Extensively hydrolysed infant formulas : need for aligned definition of peptide size characteristics and standardisation of analytical methods

• Published in: South African medical journal Vol. 108; no. 11; pp. 887 - 888
• Main Authors: Nutten, Sophie, Kuslys, Martinas, Maynard, Françoise, Affolter, Michaël, Heine, Ralf G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG) 01.11.2018; South African Medical Association
• ISSN: 0256-9574; 2078-5135
• DOI: 10.7196/SAMJ.2018.v108i11.13616

To the Editor: We read with interest the publication by Levin et al.[1] on the peptide composition and potential residual allergenicity of a range of speciality infant formulas. This publication is topical, as current cow’s milk protein allergy guidelines have provided relatively little detail on the molecular specifications and technical requirements of extensively hydrolysed formulas (EHFs).[2-5] Currently, significant differences exist in the peptide composition of marketed EHFs which are thought to be the basis for observed differences in their clinical tolerability.[6,7] Some EHFs with a comparatively high residual allergen content may be associated with a significant rate of allergic reactions; however, their exact allergen contents and peptide profiles are generally not publicly disclosed. For this reason, providing published information on the degree of hydrolysis and residual allergen content in EHFs is welcome and will assist clinicians in selecting a hypoallergenic formula with a low residual allergen content.