If your baby has trouble digesting standard formula – and sometimes even breast milk – milk protein allergies are to blame. In these cases, your pediatrician may prescribe a hypoallergenic baby formula to help your baby get the nutrients he needs.
Excessive crying, gas or trouble sleeping are signs that something is wrong. Common allergy symptoms include runny nose, wheezing, eczema, vomiting, diarrhea and extreme irritability. If you suspect your child has allergies, talk to your doctor before switching to a hypoallergenic formula to make sure it’s a problem.
Food allergies are on the rise, but studies have shown that the prevalence of milk protein allergies in infants is still only 2-3 percent. In these rare cases, hypoallergenic formula may be the only thing a baby can digest.
So, Hypoallergenic formula is very necessary for babies who cannot tolerate regular formula, without it, they will not absorb nutrients properly and will not grow.
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So what are hypoallergenic baby formulas?
Although hypoallergenic formula is usually made with cow’s milk, it is processed so that the protein that causes allergies is broken down to be easier for the baby to digest. The two main types are therapeutic and prophylactic formulas.
You may also notice partially hydrolyzed blends. While these options may alleviate fussiness and gas in some babies, it is important to note that they are not hypoallergenic and are not intended for babies with confirmed allergies.
Separate therapeutic and prophylactic types of hypoallergenic formulas. These include HiPP HA, represented by formula 1 and formula 2.
HiPP HA, Stage 1
Hypoallergenic milk formula HiPP HA Combiotic 1 belongs to the latest generation of hypoallergenic formulas and meets all the special needs of allergy-prone children and contains
- Probiotics – probiotic cultures of Lactobacillus fermentum, which are components of breast milk, form the normal intestinal microflora of a child and support healthy digestion.
- Prebiotics – food components, which are included in breast milk, support the development of probiotics and gut microflora.
- LCP polyunsaturated fatty acids (ARA/DHA, Omega-3 and Omega-6), which are essential for a baby’s brain and vision development and are especially important during the first months of life, as the body of a baby of this age does not produce them in its own
- The low-allergenic deeply cleaved protein, helps reduce the risk of allergies, as unchanged milk protein plays a key role in triggering an allergic reaction.
This formula is recommended for use:
– From birth, as a staple food or as a supplement to breast milk
– As a substitute for any other starting formula
– For preparing hypoallergenic milk oatmeal as a milk base
– From the age of six months, a gradual changeover to HiPP HA Combiotic 2 over several days is envisaged
HiPP HA, Stage 2
Hypoallergenic milk formula HiPP HA Stage 2 also belongs to the latest generation of hypoallergenic formulae and meets the needs of allergy-prone older children. It contains probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The formula fully meets the needs of a child prone to allergies.
HiPP HA Combiotic 2 is recommended:
– from 6 months of life as the main food for all milk feedings or as a supplement to breast milk;
– From 6 months of life, for subsequent feeding after the HA Combiotic 1 formula;
– As a replacement for any other formula for subsequent feeding from 6 months of age
– For the preparation of hypoallergenic milk oatmeal as a milk base.
The difference between Hipp Combiotic HA and other mixes is that their composition includes both probiotics, represented by bifidobacteria, and prebiotics, represented by dietary fiber.
Since the protein in hypoallergenic blends is split, they have a slightly specific taste. Also, the color of your baby’s stools may not be familiar (green), but this is the norm for hypoallergenic formulas.
Hypoallergenic formula can be three times more expensive than standard formula, but it is medically necessary for your baby, based on the severity of the allergy and symptoms. In some cases, health insurance may supplement or even pay for hypoallergenic formula if the pediatrician feels it is medically necessary.
When the therapeutic formula is prescribed correctly, the manifestations of food allergies go away quickly. The baby’s skin is cleansed, stools are normalized, and the child becomes cheerful and upbeat. This is their main advantage. And the use of food with preventive action will help to prevent the development of allergy symptoms and without problems go to the regular formula.