Growth in Infants with Cow Milk Allergy Given Alternative Milk Formulas

Amino Acid-based Formulas (AAF) given in adequate amounts will meet the nutritional requirements of an infant or young child.

If your child is not gaining weight or growing well, you will need to consult a doctor and/or a dietitian. They will review the nutritional requirements of the child, depending on their age and medical condition, assess the nutrition being received from solid foods and then make changes if necessary.

Delayed growth has been demonstrated in infants with early on-set symptoms (3-6 months of age). The younger the child is at the onset of symptoms, the greater is the risk of poor growth.
In comparative studies with eHF formula, amino acid-based formula has demonstrated better growth in length and been shown to be the only formula to promote catch up growth in these infants.


During weaning, if a child cannot tolerate a number of foods, it is difficult to introduce the variety required to provide all the nutrients essential for good health.
Amino acid-based formulas therefore continue to play an important role throughout the weaning process, helping to supplement a limited diet. AAF can be given as a drink or added to foods as a milk substitute or fortifier. Your Dietitian will advise, at each stage of weaning, how much amino acid-based formula to give and whether this should be as a drink or in recipes.