Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

HA Formula: Hypoallergenic Infant Formula Explained

HA formula is a hypoallergenic infant formula made with hydrolysed milk protein. It is used to help prevent allergies in at-risk babies.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "HA formula"

HA formula is a hypoallergenic infant formula made with hydrolysed milk protein. It is used to help prevent allergies in at-risk babies.

What is HA formula?

HA formula stands for hypoallergenic infant formula. It is a specially processed baby formula in which cow's milk proteins are broken down into smaller protein fragments (peptides) through an industrial process called hydrolysis. Because these smaller fragments are less likely to be recognised as foreign by the infant's immune system, the risk of triggering an allergic reaction is reduced. HA formula is not a treatment for existing allergies but rather a preventive measure aimed at reducing the risk of cow's milk allergy and other allergic conditions.

Who is HA formula for?

HA formula is primarily recommended for infants at increased risk of developing allergies who cannot be exclusively breastfed. Risk factors include having a parent or sibling with a diagnosed allergy, eczema, hay fever, or asthma.

Intended for at-risk infants who are not exclusively breastfed
Can be used from birth through the first year of life
Not suitable as a treatment for an existing cow's milk protein allergy – extensively hydrolysed or amino acid-based formulas are required in those cases

Composition and production

HA formula is based on partially hydrolysed whey or casein proteins derived from cow's milk. The hydrolysis process breaks down protein structures so that the resulting peptides have a lower allergenic potential. The nutritional value – including calories, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins – meets the same standards as standard infant formula and complies with EU regulations on infant food products.

Degrees of hydrolysis

Partially hydrolysed (HA): Proteins are partially broken down – used for allergy prevention in at-risk infants.
Extensively hydrolysed: Proteins are highly fragmented – used for infants with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy, under medical supervision.
Amino acid-based: Proteins are fully replaced by individual amino acids – used in cases of severe allergic reactions.

Scientific evidence for allergy prevention

The evidence supporting the effectiveness of HA formula for allergy prevention has been the subject of ongoing scientific debate. Both the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and national paediatric organisations have updated their guidance in recent years. Current guidelines consider the evidence for a significant preventive benefit to be limited and emphasise that exclusive breastfeeding for the first four to six months remains the most effective preventive strategy. When breastfeeding is not possible, HA formula may be considered for at-risk infants.

Practical guidance for parents

HA formula is available in pharmacies, drugstores, and supermarkets.
It is prepared in the same way as standard infant formula.
HA formula may have a slightly different smell and taste compared to standard formula, which is a natural result of the protein hydrolysis process.
If a cow's milk protein allergy is suspected, a paediatrician should be consulted, as HA formula is not sufficient in that situation.
Parents should always discuss the choice of infant formula with their paediatrician or midwife.

Distinguishing HA formula from other specialised formulas

HA formula should not be confused with comfort formulas (for colic or gas), anti-regurgitation (AR) formulas (for frequent spitting up), or therapeutic formulas for diagnosed allergies. Each of these products has a specific indication and composition suited to different infant needs.

References

Koletzko, B. et al. (Eds.) – Paediatric Nutritional Medicine, Thieme Verlag, 3rd edition 2021.
EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) – Guidelines on Allergy Prevention, 2020. Available at: https://www.eaaci.org
Muraro, A. et al. – EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines: Primary prevention of food allergy, Allergy, 2014. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category