What is the difference between Nutramigen® AA^TM and Nutramigen® A+^TM?

Nutramigen AA and Nutramigen A+ are both hypoallergenic, iron-fortified infant formulas. Nutramigen A+ is appropriate for most babies who have food protein allergies, whereas Nutramigen AA contains non-allergenic amino acids for babies who cannot tolerate an extensively hydrolyzed protein formula (like Nutramigen A+). Both formulas contain DHA and ARA (sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats), nutrients found in breast milk that help support normal brain and eye development. The major difference between Nutramigen AA and Nutramigen A+ is their protein source.

Protein is made up of many amino acids (the building blocks for protein). Nutramigen AA contains 100% amino acids. Nutramigen A+ contains extensively hydrolyzed (or broken down) casein protein and amino acids.. (See pictures below).

		Routine infant formulas, like Enfamil A+ contain intact or whole proteins.
		Infant formulas with partially hydrolyzed protein, like Enfamil Gentlease A+, contain protein that is broken down into smaller pieces.
		Infant formulas with extensively hydrolyzed protein, like Nutramigen A+, contain protein that is broken down into many tiny pieces.
		Infant formulas such as Nutramigen AA contain free amino acids.

Up to 10% of infants with severe cow’s milk or food protein allergies cannot tolerate a formula where the protein has been extensively hydrolyzed, or broken down (i.e. Nutramigen® A+^TM). These infants may require a formula that contains free amino acids such as Nutramigen® AA^TM.