HiPP HA Hypoallergenic Pre Formula is designed for babies from birth to 6 months old with cow’s protein allergies. While this formula does use whey from cow’s milk as a source of protein, it is hypoallergenic because the proteins are hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller molecules. For babies with sensitive stomachs or milk intolerances, this formula may be easier to digest.
HiPP is a European baby formula brand that is well-known for its high quality organic baby formulas. The European Union maintains strict standards for organic food production, including baby formulas. HiPP’s formulas are not only organic, but also free of GMOs, pesticides, hormones, corn syrup, and artificial ingredients.
Some babies, either formula or breastfed, may develop an intolerance or allergy to certain types of protein. Protein molecules are large and can be difficult for babies to digest, leading to stomach upset, diarrhea, or other signs of allergic reaction.
HiPP’s HA Hypoallergenic Pre formula is specifically designed for babies ages 0-6 months with these types of allergies. It contains partially hydrolyzed whey protein, meaning the protein molecule is broken down into smaller pieces that are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Hydrolyzed formulas, like HiPP’s, are recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology as a good option for babies with milk allergies. These hypoallergenic formulas have been found to be tolerated by over 90% of babies with a milk allergy.
If you suspect your baby has a milk allergy, the best thing to do is to speak to your doctor about your options. A hypoallergenic formula may not be appropriate for your baby’s specific allergy or your doctor may have other recommendations to try first.
Another thing to note, this formula does not 100% guarantee your baby will not have an allergic reaction, it just reduces the risk of having one. This is why it is vital to be in contact with your pediatrician to address any concerns about feeding your baby.
Pros
Cons
Here is the full ingredient list of HiPP’s Pre Hypoallergenic formula:
Lactose, Vegetable Oils [Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil], Whey Protein Hydrolyzate, Galacto-Oligosaccharides From Lactose, Calcium Orthophosphates, Potassium Chloride, LCP from a Mixture of Oils (Vegetable and Fish Oils), Emulsifier (Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, Magnesium Carbonate, Choline, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin C, L-Tryptophan, Inositol, Ferrous lactate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Natural Lactic Acid Culture (Lactobacillus Fermentum Hereditum), Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin A, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Folic Acid, Vitamin K, Sodium Selenate, Biotin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12.
The ingredients in HiPP formulas are carefully selected to be similar to breast milk, although no commercial formula can be exactly the same.
The protein in HiPP’s hypoallergenic formula comes from hydrolyzed whey protein, one of the two proteins found in cow’s milk. But, since the protein is hydrolyzed (broken down), it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Lactose is the main carbohydrate source, which is also the main carbohydrate source in breast milk.
Essential fats are from a blend of sunflower, palm, and rapeseed oil. These provide a mix of mono-, poly-, and saturated fats all required for brain development. Palm oil is commonly used in baby formulas, however, it is a controversial ingredient. There are some concerns about palm oil’s saturated fat content and interference with the absorption of other nutrients.
This hypoallergenic formula uses fish oil and vegetable oils for DHA and ARA. These two fats are essential for eye and brain development. Fish oil is a potential allergen in this formula.
Like HiPP’s other formulas, this is a Combiotik formula, meaning it has probiotics and prebiotics to support digestive health. The probiotic Lactobacillus is beneficial for digestive and immune health and is also found in breast milk.
The addition of specialized ingredients such as lactose and probiotics makes the formula more similar to breast milk when compared to others on the market.
HiPP’s HA German Hypoallergenic Pre Formula contains all of the nutrients required to meet 100% of an infant’s needs from birth to 6 months.
This formula provides all the necessary nutrients needed for infants 0-6 months old. The only concern is the iron content, which does not align with the FDA requirements of 1 mg per 100 calories in infant formula. The European requirements are different for babies under 6 months, therefore this formula meets those standards. Speak to your pediatrician about the iron needs of your baby.
There are no significant side effects to note with HiPP’s HA German Hypoallergenic Pre formula, as it is appropriate for babies under 6 months old. A hypoallergenic formula is not required for babies without allergies and is more expensive than standard formulas, so it should only be used if needed.
If your baby does have allergies, it is not a 100% guarantee that they will tolerate this formula. It does contain fish oil, which is also a known allergen. Your pediatrician may recommend other formulas or brands, based on your infant’s specific needs.
Here’s how HiPP Hypoallergenic Pre formula compares to other hypoallergenic infant formulas:
Nutramigen is Enfamil’s hypoallergenic formula for babies with a cow’s milk allergy. Unlike HiPP, Nutramigen is not organic. The first ingredient is corn syrup, which is not used in any HiPP formulas. Both brands are free of added sugars and hormones.
The type of protein in these two formulas is different, Nutramigen uses hydrolyzed casein, whereas HiPP uses whey. These are the two proteins found in cow’s milk.
Both formulas contain probiotics for digestive support, as well as ARA and DHA for brain development. Nutramigen does not have any prebiotics, like HiPP. It uses algae oil instead of fish oil for DHA, therefore it might be a better choice for an infant with a known fish allergy.
Alimentum is Similac’s version of hypoallergenic formula. It is not organic like HiPP, but is free of palm oil and synthetic hormones. Like Enfamil’s formula it uses hydrolyzed casein as its main source of protein, instead of whey.
HiPP and Alimentum both contain prebiotics from oligosaccharides, but Alimentum does not have any probiotics. The prebiotic in Alimentum is a unique ingredient that is found in human breast milk and has been linked to improved immunity.
Sugar is the main ingredient in Alimentum. It also uses soy oil, which is a potential allergen. The use of soy also means the formula is not free of GMOs, unlike HiPP’s formula. Both products contain DHA and ARA, but Alimentum uses algae oil instead of fish oil as a source of these two essential fats.
While both formulas are hypoallergenic for infants with cow’s milk allergies, the proteins in EleCare’s formula are broken down more than those in the HiPP formula. EleCare uses individual amino acids in their formula, whereas HiPP’s product contains small protein chains.
EleCare is a specialized formula for infants who do not tolerate traditional formula or hydrolyzed formulas, like HiPP. It is typically used to manage severe food allergies or other medical conditions.
EleCare is not organic or a source of pre- and probiotics. Both formulas contain DHA, but EleCare sources it from algae oil. The first ingredient in EleCare is corn syrup, which is not used in HiPP’s formulas.
HiPP HA German Hypoallergenic Pre is a good option for infants that need a hydrolyzed formula. Other standard formulas should be tried first, before using a hydrolyzed formula, unless otherwise recommended by your pediatrician.
As a trusted brand for decades, all of HiPP formulas are rooted in organic and environmentally friendly practices. Due to the meticulous manufacturing practices, HiPP outshines comparable US brands for babies with allergies and sensitive stomachs.
Both HiPP HA and HiPP Comfort use hydrolyzed proteins for better tolerance. But, HiPP Comfort is not considered hypoallergenic, though it does contain hydrolyzed whey protein and a reduced lactose content to help with digestion. Comfort also contains a different blend of vegetable oils to support improved digestion.
No, the line of HiPP hypoallergenic formulas use whey protein and lactose from cow’s milk and therefore would not be considered dairy-free. They are designed for infants with dairy allergies due to the hydrolyzed (broken down) proteins they contain.
European baby formulas, like HiPP, are not regulated by the FDA, but instead are regulated by different EU standards. Due to the formula shortage, the FDA has temporarily approved EU formulas to be sold in the United States. FDA is currently working with European formula manufacturers to fully approve the formulas by the end of 2022.
HiPP Pre and Stage 1 formulas are both meant for babies from birth to 6 months old. The difference between them is the type of carbohydrate found in the formula. Pre formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, whereas Stage 1 formula uses starch in addition to lactose. A lactose-based formula is considered more nutritionally similar to breastmilk, but the addition of starch in a baby formula may increase satiety.
The “HA” line of HiPP formulas are all hypoallergenic with hydrolyzed or broken down proteins. This helps the protein be more easily digested and is less likely to trigger an allergic response. If your baby has allergies, speak to your pediatrician about the best formula.
No, the “pre” in the name of the formula does not mean it is made for preterm babies. HiPP’s line of PRE formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, instead of starch, which is found in their Stage 1 formula.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Ready-made Formula (ml) | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Consult your pediatrician | |||
| 3-4 weeks | 90 | 3 | 100 | 5-7 |
| 5-6 weeks | 120 | 4 | 135 | 5-6 |
| 7-8 weeks | 150 | 5 | 170 | 5 |
| 3-4 months | 180 | 6 | 200 | 5 |
| 5+ months | 210 | 7 | 235 | 5 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 66 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.5 g |
| Saturates | 1.2 g |
| Monounsaturates | 1.5 g |
| Polyunsaturates | 0.7g |
| Total Carbs | 6.9 g |
| Sugars | 6.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Salt | 50 mg |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Potassium | 88 mg |
| Chloride | 41 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Phosphorus | 28 mg |
| Magnesium | 5.1 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 40 mcg |
| Iodine | 10 mcg |
| Selenium | 2.1 mcg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Manganese | 17 mcg |
| Fluoride | 5.2 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 70 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin K | 5.1 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.04 mg |
| Folic Acid | 10.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.15 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.50 mg |
| Biotin | 1.6 mcg |
| Carnitine | 1.7 mg |
| Choline | 4.9 mg |
| Inositol | 11 mg |
| LCPs | 20 mg |
| Galacto-oligosaccharide | 0.3 g |
Lactose, Vegetable Oils [Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil], Whey Protein Hydrolyzate, Galacto-Oligosaccharides From Lactose, Calcium Orthophosphates, Potassium Chloride, LCP from a Mixture of Oils (Vegetable and Fish Oils), Emulsifier (Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids), Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, Magnesium Carbonate, Choline, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin C, L-Tryptophan, Inositol, Ferrous lactate, Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Natural Lactic Acid Culture (Lactobacillus Fermentum Hereditum), Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin A, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Folic Acid, Vitamin K, Sodium Selenate, Biotin, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12.
