Hydrolysate Formulas
Protein Hydrolysed Formulas (pHF) are formulas composed by incomplete proteins that are partially digested, hydrolyzed.
There are two broad categories of protein hydrolysates:
- partially hydrolysed protein formulas,
- extensively hydrolysed protein formulas.
Partially Hydrolyzed Formulas (pHF)
Partial Hydrolyzed Protein Formulas are characterised by a larger proportion of long chains of proteins (peptides). They are considered more palatable than extensively hydrolysed formulas. However, they are intended for prophylactic use and are not considered suitable for treatment of Cow Milk Allergy/Intolerance. There have been many reports of adverse reactions to these products.
Extensively Hydrolysed Formulas (eHF)
The Extensively Hydrolysed Protein Formulas are comprised predominantly of free amino acids and short peptides. Casein and whey from cow's milk are the most commonly used sources of protein for hydrolysates because of their high nutritional quality and their amino acid composition. Whey hydrolysates are preferred since they taste significantly better. In addition, they are regarded by many as being closer to breast milk, which contains more whey versus casein protein.
Other formulas utilising hydrolysates of other protein sources have been developed to test and eliminate the risk of allergic reaction. Vegetable proteins such as soya, rice and chickpea have all been used successfully in the preparation of hypoallergenic protein hydrolysates, however due to the low biological value, these protein hydrolysates require supplementation with essential amino acids.
The use of hydrolysate formulas in cow milk allergy and intolerance
Some children with cow milk allergies can tolerate these smaller links of proteins that are found in hydrolysate formulas. However, these protein links can have a potential for an allergic reaction. In addition, since the protein base of hyrdrolysate formulas is casein and whey from cow’s milk a child with a severe milk allergy would not be able to tolerate these formulas.
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