Prescribing infant formulae made easier with new MIMS table

Covering more than 20 infant formulae available on prescription, the new MIMS table provides essential information to help busy prescribers choose the most appropriate product for infants who need formula feeding. It has been compiled with expert advice from Kiran Atwal on behalf of the Paediatric Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association. 

For each product listed, the table summarises its prescribable indications, age range for use, any ingredients that may need to be avoided (such as lactose, dairy, soya and fish) and suitability for special diets (vegetarian, Halal and Kosher), along with details of the formulation and NHS list price. 

Other notable ingredients are also highlighted, including prebiotic galacto- and/or fructo-oligosaccharides, supportive bacteria (eg, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus rhamnosus), medium-chain triglycerides and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

For ease of use, the table divides the formulae listed into the following categories:

• Extensively hydrolysed formulae
• Amino-acid-based formulae
• Reflux
• Faltering growth (1kcal/ml feeds)
• Malabsorption/gastrointestinal intolerance
• Preterm or very low birthweight infants
• Lactose intolerance.

The table can be found online and in the new December print issue of MIMS, out this week.