritionally comparable alternative to Nutramigen and Alimentum, allowing families to save at least 22% or $75 in savings per month.8
The chart below illustrates why store brand hypoallergenic formula is a smart choice for physicians—and for moms who are concerned their babies may have CMA.
Similac® Alimentum®
Enfamil® Nutramigen™
Store Brand
Hypoallergenic
Clinically Studied for Children with Cow's Milk Allergy
Provides Relief for Colic
No Artificial Growth Hormones
Kosher
not labeled as
not labeled as
Important Note: Please consult a healthcare professional before making infant-feeding decisions.