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Elemental Formula Overview
Elemental, or amino acid based formulas, are hypoallergenic formulas for infants with one or more food allergies and are made from individual amino acids.
Amino acids are the basic components of protein and are supposed to be sufficient for protein requirements needed for growth and development. This essentially means that elemental formulas are designed to be as easy to digest and process as possible, with Neocate being one of the most popular brands of amino acid-based formula in the United States.
According to UNC Healthcare, there are several different varieties of baby formula, ranging from preterm baby formula to elemental formula products that parents can choose from:
- Preterm Infant Formula products: these formulas typically come with higher calorie amounts and have larger concentrations of bone minerals to meet the requirements surrounding the nutritional needs of premature infants. These formulas have more calories and bone minerals because preterm infants have not had the opportunity to build up fat or bone minerals storage, which are formed during the third trimester.
- Standard Term Infant Formula Products: These are typical dairy products, with most formulas having DHA and ARA, iron, and other essential nutrients to support healthy brain, bone, and gastrointestinal development.
- Gentle or Sensitive Formula Products: These products are a specialized variation of the standard infant formulas, which are typically given to infants who are gassy, frequently spitting up, and other signs of discomfort. These formulas have small amounts of whey protein, which is easier to break down than the standard dairy proteins.
- Low Lactose Formula Products: Another alternative formula option for infants suffering from gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Soy Formula Products: Oftentimes parents use soy products when they want an alternative dairy. However, it is important to note that over half of infants that have dairy sensitivities are also allergic to soy.
- Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula Products: These formulas consists of proteins that are almost completely broken down, but not completely.
- Elemental Formula Products: These formulas contain proteins that are completely broken down, and are completely composed of amino acids.
Overview of Elemental Formula Concerns
Elemental formulas have become the topic of recent conversation, with many parents wondering if they provide a sufficient dairy or soy substitute for their children.
According to the company’s website, Neocate offered its first elemental formula for infants in the United States in 1995 and the company has since been “committed to providing best-in-class products that are driven by science, guided by research, and dedicated to children.”
The elemental formula products they sell are marketed as good alternatives for children with serious food allergies or gastrointestinal conditions while providing the same nutritional benefits as dairy products.
Furthermore, the Neocate website states their elemental formulas are hypoallergenic and are composed of 100% free amino acids, which are easiest to digest and are the least likely to cause allergic reactions.
Even though Neocate products and other elemental formulas are supposed to make sure children with food sensitivities get their nutritional needs met, these products have allegedly been failing consumers in other ways.
Some parents claim that their children’s health problems, namely rickets and broken bones, are due to Neocate elemental formula products failing to provide sufficient calcium and phosphorous levels.
