Alfamino Amino Acid-Based Formula – 12 x 400g

For infants with severe cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) who have not tolerated extensively hydrolysed formula, an amino acid-based (elemental) formula such as Alfamino is the clinical recommendation. Because it contains no intact proteins or peptides from cow's milk, it eliminates the allergenic component entirely. Alfamino is widely used within NHS paediatric allergy and gastroenterology services and is considered the gold standard for managing severe CMPA. Diagnosis and prescription should always be made through your GP or specialist.

Extensively hydrolysed formulas break cow's milk protein into very small fragments, which most infants with CMPA can tolerate. Amino acid-based formulas go one step further, replacing protein entirely with individual free amino acids, the most basic building blocks of protein. There are no fragments of cow's milk protein present at all. This makes amino acid formulas the appropriate choice for infants with the most severe allergic reactions, or those who continue to react on hydrolysed formula.

Yes. Alfamino is formulated to be nutritionally complete from birth when used as directed under medical supervision. It is designed to support normal infant growth and development, including DHA for brain and visual development, and is suitable for use from the newborn stage through infancy and beyond, subject to the ongoing clinical review and guidance of your healthcare team.

Yes. Alfamino can continue to be used as part of your child's diet during the weaning period, providing a reliable and hypoallergenic source of nutrition alongside the introduction of solid foods. Your dietitian will be able to advise on how to incorporate weaning safely, which foods to introduce and in what order, and how to ensure your child's nutritional needs continue to be met as the balance between formula and solid food shifts over time.

Signs that a baby may have cow's milk protein allergy include persistent eczema, blood in stools, significant reflux or vomiting, colic that does not improve, and poor weight gain. If you are concerned, speak with your GP or health visitor, who can refer your baby for allergy testing and dietary assessment if appropriate. A formal diagnosis is needed before introducing a specialist formula such as Alfamino, and it should not be trialled without professional guidance.

Always sterilise all feeding equipment before each use. Use freshly boiled water that has been allowed to cool to no lower than 70°C to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present in the powder. Add water to the bottle first, then measure and add the correct number of level scoops as directed. Shake well, check the temperature on your wrist before feeding, and discard any formula remaining after the feed. Never reheat a half-used bottle.

Yes. Alfamino is classified as a Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) and is typically prescribed by a GP, paediatric allergist, or paediatric dietitian for infants with a confirmed clinical indication. It is available on NHS prescription in the UK for eligible patients. Your GP or specialist will be able to advise on whether it can be prescribed for your child and how to manage ongoing supply. It is also available to purchase without a prescription from specialist retailers including Pearl Chemist Group for those who prefer to self-fund or require additional supply.

The duration a 12-tin pack will last depends on your child's age, weight, and how much formula they consume daily, as directed by their dietitian. For a young infant consuming Alfamino as their sole source of nutrition, a single 400g tin typically lasts approximately three to five days, meaning a pack of twelve tins may provide approximately five to seven weeks of supply. Your dietitian will be able to give you a more precise estimate based on your child's individual feeding plan.