PurAmino

What is special about this formula?

Nutramigen Puramino is a hypoallergenic formula made up of amino acids that have been broken down to their molecular form.
The formula does not contain lactose. It contains a high content of medium chain triglycerides or in short MCT.

Who is this formula designed for?

The formula is meant for babies who have certain gastrointestinal problems including malabsorption or those with severe sensitivity/allergy to cow milk’s protein and are also intolerant to soy milk.
This is practically the only formula suitable for infants who have serious absorption problem or those with significant cow’s milk protein allergy that hasn’t improved sufficiently with hydrolysate-formula (broken down proteins), diet.
There is another formula that can be found with similar properties called Neocate, you can read more about it here.

How is Puramino prepared?

The method of preparation is slightly different than other formulas (one spoon of formula for every 30mL of water). The formula is suitable for babies from birth until 6 months of age who are strictly formula fed or as complementary to the diet of younger infants and children, 6 months and over.

What is the problem with this formula?

Usually, formulas based on broken down amino acids have a particular foul odor that can feel very odd for parents and infants who are not used to it, especially those that are older than 4 months.
It can take babies a long time to get used to the different taste, sometimes they will even refuse to have it.
Obviously, this can differ between babies, some of them will agree to drink it without any issues and some will just go on a complete strike.
The problem is that this is usually a formula that is offered to the infant when there is no other suitable choice left for them.

How can one improve the flavour of the formula?

Adding some grape sugar (about 5 mL), to every bottle (180mL) really improves the taste and can help get the baby used to their new formula.
Some people think it is better to start with a smaller volume of grape sugar (about 2mL), and increase the content gradually.
Either way, once the infant is more used to the flavour and is eating properly, I suggest slowly reducing the amount of grape sugar.

How can this formula be purchased?

Puramino is pricey and in most settings, requires a prescription. Assuming it is being given for a good medical reason, it is easy to get a prescription for it from your pediatrician.

Do I have any other advice for children with cow milk’s protein allergy or sensitivity?

If the allergy is severe and life-threatening, the transition to new formulas and the introduction of dairy products to the diet is to be done following a consultation with a pediatric allergologist.
Nonetheless, in most cases, the allergy manifests with abdominal pain and diarrhea (you can read more about cow milk’s protein allergy here). So, my advice is as follows:
a. A relatively early introduction of solid foods, at around 4 months. It is important to introduce babies to different types of food in order to reduce the prevalence of additional food allergies (read more about this here).
b. Consult with your pediatrician when your child is around 8-9 months to find out whether it is a good idea to expose them to dairy products at this age (as I mentioned in the chapter about cow’s milk protein allergy).

Remember, if your child has a severe gastrointestinal disorder and suffers from malabsorption, any change in their formula or diet should be made following a consultation with their medical care team.

Good luck!