Milk Protein Intolerane & Dairy-Free Infant Formula

Most infant milk formulas are based on cow’s milk, so usually always contain the milk protein casein. If your infant is milk protein intolerant this presents a problem. For a cow’s milk protein intolerant infant a specialised formula is needed, which can be available from your GP.  You should also ask your doctor about how best to give your infant the necessary nutrients usually provided by milk and other dairy products.

The following are possible substitutes for cow’s milk:


  • Goat’s milk infant formula – some infants can tolerate goat’s milk better than cow’s milk. But sometimes both goat’s and cow’s milk cause unpleasant symptoms.
  • Soy milk – most babies unable to drink cow’s milk can manage soy milk without the onset of symptoms.
  • Partially hydrolyzed infant formula – available at a chemist. It is not suitable for infants with a true cow’s milk protein allergy as not all of the allergic properties in the cow’s milk have been removed.
  • Extensively hydrolyzed infant formula – available via prescription from your GP
  • Amino acid infant formula – this is not based on cow’s milk and is fully broken down. This formula is only available via a doctor’s prescription.

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