Switching to Alfamino® was Associated with Significantly Improved Clinical Outcomes, Healthcare Visits, and Associated Costs
Alfamino® formulas were associated with
58% less
reports of GI intolerance^ symptoms
after switching from Elecare® formulas^^
Children in post-acute care settings who transitioned to Alfamino® amino acid-based formula experienced significantly improved clinical outcomes, healthcare visits and associated costs.
^GI intolerance symptoms included abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and nausea & vomiting ^^148 patients pre-switch vs. 61 patients at 1 month post-switch
Improved impact on clinical outcomes and reduced cost of care associated with switching hypoallergenic amino acid-based formulas
A Research Summary based on Thakkar K, Cekola P, Boccella J, Desai A, Kumar P, Mondal S, Vijaykadam Y, Samal C, Klosterbuer A. Sage Open Pediatrics 2025;12: 1–11.
Objectives
To evaluate the impact of switching amino acid-based formula (AAF) on clinical outcomes including GI intolerance, allergy symptoms, and health economic measures during the 2022 U.S. formula shortage.
Study Design
402 children, <18 years, in a post-acute care setting who switched from one AAF (EleCare®) to another (Alfamino®) from June 2021–April 2022.
Results
Alfamino® formulas were associated with 58% less reports of GI intolerance^ symptoms after switching from Elecare® formulas^^, and with 70% fewer healthcare visits and 86% reduction in total associated costs after switching from EleCare®.#
GI Intolerance Symptoms
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
*p<0.01
Allergy Symptoms
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
*p<0.05
Mean Total Visits
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
*p<0.05
Total Costs Associated with Healthcare Visits
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
Post-Switch
*p<0.001
Alfamino® had a greater % of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) as total fat than the other AAF, and it is possible that this may have attributed to improved GI symptoms as MCTs help with fat absorption.
Children in post-acute care settings who transitioned to an alternate amino acid-based formula (Alfamino®) experienced significantly improved clinical outcomes, healthcare visits and associated costs.
Alfamino® hypoallergenic amino acid-based formulas are made with the highest % MCTs among amino acid-based formulas for infants and children with multiple food allergies and malabsorptive conditions.
*Percentage of overall fat content as MCT
^ GI intolerance symptoms included abdominal distension, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and nausea & vomiting
^^148 patients pre-switch vs. 61 patients at 1 month post-switch
Elecare is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.
