Applied nutritional investigationSafety of a thickened extensive casein hydrolysate formula

•The evolution of anthropometric parameters with extensive hydrolysate is excellent.•This extensive casein hydrolysate fulfils the required criteria for a hypo-allergenic formula•The thickened extensive hydrolysate alleviates regurgitation in non-allergic infants.

ObjectivesCow's milk allergy (CMA) is treated in formula-fed infants with an extensive protein hydrolysate. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional safety of a non-thickened and thickened extensively casein hydrolyzed protein formula (NT- and T-eCHF) in infants with CMA.MethodsInfants younger than 6 mo old with a positive cow milk challenge test, positive IgE, or skin prick test for cow milk were selected. Weight and length were followed during the 6 mo intervention with the NT-eCHF and T-eCHF.ResultsA challenge was performed in 50/71 infants with suspected CMA and was positive in 34/50. All children with confirmed CMA tolerated the eCHF. The T-eCHF leads to a significant improvement of the stool consistency in the whole population and in the subpopulation of infants with proven CMA. Height and weight evolution was satisfactory throughout the 6 mo study.ConclusionsThe eCHF fulfills the criteria of a hypoallergenic formula and the NT- and T-eCHF reduced CMA symptoms. Growth was within normal range.