An amino acid-based formula, also known as an elemental formula, is a type of hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic, meaning "below normal" or "slightly" allergenic, was a term first used in a cosmetics campaign in 1953. It is used to describe items that cause or are claimed to cause fewer allergic reactions...

 infant formula

Infant formula

Infant formula is a manufactured food designed and marketed for feeding to babies and infants under 12 months of age, usually prepared for bottle-feeding or cup-feeding from powder or liquid . The U.S...

 made from individual amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and together they form the protein requirements in formula needed for growth and development. The amino acids are in the simplest form, making it easy for the body to process and digest.

Because infants and children have different nutritional needs, amino acid-based formulas are typically formulated either for infants 0-1 years of age or for children 1–10 years of age.

Indications

Amino acid-based formulas are most commonly indicated for:

• Milk or soy protein allergy
• Multiple food protein intolerance
• Food protein allergy-induced: Eosinophilic esophagitis
  Eosinophilic esophagitis
  Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. Symptoms are swallowing difficulty, food impaction, and heartburn. The disease was first described in children but occurs in adults as well...
  
   and Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  Gastroesophageal reflux disease , gastro-oesophageal reflux disease , gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is chronic symptoms or mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus...
  
  
• Other medical conditions requiring an amino acid-based diet, such as: Short bowel syndrome
  Short bowel syndrome
  Short bowel syndrome is a malabsorption disorder caused by the surgical removal of the small intestine, or rarely due to the complete dysfunction of a large segment of bowel. Most cases are acquired, although some children are born with a congenital short bowel...
  
   and Transition from parenteral
  Parenteral
  Parenteral is a route of administration that involves piercing the skin or mucous membrane. Parenteral nutrition refers to providing nutrition via the veins.-Etymology:...
  
   to enteral
  Enteral
  In pharmacology, Enteral is a term used to describe routes of drug administration that involve absorption of the drug through the gastrointestinal tract. The term may also be used to describe something as residing in the gastrointestinal tract...
  
   nutrition

Reimbursement

Unlike milk-based, soy-based, and hydrolysate formulas, amino acid-based formulas fall under the FDA classification of exempt infant formulas or medical foods. Therefore, 11 states currently require that insurance companies reimburse families for amino acid-based formulas. The states are Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. The details of each law are different.

Some families may also qualify for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is a Federal assistance program of the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for healthcare and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and infants and children...

(WIC) or private assistance programs.