Sma® Alfamino®

Nestlé Health Science has presented new evidence on SMA® Alfamino® demonstrating normal growth (body weight, length and head circumference) in 220 infants with cows' milk allergy (CMA).1 This data was presented at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) 2019 conference. To view the abstract, click here (page 1001).

OBJECTIVES

To assess if an amino acid-based formula (SMA® Alfamino®) supports normal growth in infants with CMA.


METHODS

220 infants with challenge-proven CMA were recruited from 10 clinical centres. Growth parameters (body weight, length and head circumference) were measured at enrolment, after the oral food challenge (OFC) and at final follow-up around 9 months of age. Weight-for-age, length-for-age and head circumference-for-age z scores were calculated based on WHO growth standards. In infants older than 4 months, a complementary cows' milk protein-free diet was allowed during the trial alongside SMA® Alfamino®.


RESULTS

Mean body weight, length and head circumference increased in line with WHO growth standards, confirming normal growth velocity.


CONCLUSION

Infants with challenge-proven CMA achieved normal weight gain, linear growth and head growth while being fed SMA® Alfamino®, together with a cows' milk protein-free elimination diet, during the first 9 months of life.


RELATED PRODUCTS


IMPORTANT NOTICE
Breastfeeding is best for babies. SMA® Alfamino® must only be used under strict medical supervision and after full consideration of the feeding options available, including breastfeeding. The advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding should be sought. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have a negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard.

REFERENCES
1.Growth in infants with cows’ milk protein allergy fed an amino acid-based formula. Yvan Vendenplas, Christophe Dupont, Philippe Eigenmann, Arne Høst, Mikael Kuitunen, Carmen Ribes-Koninkx, Neil Shah, Hania Szajewska, Andrea von Berg, Rajat Mukherjee, Ralf G. Heine, Zhengyan Zhao, on behalf of the Chinese Investgator Team. Abstract presented at the Annual ESPGHAN congress, June 6. JPGN Volme 68, Supplement 1, May 2019.
2. Corkins M et al. Pediatrics 2016; 10: 3-9.
3. Nowak-Wegrzyn A et al. Clin Pediatr 2015; 54(3): 264-272.