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. 2024 Oct 3;16(19):3365.
doi: 10.3390/nu16193365.

Retrospective Cohort Study Demonstrates Tolerance and Adherence to Pea-Based Complete Enteral Formula When Transitioned from a Previous Hypoallergenic Product

Nicole A Withrow  1 , Youhanna Al-Tawil  1   2 , P J Patterson  2 , Madden Wilson  2 , Erika Ryan  3 , Vanessa Millovich  1 , Christina J Valentine  1   4
Affiliations

Retrospective Cohort Study Demonstrates Tolerance and Adherence to Pea-Based Complete Enteral Formula When Transitioned from a Previous Hypoallergenic Product

Nicole A Withrow et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Background: Plant-based formulas have become increasingly popular due to their health benefits, environmental concerns, cultural beliefs, improved palatability, and decreased cost. A retrospective chart review of medically stable children transitioning from a hypoallergenic formula to a yellow pea protein plant-based formula (PPPBF) was included. This study aimed to assess gastrointestinal tolerance, weight changes, and adherence to receiving a unique PPPBF.

Methods: Healthcare providers (HCPs) from pediatric clinics across the United States who requested increased PPPBF samples between the dates of 1 November 2021and 31 January 2022 and again from 1 February 2022 to 15 April 2022 inputted survey data. The HCPs selected participants based on the inclusion criteria.

Results: Seventy-three completed patient surveys were included of children (ages 1-18 years old, 41% females, 59% males). After the transition to PPPBF, 38.4% experienced improvement in GI tolerance, 56.2% experienced no change, and 5.5% reported worsening GI tolerance. There was a 95% adherence rate, and 98.9% reported no adverse reactions or allergic manifestations after formula transition.

Conclusions: Transitioning from a hypoallergenic formula to a PPPBF showed a trend toward stable GI tolerance, weight gain or stability, and adherence. A PPPBF offers a first-choice option for children who are on hypoallergenic formulas due to intolerance.

Keywords: cow’s milk protein allergy; enteral nutrition; extensively hydrolyzed formula; plant based; yellow pea protein.

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Conflict of interest statement

At the time of this project, Nicole A. Withrow (Corresponding Author) was a full-time employee at the University of Northern Colorado, where she was an Associate Professor and Dietetic Internship Director, but is now employed at Kate Farms, Inc. Youhanna Al-Tawil is the Medical Director at GI for Kids and a research consultant with Kate Farms. Erika Ryan was employed at Kate Farms during this study but is now employed at Baxter. Vanessa Millovich is employed with the Medical Affairs department at Kate Farms. PJ Patterson, Madden Wilson are all employed at GI for Kids and do not have any conflicts of interest to disclose. The funders reviewed the design of the study, in the collection, or analyses of the data. The funders collaborated with authors on interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Feeding options for young children with and without diagnosed cow milk protein allergy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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