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Free amino acid content in infant formulas.
Alison K Ventura1, Ana San Gabriel2, Mariko Hirota2
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, USA.
Nutrition and Food Science
|March 13, 2026
Summary
Free amino acid (FAA) levels vary significantly in infant formulas. Extensive hydrolysate formulas show the highest and most diverse FAA profiles, offering a foundation for infant development research.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Food Science
Background:
- Infant formula is the primary nutrition source for many infants.
- Limited data exists on free amino acid (FAA) content, especially in protein hydrolysate formulas.
- FAAs play a role in regulating infant eating behavior and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify essential, semi-essential, and nonessential FAAs in various commercial infant formulas.
- To establish a baseline for future research on FAA influence on infant growth and development.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed FAA concentrations using an automatic amino acid analyzer.
- Included four formula types: cow milk-based (CMF), soy protein-based (SPF), partial hydrolysate (pPHF), and extensive hydrolysate (ePHF).
Main Results:
- Significant variations in FAA levels and profiles were observed across formula types.
- CMF: 523-864 μmol/L total FAAs (taurine prominent).
- SPF: 1933-2450 μmol/L (methionine prominent).
- pPHF: 2329 μmol/L (taurine prominent).
- ePHF: 80375-85445 μmol/L (leucine prominent), exhibiting the highest levels and diversity.
Conclusions:
- Discrepancies in FAA profiles among infant formulas were identified.
- This study provides the first reported FAA content for partial and extensive hydrolysate formulas.
- Data serves as a foundation for understanding FAA impact on infant development and formula flavor profiles.
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