Comparison of Breast, Cow, and Soy Feedings in the Prevention of Onset of Allergic Disease Effect of feeding whey hydrolysate, soy and conventional cow milk formulas on incidence of atopic disease in high risk infants. Whey hydrolysate compared with cow's milk‐based formula for weaning at about 6 months of age in high allergy‐risk infants: effects on atopic disease and sensitization Five-year follow-up of high-risk infants with family history of allergy who were exclusively breast-fed or fed partial whey hydrolysate, soy, and conventional cow's milk formulas. Cumulative incidence of atopic disorders in high risk infants fed whey hydrolysate, soy, and conventional cow milk formulas. Early diet of preterm infants and development of allergic or atopic disease: randomised prospective study. Partial Protein-Hydrolyzed Infant Formula Decreased Food Sensitization but Not Allergic Diseases in a Prospective Birth Cohort Study Cow's milk‐specific cellular and humoral immune responses and atopy skin symptoms in infants from atopic families fed a partially (pHF) or extensively (eHF) hydrolyzed infant formula Relationship of diet in the development of atopy in infancy Cow's milk IgE and IgG antibody responses to cow's milk formulas The development and prediction of atopy in high-risk children: follow-up at age seven years in a prospective randomized study of combined maternal and infant food allergen avoidance. Preventive effect of feeding high-risk infants a casein hydrolysate formula or an ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate formula. A prospective, randomized, comparative clinical study. The diagnostic significance of IgG cow's milk protein antibodies re-evaluated Prospective, controlled, multi-center study on the effect of an amino-acid-based formula in infants with cow's milk allergy/intolerance and atopic dermatitis. Extensively and partially hydrolysed infant formulas for allergy prophylaxis Comparison of a partially hydrolyzed infant formula with two extensively hydrolyzed formulas for allergy prevention: a prospective, randomized study. An extensively hydrolysed casein-based formula for infants with cows' milk protein allergy: tolerance/hypo-allergenicity and growth catch-up. Avoidance of Cow's Milk-Based Formula for At-Risk Infants Does Not Reduce Development of Celiac Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Infant feeding, wheezing, and allergy: a prospective study. Safety of casein hydrolysate formula in children with cow milk allergy. Effect of combined maternal and infant food-allergen avoidance on development of atopy in early infancy: a randomized study. Compliance with a Dietary Manipulation Programme in Families with Infants Prone to Atopy Prospective study on the atopy preventive effect of maternal avoidance of milk and eggs during pregnancy and lactation Development of immune response to cow's milk proteins in infants receiving cow's milk or hydrolyzed formula. Development of immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin E antibodies to cow's milk proteins and ovalbumin after a temporary neonatal exposure to hydrolyzed and whole cow's milk proteins. The long-term effect of a partial whey hydrolysate formula on the prophylaxis of atopic disease Long-term prevention of allergic diseases by using protein hydrolysate formula in at-risk infants. Importance of the first meal on the development of cow's milk allergy and intolerance. Use of hypoallergenic formula in the prevention of atopic disease among Asian children. Breast-feeding and the development of cows' milk protein allergy. Effect of maternal diet during lactation on development of bovine insulin-binding antibodies in children at risk for allergy. Development of atopic disease after early administration of cow milk formula The effect of feeding four different formulae on stool weights in prolonged dehydrating infantile gastroenteritis. Effects of a dietary and environmental prevention programme on the incidence of allergic symptoms in high atopic risk infants: three years follow‐up Dietary treatment of infant colic: a double-blind study. Allergic symptoms up to 4–6 years of age in children given cow milk neonatally A prospective study Soy versus cow's milk in infants with a biparental history of atopic disease: development of atopic disease and immunoglobulins from birth to 4 years of age [Incidence and symptoms of cow's milk protein intolerance following acute gastroenteritis in young infants. Effect of a hypoallergenic diet]. Tolerance of a soy formula by infants and children.
It has been reported that the feeding of cow 's milk may enhance the development of atopy in predisposed infants . A prospect i ve study following children from birth through 15 years of age in a private pediatric practice was design ed to determine if the food ingested during the first months of life is related to the development of atopy in the offspring of allergic families . Each of 328 children with a positive family history of allergy was assigned to one of three groups . according to the feeding preference of the parents : 48 were fed breast milk ; 79 , soy-based formula ; and 201 , cow 's milk formula . All groups had egg , citrus , tomato , and wheat restrictions as well as inhalant allergen avoidance . These were compared to a control group of 580 children with no family history of allergy . Breast fed infants were found to have approximately one-half the incidence of atopy of cow 's milk or soy formula fed infants from atopic families when followed for up to 15 years . Soy feeding produced no advantage over cow 's milk in the prophylaxis of allergic disease . There was a threefold increase in clinical ly apparent atopic disease in offspring of allergic families when compared to controls but only a two-fold increase if the infant was breast fed . These results support the hypothesis that breast feeding and delay of exposure to known allergens may reduce the frequency of clinical allergic disease in the offspring of allergic families The effect of feeding different infant formulas on incidence of atopic disease was assessed in a prospect i ve double-blind r and omized controlled trial among " high risk " infants with family history of atopy among first-degree relatives . The incidence of atopic eczema , wheezing , rhinitis , gastrointestinal symptoms , and colic was noted and serum IgE antibodies to milk were estimated . Seventy-two infants were recruited into each of the following groups : cow milk whey hydrolysate formula ( NAN/HA ) , conventional cow milk formula ( Similac ) , soy-based formula ( Isomil ) , and exclusive breast feeding for greater than or equal to 4 months .  The number of infants who exited for reasons other than atopy and were excluded from analysis were 4 , 5 , 4 , and 12 in the four groups , respectively . The incidence of one or more symptoms of possible allergic etiology was five of 68 infants fed NAN/HA , 24 of 67 infants fed Similac , 25 of 68 infants fed Isomil , and 12 of 60 breast-fed infants . Among symptomatic infants , skin prick test to milk proteins was positive in four out of five infants fed NAN/HA , 16 of 24 fed Similac , 2 of 25 fed Isomil , and 7 of 12 breast-fed . IgE antibodies to milk were found in 2 of 68 , 9 of 67 , 0 of 68 , and 6 of 60 infants in the four groups , respectively . It is concluded that exclusive breast feeding for more than 4 months is partially protective against the development of atopic disease among high risk infants . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS Ninety-one high atopy-risk infants were prospect ively followed up to 18 months of age with regard to the development of allergic/atopic manifestations and sensitization . They were r and omized into one of two feeding groups , i.e. , a hydrolyzed , ultrafiltered cow 's milk whey formula , Profylac ( n = 32 ) , or an ordinary cow 's milk formula ( n = 39 ) , for 12 months , started after exclusive breast-feeding for 0 - 9 ( median 6.0 ) months . Lactating mothers avoided milk , egg , and fish , as did the infants up to 12 months of age . Twenty of the 91 infants were breast-fed exclusively for more than 9 months and regarded as a control group . All infants were followed-up by question naires , physical examinations , skin prick tests  , and determination of serum total IgE and cow ' milk-specific IgE. The frequency of allergic/atopic disease was similar in the three groups . However , all three infants who developed cow 's milk allergy with skin symptoms belonged to the cow 's milk formula group . The skin prick test with whey hydrolysate was negative in all , while with cow 's milk it was positive in eight infants . Growth was similar in the three groups . The study comprises too few infants to allow us to make statistically based statements . However , the difficulties encountered and the limited effects obtained by the use of whey hydrolysate at weaning at about 6 months of age made us conclude that we can spare high atopy-risk families this extra burden BACKGROUND Allergy is a common cause of illness . The effect of feeding different infant formulas on the incidence of atopic disease and food allergy was assessed in a prospect i ve r and omized double-blind study of high-risk infants with a family history of atopy . METHODS 216 high-risk infants whose mothers had elected not to breast-feed were r and omized to receive exclusively a partial whey hydrolysate formula or a conventional cow 's milk formula or a soy formula until 6 months of age . Seventy-two high risk infants breast-fed for > or = 4 months were also studied . RESULTS Follow-up until 5 years of age showed a significant lowering in the cumulative incidence of atopic disease in the breast-fed ( odds ratio 0.422 [ 0.200 - 0.891 ] ) and the whey hydrolysate ( odds ratio 0.322 [ 0.159 - 0.653 ) groups , compared with the conventional cow 's milk group . Soy formula was not effective ( odds ratio 0.759 [ 0.384 - 1.501 ] ) . The occurrence of both eczema and asthma was lowest in the breast-fed and whey hydrolysate groups and was comparable in the cow 's milk and soy groups . Similar significant differences were noted in the 18 - 60 month period prevalence of eczema and asthma . Eczema was less severe in the whey hydrolysate group compared with the other groups . Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges showed a lower prevalence of food allergy in the whey hydrolysate group compared with the other formula groups . CONCLUSIONS Exclusive breast-feeding or feeding with a partial whey hydrolysate formula is associated with lower incidence of atopic disease and food allergy . This is a cost-effective approach to the prevention of allergic disease in children A recent increase in the prevalence of atopic disorders and the enormous costs of management of atopic patients have prompted attempts at prevention . We have examined the effect of exclusive breast feeding and of feeding different infant formulas on incidence of atopic disease in a prospect i ve r and omized controlled study . Seventy-two infants were recruited into each of the following groups : cow milk whey hydrolysate formula ( NAN/HA ) conventional cow milk formula ( Similac ) , soy-based formula ( Isomil ) , and exclusive breast feeding for greater than 4 months .  The cumulative incidence of atopic eczema , recurrent wheezing , rhinitis , gastrointestinal symptoms , and colic were noted . Skin prick tests and radioallergosorbent tests for IgE antibodies to milk and soy were performed . At 12 and 18 months of age , the incidence of atopic eczema as also that of all atopic symptoms was significantly lower and similar in the breast-fed and whey hydrolysate groups , compared with the cow milk and soy formula groups . IgE antibodies were detected more often in the cow milk and soy formula groups , especially the former . Among symptomatic infants , fewer skin positive prick tests were seen in the soy group compared with the cow milk group . Our observations show that among infants at high risk of developing atopic disease because of positive family history , exclusive breast feeding or whey hydrolysate formula is associated with a lower incidence and thus a delay in the occurrence of allergic disorders compared with groups fed conventional cow milk or soy formulas OBJECTIVE --To study the effect of early diet on the development of allergic reactions in infants born preterm . DESIGN --Two r and omised prospect i ve trails . In trail A infants were r and omly allocated banked donor milk or preterm formula as their sole diet or ( separately r and omised ) as a supplement to their mother 's expressed breast milk . In trial B infants were allocated term or preterm formula . A blind follow up examination was done 18 months after the expected date of birth . SETTING --Neonatal units of hospitals in Cambridge , Ipswich , King 's Lynn , Norwich , and Sheffield . Outpatient follow up . PARTICIPANTS --777 Infants with a birth weight less than 1850 g born during 1982 to 1984 . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES --Development of eczema , allergic reactions to food or drugs , and asthma or wheezing by nine and 18 months after term . Whenever possible the observations were confirmed by rechallenge or clinical examination . RESULTS --At 18 months after term there was no difference in the incidence of allergic reactions between dietary groups in either trial . In the subgroup of infants with a family history of atopy , however , those in trial A who received preterm formula rather than human milk had a significantly greater risk of developing one or more allergic reactions ( notably eczema ) by 18 months ( odds ratio 3.6 ; 95 % confidence interval 1.4 to 9.1 ) . CONCLUSIONS --Feeding neonates on formulas based on cows ' milk , including those with a high protein content , did not increase the overall risk of allergy . Nevertheless , in the subgroup with a family history of atopy early exposure to cows ' milk increased the risk of a wide range of allergic reactions , especially eczema Background : Exposure to cow ’s milk protein in early infancy could lead to increased rates of allergic diseases later in life . We investigated whether feeding a protein-hydrolyzed formula ( HF ) in the first 6 months of life decreased allergic diseases up to 36 months later . Methods : Newborns who had at least 1 first-degree family member with a history of atopy and could not breast-feed were enrolled . They were fed with HF or cow ’s milk infant formula ( CM ) for at least 6 months via an open-label protocol and were monitored prospect ively at 6 , 18 and 36 months of age to assess allergy sensitization and allergic diseases . Results : A total of 1,002 infants were enrolled and 679 infants were consistently fed the same formula for the first 6 months of life ( 345 HF and 334 CM ) . The percentage of food sensitization ( especially to milk protein ) was significantly lower in the HF group than in the CM group at 36 months ( 12.7 vs. 23.4 % , p = 0.048 ) . There was no significant difference in the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization between the groups . Occurrence of allergic diseases during the first 3 years of life was significantly correlated with aeroallergen sensitization , but not to food allergen sensitization , parental atopy or feeding types . Conclusions : Infants fed with HF during the first 6 months of life had a significantly lower percentage of sensitization to milk protein allergens , but not allergic diseases during the first 3 years of life . Avoidance of cow ’s milk protein alone in infancy is not enough to decrease rates of allergic diseases Background : Hydrolyzed milk formulas are recommended to feed infants at high risk of atopy if breast‐feeding is not possible . We studied the specific cellular and humoral immune response to cow 's milk proteins and occurrence of atopic dermatitis under different feeding regimens : two hydrolyzed infant milk formulas ( partially [ pHF ] and extensively hydrolyzed [ eHF ] ) and under exclusive breast‐feeding ( BF ) We examined the relationship of diet to the development of atopic manifestations in a group of infants with an immediate family history of atopy , followed prospect ively from birth for up to 20 months of age . There was no relationship between the development of atopic dermatitis , rhinitis and wheeze and either 2 or 4 months exclusive breast feeding , or the introduction of cow 's milk or solids in the first 4 months of life . In addition there was no relationship between the introduction of milk , egg or wheat into the diet and the development of skin‐test positivity to these foods . In fact , five infants developed positive skin tests to the food prior to its introduction into the diet , suggesting exposure via maternal breast milk . Thus we have been unable to show a protective effect of either breast feeding or cow 's milk or solid avoidance on the development of atopic disease in infancy For comparison of the antigenicity and allergenicity of three cow 's milk formulas , serum IgE antibodies to cow 's milk , β‐lactoglobulin and casein , and IgG antibodies to β‐lactoglobulin were analyzed in 94 infants with a family history of allergy . They were participating in a r and omized trial comparing the allergy prophylactic effect of feeding an extensively hydrolyzed ( N ) , a partially hydrolyzed ( PH ) , and a regular cow 's milk formula ( RM ) .  Only infants who had been formula‐fed for 3 months or more were included . IgE antibodies to cow 's milk proteins were more common in the RM group ( 22/34 ) than in the N ( 2/31 ) and PH groups ( 3/29 ) . There was a strong correlation between sensitization to cow 's milk and β‐lactoglobulin ( r=0.85 , P<0.001 ) . The IgG responses to β‐lactoglobulin were low in the N group , intermediate in the PH group , and high in the RM group . High responses , as well as detection of IgE antibodies , were associated with development of atopic disease . The low antigenicity and allergenicity of the extensively hydrolyzed formula support its use in allergy prophylaxis . The partial hydrolysate seemed to be less suitable for this purpose BACKGROUND The natural history of allergic disease and its potential for prevention merit close examination because of the explosive worldwide increase in the prevalence and morbidity of atopic disorders . This study examines the development of atopy at age 7 years in 165 children in a high-risk cohort , previously reported from birth to age 4 years . METHODS In this prospect i ve , r and omized , controlled study of food allergen avoidance in infancy , the prophylactic-treated group consisted of infants whose mothers avoided cow 's milk , egg , and peanut during the last trimester of pregnancy and lactation and who , themselves ,  avoided cow 's milk until age 1 year ( casein hydrolysate supplementation before age 1 ) , egg until age 2 years , and peanut and fish until age 3 years . The control group consisted of maternal/infant pairs who followed st and ard feeding practice s. RESULTS Despite a significant reduction in food allergy and milk sensitization before age 2 years , none of the following differed between the groups at age 7 years : food allergy , atopic dermatitis , allergic rhinitis , asthma , any atopic disease , lung function , food or aeroallergen sensitization , serum IgE level , or presence of nasal eosinophils or nasal basophilic cells .  Children with food allergy by 4 years evidence d higher 7-year ( current ) prevalences of allergic rhinitis and asthma ( p < 0.01 ) . Atopic diseases/parameters at age 7 years were shown , by multivariate analysis ( p < 0.05 ) , to be associated with several genetic and environmental risk factors ( male gender , maternal nonwhite ethnicity and asthma , and household smoking ) , as well as predictive atopic markers during infancy ( elevated serum IgE level ; egg , cow 's milk , and peanut sensitization ; and nasal eosinophils and nasal basophilic cells ) . CONCLUSIONS These findings help to : ( 1 ) eluci date the natural history of atopic disease in high-risk children ; ( 2 ) document the progression of allergy from atopic dermatitis , food allergy , and food sensitization to respiratory allergy and aeroallergen sensitization despite food allergy prevention in infancy ; ( 3 ) identify allergy predictive markers ; and ( 4 ) exp and our appreciation of the interactions of genetic and environmental factors in the development of atopy In a prospect i ve study of a 1-year birth cohort of 158 high-risk infants the effect of feeding breastmilk , a casein hydrolysate ( Nutramigen ) or a new ultrafiltrated whey hydrolysate ( Profylac ) on the development of cow milk protein allergy/intolerance ( CMPA/CMPI ) was assessed and compared . All the infants had biparental or severe single atopic predisposition , the latter combined with cord blood IgE > or = 0.5 kU/L. At birth all infants were r and omized to Nutramigen or Profylac , which was used when breastfeeding was insufficient or not possible during the first 6 months of life . During the same period this regimen was combined with avoidance of solid foods and cow milk protein . All mothers had unrestricted diets and were encouraged to do breastfeeding only . Moreover , avoidance of daily exposure to tobacco smoking , furred pets and dust-collecting material s in the bedroom was advised . The infants were followed prospect ively from birth to 18 months of age . All possible atopic symptoms were registered and controlled elimination/challenge studies were performed when symptoms suggested CMPA/CMPI . A total of 154 ( 97 % ) were followed up and 141 followed the diet strictly . Eighty-eight ( 62 % ) of the infants were breastfed for at least 6 months , 20 ( 14 % ) were breastfed exclusively , 59 and 62 had varying amounts of Nutramigen or Profylac respectively . CMPA/CMPI was diagnosed in 1/20 , 1/59 and 3/62 in the breastfed , the Nutramigen and Profylac groups respectively , but 1 of the latter also had Nutramigen . None of the infants showed reactions against  Nutramigen or Profylac . In 4 infants symptoms were provoked by breastmilk when the mother ingested cow milk and in 1 only by cow milk . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS The effect of different feeding regimens , notably the use of hydrolysed cow 's milk formulas , on the development of allergic reactions and the development of cow 's milk protein-IgG antibodies is still disputed . We prospect ively compared the development of allergic manifestations and cow 's milk protein-IgG antibodies in a total of 702 infants who were divided into six groups:1.exclusively breast milk for at least 4 weeks (n=206).2.Breast milk plus initial partially hydrolysed formula (n=104).3.Breast milk plus extensively hydrolysed formula (n=50).4.Breast milk plus initial conventional cow 's milk formula (n=73).5.Conventional cow 's milk with or without breast milk throughout (n=187).6.Extensively hydrolysed cow 's milk formula for 2 months , followed by conventional cow 's milk (n=82).Cow 's milk protein antibodies were determined by an indirect immuno-fluorescent test . Antibody titres rose slowly in groups 1 , 3 and 6 . Children in group 5 showed two high peaks . There were no significant differences in the frequency and type of allergic manifestations between the groups . Introduction of cow 's milk formula during the first trimenon result ed in elevated antibody titres in all breast fed infants compared with introduction at a later date . Conclusion : In contrast to a previous study from the same laboratory , there is no diagnostic significance of cow 's milk protein-IgG antibodies for allergic manifestations . The occurrence of these antibodies is a physiological phenomenon : the shorter the breast feeding period and the earlier cow 's milk formula is introduced , the higher the antibody levels Cow 's milk allergy/intolerance is treated by complete avoidance of cow 's milk proteins . Because cow 's milk is an important food for infants , its avoidance may lead to an increased risk of growth impairment . Whilst there is evidence for the beneficial effects of extensively hydrolyzed cow 's milk formulate ( eHF ) in infants with cow 's milk allergy/intolerance , little is known about the effects of amino-acid-based formulae ( AA ) in such infants . We therefore performed a prospect i ve , controlled , multi-center trial to study the efficacy of AA in comparison with eHF , on the growth and clinical symptoms of 73 infants ( median age 5.7 months ) with cow 's milk allergy/intolerance and atopic dermatitis . Cow 's milk allergy/intolerance was proven in all infants by double-blind , placebo-controlled food-challenge . We observed a significant improvement in the SCORAD index in both groups , from a mean of 24.6 , at entry , to a mean of 10.7 ( p < 0.0001 ) after 6 months . In the AA group there was a significant increase in the length st and ard deviation score ( p < 0.04 ) , whilst there was no difference in the eHF group . The weight-for-length values were stable in both groups . The energy intake during the study was similar in both groups . Both an AA and eHF result ed in a significant clinical improvement in infants with an early onset of symptoms of cow 's milk allergy/intolerance . Feeding an AA result ed in improved growth compared with feeding eHF , despite similar dietary intakes , and may therefore be considered as a beneficial alternative in infants with severe cow 's milk allergy intolerance The allergy preventive effect of extensively ( N ) and partially ( PH ) hydrolysed cows ’ milk formulas compared with a regular formula ( RM ) was assessed in 155 infants with a family history of allergy . No cows ’ milk was given during the first nine months of life and no egg and fish  up to 12 months of age . Breast feeding mothers avoided the same foods . At weaning the infants were r and omised to one of the formula groups . The cumulative incidence of atopic symptoms at 18 months was 51 , 64 , and 84 % in the N , PH , and RM groups , respectively . From 6 to 18 months there were significantly less cumulative atopic symptoms in the N group compared with the RM group , and significantly less than the PH group up to 6 ( N = 25 % ; PH = 46 % ) and 9 months ( N = 34 % , PH = 58 % ) . At 9 months significantly fewer infants in the N group ( 10 % ) than in the PH group ( 33 % ) had a positive skin prick test to eggs . The findings support an allergy preventive effect of an extensively hydrolysed formula , but not of a partially hydrolysed formula , during the first 18 months of life of high risk infants The aim of this study was to compare the allergy-preventive effect of a partially hydrolyzed formula with two extensively hydrolyzed formulas , in infants with a high risk for development of allergic disease . High-risk infants from four Danish centres were included in the period from June 1994 to July 1995 . Five-hundred and ninety-five high-risk infants were identified . High-risk infants were defined as having biparental atopy , or a single atopic first-degree relative combined with cord blood immunoglobulin E ( IgE ) > or = 0.3 kU/l . At birth all infants were r and omized to one of three different blinded formulas .  All mothers had unrestricted diets during pregnancy and lactation and were encouraged to breast-feed exclusively . If breast-feeding was insufficient , one of the three formulas , according to r and omization , was given during the first 4 months . It was recommended not to introduce cow 's milk , cow 's milk products . and solid foods until the age of 4 months . After the age of 4 months a normal unrestricted diet and conventional cow 's milk-based formula were given when needed . All infants were followed-up prospect ively with interview and physical examination at the age of 6 , 12 , and 18 months , and if any possible atopic symptoms were reported . If food allergy was suspected , controlled elimination/challenge procedures were performed in a hospital setting . Of 550 infants included in the study , 514 were seen at all visits and 36 were excluded owing to noncompliance . Of 478 infants who completed the study , 232 were exclusively breast-fed , 79 received an extensively hydrolyzed casein formula ( Nutramigen ) , 82 an extensively hydrolyzed whey formula ( Profylac ) , and 85 a partially hydrolyzed whey formula ( Nan HA ) , during the first 4 months of life . These four groups were identical in regard to atopic predisposition , cord blood IgE , birthplace , and gender . Exclusively breast-fed children were exposed less to tobacco smoke and pets at home and belonged to higher social classes , whereas the three formula groups were identical concerning environmental factors . The frequency of breast-feeding was high ; only eight ( 2 % ) children were not breast-fed at all . The three formula groups were identical in regard to duration of breast-feeding and age at introduction of formula and solid foods . No significant differences were found in the three groups of infants receiving formula milk regarding the cumulative incidence of atopic dermatitis or respiratory symptoms . The cumulative incidence of parental-reported cow 's milk allergy was significantly higher in children fed partially hydrolyzed formula ( Nan HA ) compared with extensively hydrolyzed formula ( Nutramigen or Profylac ) at 12 and 18 months ( NanHA , 7.1 % ; Nutramigen , 2.5 % ; Profylac , 0 % ; p=0.033 ) . The cumulative incidence of confirmed cow 's milk allergy was 1.3 % ( three of 232 ) in exclusively breast-fed infants , 0.6 % ( one of 161 ) in infants fed extensively hydrolyzed formula ( Nutramigen or Profylac ) , and 4.7%(four of 85 ) in infants fed partially hydrolyzed formula ( Nan HA ) . Partially hydrolyzed formula was found to be less effective than extensively hydrolyzed formula in preventing cow 's milk allergy , 0.6 % vs. 4.7 % ( p=0.05 ) , but because of the small number of cases the results should be interpreted with caution . Compared with other similar studies the frequency ofatopic symptoms was low , even though the dietetic intervention did not include either maternal diet during lactation or dietary restrictions to the children after the age of 4 months Children with cows ' milk protein allergy ( CMPA ) are at risk of insufficient length and weight gain , and the nutritional efficacy of hypo-allergenic formulas should be carefully assessed . In 2008 , a trial assessed the impact of probiotic supplementation of an extensively hydrolysed casein-based formula ( eHCF ) on acquisition of tolerance in 119 infants with CMPA . First analysis of the study results showed that the studied formula allowed improvement of food-related symptoms . The scoring of atopic dermatitis ( SCORAD ) index was assessed at r and omisation and after 6 months of feeding . A post hoc analysis was performed using WHO growth software 's nutritional survey module ( WHO Anthro version 3.2.2 ) . All infants who were fed the study formula tolerated it well . The SCORAD index significantly improved from r and omisation to 6 months of feeding with the study formula . Anthropometric data indicated a significant improvement in the weight-for-age , length-for-age and weight-for-length z scores , as well as in the restoration of normal BMI . The probiotic supplementation did not show any impact on these parameters . The present data showed that this eHCF was clinical ly tolerated and significantly improved the SCORAD index and growth indices BACKGROUND & AIMS Feeding during the first months of life might affect risk for celiac disease .  Individuals with celiac disease or type 1 diabetes have been reported to have high titers of antibodies against cow 's milk proteins . Avoidance of cow 's milk-based formula for infants with genetic susceptibility for type 1 diabetes reduced the cumulative incidence of diabetes-associated autoantibodies . We performed a r and omized controlled trial in the same population to study whether weaning to an extensively hydrolyzed formula reduced the risk of celiac disease autoimmunity or celiac disease . METHODS We performed a double-blind controlled trial of 230 infants with HLA-defined predisposition to type 1 diabetes and at least 1 family member with type 1 diabetes . The infants were r and omly assigned to groups fed a casein hydrolysate formula ( n = 113 ) or a conventional formula ( control , n = 117 ) whenever breast milk was not available during the first 6 - 8 months of life . Serum sample s were collected over a median time period of 10 years and analyzed for antibodies to tissue transglutaminase ( anti-TG2A ) using a radiobinding assay , to endomysium using an immunofluorescence assay , and antibodies to a deami date d gliadine peptide using an immunofluorometry assay . Duodenal biopsies were collected if levels of anti-TG2A exceeded 20 relative units . Cow 's milk antibodies were measured during the first 2 years of life . RESULTS Of the 189 participants analyzed for anti-TG2A , 25 ( 13.2 % ) tested positive . Of the 230 study participants observed , 10 ( 4.3 % ) were diagnosed with celiac disease . We did not find any significant differences at the cumulative incidence of anti-TG2A positivity ( hazard ratio , 1.14 ; 95 % confidence interval , 0.51 - 2.54 ) or celiac disease ( hazard ratio , 4.13 ; 95 % confidence interval , 0.81 - 21.02 ) between the casein hydrolysate and cow 's milk groups . Children who developed celiac disease had increased titers of cow 's milk antibodies before the appearance of anti-TG2A or celiac disease . CONCLUSIONS In a r and omized controlled trial of 230 infants with genetic risk factors for celiac disease , we did not find evidence that weaning to a diet of extensively hydrolyzed formula compared with  cow 's milk-based formula would decrease the risk for celiac disease later in life . Increased titers of cow 's milk antibody before anti-TG2A and celiac disease indicates that subjects with celiac disease might have increased intestinal permeability in early life . Clinical Trials.gov Number : NCT00570102 The determinants of wheezing and allergy were investigated in 453 children with a family history of allergic disease . A r and omised controlled trial examined the effects of withholding cows ' milk protein during the first three months of life and replacing cows ' milk with soya milk . The children were followed up to the age of 7 years . Withholding cows ' milk did not reduce the incidence of allergy or wheezing . Children who had ever been breast fed had a lower incidence of wheeze than those who had not ( 59 % and 74 % respectively ) . The effect persisted to age 7 years in the non-atopics only , the risk of wheeze being halved in the breast fed children after allowing for employment status , sex passive smoking , and overcrowding . Allergic disease was not associated with exposure to tobacco smoke , house dust mite antigen , or cats . Breast feeding may confer long term protection against respiratory infection The purpose of this study was to determine whether a new casein hydrolysate infant formula , Alimentum , could be administered safely to children with cow milk hypersensitivity . The formula was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and with a sensitive enzyme-linked inhibition immunoassay , and it was judged to be safe for clinical trials in children allergic to cow milk . Twenty-five such children underwent double-blind placebo-controlled oral food challenges with 10 gm of powdered cow milk and casein hydrolysate formula .  All children were highly atopic and had positive skin prick reactions to cow milk . No patient reacted to placebo during a double-blind , placebo-controlled food challenge . Two patients lost their allergy to cow milk and did not react during the challenge ; the remaining patients reacted with a variety of cutaneous , respiratory , and gastrointestinal symptoms within 15 to 90 minutes of challenge . All children tolerated the blinded challenge to the casein hydrolysate and were fed the hydrolysate openly without difficulty . We conclude that this casein hydrolysate is generally safe to feed to children with immediate hypersensitivity to cow milk . We recommend that all infant formulas promoted as " hypoallergenic " be tested in milk-allergic patients to assess their allergenic potential , in addition to st and ard nutritional evaluation and animal testing for antigenicity The effect of maternal and infant avoidance of allergenic foods on food allergy was examined in a prenatally r and omized , controlled trial of infants of atopic parents . The diet of the prophylactic-treated group ( N = 103 ) included ( 1 ) maternal avoidance of cow 's milk , egg , and peanut during the third trimester of pregnancy and lactation and ( 2 ) infant use of casein hydrolysate ( Nutramigen ) for supplementation or weaning , and avoidance of solid foods for 6 months ; cow 's milk , corn , soy , citrus , and wheat , for 12 months ; and egg , peanut , and fish , for 24 months . In the control group ( N = 185 ) , mothers had unrestricted diets , and infants followed American Academy of Pediatrics feeding guidelines . The cumulative prevalence of atopy was lower at 12 months in the prophylactic-treated ( 16.2 % ) compared to the control ( 27.1 % ) group ( p = 0.039 ) , result ing from reduced food-associated atopic dermatitis , urticaria and /or gastrointestinal disease by 12 months ( 5.1 % versus 16.4 % ; p = 0.007 ) , and any positive food skin test by 24 months ( 16.5 % versus 29.4 % ; p = 0.019 ) , caused primarily by fewer positive milk skin tests ( 1 % versus 12.4 % ; p = 0.001 ) . The prevalences of allergic rhinitis , asthma , and inhalant skin tests were unaffected . Serum IgE levels in the prophylactic-treated group were marginally lower only at 4 months . Thus , reduced exposure of infants to allergenic foods appeared to reduce food sensitization and allergy primarily during the first year of life ABSTRACT . The success of familial compliance with a dietary manipulation programme was studied prospect ively in 91 newborn babies from atopic families for up to 12 months . The control group consisted of 72 infants from non‐atopic families . The percentages of infants breast‐fed at the age of six months were 58 % and 38 % in the study group and control group , respectively . The introduction of cow 's milk based formulas was postponed until the age of three months in 63 % of the infants in the study group and 47 % of the infants in the control group . Solid food was avoided during the first three months in 76 % and 45 % of the infants in the study group and control group , respectively . Maternal age , smoking and low social class were associated with poor compliance . The existence of atopic dermatitis in any member of the family was associated with good compliance . The main advantages of our programme were the increased number of children breast‐fed until the age of six months , and the reduced number of infants introduced to cow 's milk based formulas or solid food before three months of age Abstract The preventive effect of maternal avoidance of cow 's milk and eggs on the development of atopic dermatitis and sensitization to food allergens was studied in a prospect i ve trial with families at high risk for atopy . intervention included encouraging exclusive breast feeding for at least 3 months and delaying the controlled introduction of solid foods . In addition , one group received a maternal diet with the complete avoidance of milk and eggs in the last trimester of pregnancy and during the period of exclusive breast feeding , another group had the same diet starting after delivery , and mothers of the third group had no dietary restrictions . The period prevalences of atopic dermatitis as well as the rates of specific sensitization to eggs and milk at 6 and 12 months were not significantly different between groups . We were unable to demonstrate a significant preventive effect of maternal diet . Conclusion While breast feeding should be promoted for children at risk for atopy , mothers can be encouraged to stay on normal diet during pregnancy and the breast feeding period BACKGROUND Development of humoral and cellular immune responses to orally administered antigens in human beings is poorly understood , although antigen administration has been suggested as a treatment for hypersensitivity disorders and autoimmune diseases . OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to investigate the development of systemic immune response in infants fed with formula containing whole cow 's milk proteins or hydrolyzed formula containing casein peptides .  METHODS In a double-blind trial , 10 infants received cow 's milk-based formula , and 10 infants received a casein hydrolysate formula until the age of 9 months . Blood sample s were taken at the ages of 6 , 9 , and 12 months . Cellular responses were assessed by proliferation assay of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to cow 's milk proteins ( beta-lactoglobulin , bovine serum albumin , and alpha-casein ) . Humoral responses to the same proteins were measured by ELISA for IgG antibodies . RESULTS Feeding infants with cow 's milk-based formula induced systemic humoral and cellular responses to cow 's milk proteins . T-cell response later declined , supporting the concept of oral tolerization . Exposure to cow 's milk proteins after the age of 9 months result ed in depressed cellular and humoral responsiveness to these proteins . CONCLUSION Our results support the view that induction of oral tolerance in human beings is an age-dependent phenomenon The ingestion of food antigens usually results in the induction of oral tolerance , but the clinical and immunologic consequences of brief exposure to cow 's milk proteins during the neonatal period are not well-documented . The aim of this work was to study immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgG responses to cow 's milk proteins and ovalbumin after exposure during the first three days of life in infants who were otherwise exclusively breast-fed . A group of 129 infants was r and omly assigned at birth to one of three feeding regimens : human milk ( HM ) , cow 's milk formula ( CMF ) , or a casein hydrolysate formula ( CHF ) , during the first three days of life . They were then all exclusively breast-fed for a varying period of time and followed for two years . Serum IgG and IgE antibodies to cow 's milk proteins and ovalbumin ( OVA ) were analyzed in blood sample s obtained at birth , at 4 days and at 2 , 4 , 8 , 12 and 24 months of age . The levels of IgG antibodies to beta-lactoglobulin ( IgG-BLG ) and bovine serum albumin ( IgG-BSA ) were higher in the CMF and the HM groups than in the CHF group for up to two years . This was particularly obvious for IgG-BLG in infants who started weaning before two months . The levels of IgG antibodies to casein ( IgG-CAS ) were higher in the CMF group , as compared with the CHF group at 8 and 12 months . The levels of IgG antibodies to OVA were similar in all three feeding groups . The levels of IgE antibodies to CAS or OVA were similar in the three feeding groups . Exposure to cow 's milk during the first three days of life stimulated IgG antibody production to cow 's milk proteins and this was still obvious at 2 years of age , while feeding with a casein hydrolysate during the first three days of life was associated with low levels of IgG antibodies to cow 's milk proteins At the age of 5 years , the prevalence of atopic manifestations was analysed in 58 formula-fed “ at risk ” infants because of a history of atopic disease in at least two first degree relatives . Infants were r and omly assigned to receive either a partial whey-hydrolysate formula ( n : 28 ) or a regular cow 's milk formula ( n : 30 ) during the first 6 months of life ; thereafter , feeding was unrestricted . Only non-breastfed infants were included . The groups did not differ in risk factors or in known confounding factors possibly influencing the incidence of manifestations suggestive of atopic disease . At 6 months , the prevalence of cow 's milk protein ( CMP ) sensitivity was significantly decreased in the hydrolysate group ( 7 % versus 43%;P : 0.002 ) . At the age of 12 ( 21 % versus 53%;P : 0.029 ) , 36 ( 25 % versus 57%;P : 0.018 ) and 60 months ( 29 % versus 60%;P : 0.016 ) there was still a significant difference in the number of atopic manifestations , if calculated cumulatively . There was no difference between the groups if only the new cases after the age of 6 months were considered . Eczema was less frequent in the whey-hydrolysate group , but only during the 1st year of life , suggesting a decreased prevalence of CMP sensitivity . During the first 6 months , diarrhoea of non-infectious origin occurred in 8/30 infants ( 27 % ) of the adapted formula group , and in no infant in the hydrolysate group . “ Colic as single manifestation ” was considered of “ allergic ” origin in 1/28 infants in the hydrolysate group , and in 4/30 infants in the adapted formula group . If gastro-intestinal symptoms such as “ diarrhoea and colic as single manifestation ” are not considered , the number of infants with CMP sensitivity remains only significant for the first 6 months ( P : 0.004 ) . At 12 , 36 and 60 months , differences are not significant ( 0.106 , 0.116 and 0.07 , respectively ) . The results of this study support the hypothesis that allergy prevention is antigen specific . Conclusion If mother 's milk is not available and other studies confirm these results , there might be an indication for partial hydrolysates in infants with a family history of atopy , since these formulae reduce the incidence of CMP sensitivity This prospect i ve , long-term study assessed the effects of a protein hydrolysate formula on allergy prevention in infants with a family history of allergy . Infants were r and omly assigned to receive either the  hydrolysate formula ( n = 92 ) or an adapted cow milk formula  ( n = 85 ) alone or with breast-feeding for 4 months . The groups did not differ in family allergy history scores or cord blood IgE levels . After 4 months , total IgE levels and allergic reactions did not differ significantly between groups , although the hydrolysate group had a lower prevalence of eczema . At 12 months of age , neither IgE levels nor allergic reactions were significantly different . At 2 years of age , however , 18 allergic reactions had occurred in the hydrolysate group and 31 had occurred in the control group ; the differences were significant for eczema ( p < 0.001 ) but not for asthma . At 4 years of age , allergic signs were found in 11 children in the hydrolysate group and in 17 children in the control group ; the difference was significant only for eczema ( p < 0.01 ) . These results suggest that early feeding of a protein hydrolysate formula to infants at risk for allergies had a long-term preventive effect on the prevalence of eczema but not of asthma A cohort of 1749 newborns from the municipality of Odense born during 1985 in the University Hospital of Odense were followed prospect ively for the development of cow 's milk allergy (CMA)/cow 's milk protein intolerance ( CMI ) during their first year . The diagnosis of CMA/CMI was based on elimination/open milk challenge procedures according to generally accepted criteria . Thirty nine infants ( 2.2 % ) developed CMA/CMI .  Infants with CMA/CMI were fed cow 's milk formula daily during the first month of life significantly more often than infants in the study population ( p less than .001 ) . All 39 infants with CMA/CMI had ingested cow 's milk formula ( 40 - 830 mL ) neonatally , whereas none of the 210 neonates without supplements of cow 's milk formula  developed CMA/CMI ( p less than .05 ) . Based on a positive skin-prick test ( 2 + or more ) and /or specific serum IgE antibody to cow 's milk ( AL-RAST class 2 or more ) 16 infants were classified as having CMA . In infants solely breast-fed for greater than 1 month CMA was as frequent ( 1 % [ 14/1414 ] as in cow 's milk formula fed infant ( 0.6 % [ 2/335 ] ) . In infants with CMI , a significant majority ( 3.9 % [ 13/335 ] versus 0.7 % [ 10/1414 ] , p less than .001 ) had been cow 's milk formula fed during the first month . These data indicate an association between early cow 's milk formula feeding and development of reproducible adverse reactions to cow 's milk protein . Early neonatal intake of cow 's milk protein is probably a condition of sensitization and later adverse reactions to cow 's milk protein OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a partially hydrolysed formula on genetically predisposed children , with respect to the development of atopic clinical manifestations and in vitro testing of serum IgE levels ( total and milk-specific ) . METHODS One hundred and ten infants were r and omly assigned to receive either partially hydrolysed formula or st and ard infant formula  , and were prospect ively monitored from birth for clinical atopic symptoms and serum IgE levels . RESULTS Eczema occurred less frequently in infants receiving partially hydrolysed formula . This was significant ( P < 0.05 ) at 3 , 6 , 9 , 12 , 18 and 24 months . However , the significance decreased with time , although it almost reached statistical significance at 30 months by the Kaplan-Meier survival function ( log-rank statistic , 3.46 ; P = 0.063 ) . Although wheezing occurred less frequently in infants receiving partially hydrolysed formula , compared to those receiving st and ard infant formula , the difference did not reach statistical significance ( P > 0.05 ) . CONCLUSIONS Exclusive feeding of hypoallergenic milk formula in the first 4 months of life has a protective effect in terms of the development of atopic dermatitis in the first 2 years of life , compared to feeding with cow 's milk formula Early feeding with cows ' milk ( CM ) may cause cows ' milk allergy ( CMA )  . Breast milk contains many immune factors which compensate for the undeveloped defence mechanisms of the gut of the newborn infant . We studied the effect of supplementary CM feeding at the maternity hospital on the subsequent incidence of CMA , the effects of formula and breast feeding on the subsequent immunologic types of CMA , and the importance of immune factors present in colostrum in the immune responses of infants with CMA . In a cohort of 6209 infants , 824 were exclusively breast-fed and 87 % required supplementary milk while in the maternity hospital : 1789 received CM formula , 1859 pasteurized human milk , and 1737 whey hydrolysate formula . The cumulative incidence of CMA , verified by a CM elimination-challenge test , was 2.4 % in the CM , 1.7 % in the pasteurized human milk and 1.5 % in the whey hydrolysate group . Among these infants , exposure to CM at hospital and a positive atopic heredity increased the risk of CMA . Of the exclusively breast-fed infants , 2.1 % had CMA . Risk factors for the development of IgE-mediated CMA were : exposure to CM at hospital , breast-feeding during the first 8 weeks at home either exclusively or combined with infrequent exposure to small amounts of CM and long breast-feeding . The content of transforming growth factor-beta1 ( TGF-beta1 ) in colostrum from mothers of infants with IgE-mediated CMA was lower than from mothers of infants with non-IgE-mediated CMA . In infants with CMA , TGF-beta1 in colostrum negatively correlated with the result of skin prick test and the stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to CM , but positively with infants ' IgA and IgG antibodies to CM proteins . Feeding of CM formula at maternity hospital increases the risk of CMA , but exclusive breast-feeding does not eliminate the risk . Prolonged breast-feeding exclusively or combined with infrequent exposure to small amounts of CM during the first 8 weeks induces the development of IgE-mediated CMA . Colostral TGF-beta1 may inhibit IgE- and cell mediated reactions and promote IgG-IgA antibody production to CM in infants prone to developing CMA BACKGROUND The role of exposure to dietary antigens through maternal milk is intriguing , because it may result either in immunization or in tolerance . Exposure to cow 's milk proteins results in antibody formation against bovine insulin in infants at risk for type 1 diabetes . OBJECTIVE To study the appearance of IgG antibodies to bovine and human insulin in infants with an atopic family history whose mothers followed a cow 's milk-free diet during the first 3 months of lactation . METHODS In a prospect i ve cohort study on prevention of food allergies , 123 infants were exclusively breast-fed or received supplementation with a hydrolyzed casein-based formula ( Nutramigen ) until the age of 6 months . The mothers either avoided cow 's milk during the first 3 months of lactation ( diet group ) or had an unrestricted diet ( nondiet group ) . The levels of IgG antibodies to bovine and human insulin were determined by enzyme immunoassay at 3 , 6 , 12 , and 18 months and at 4 years . In addition , cord blood was obtained at birth and a maternal sample at delivery . RESULTS At 3 months , IgG antibodies to bovine insulin were low in both dietary groups ( median levels 0.150 and 0 . 114 optical density units in the diet and nondiet groups ) . After exposure to dietary insulin , IgG antibodies to bovine insulin increased in both groups , reaching a peak at 12 months in the nondiet group and at 18 months in the diet group . At 18 months , IgG antibodies to bovine insulin were lower in infants in the nondiet group than in infants in the diet group ( 0.287 vs 0.500 , P<.0001 ) . At 4 years , the antibodies no longer differed between the groups . CONCLUSION The exposure to cow 's milk proteins through breast milk during the first 3 months of life result ed in decreased levels of antibodies to dietary bovine insulin at 18 months of age , suggesting a role for breast milk antigens in early tolerance induction We prospect ively studied the incidence of atopic disease in healthy term infants with a birth weight between ‐1 and ‐2 SD who were fed a cow milk formula during the first few days of life . A total of 216 infants were r and omized to receive either early feeding with formula before normal breastfeeding was started ( n= 112 ) or “ normal feeding ” with breastmilk ( n= 104 ) . Symptoms of allergy developed in 18%% of the infants before 18 months of age in the formula fed group , as compared to 33 % in the breastfed group ( P < 0.05 ) . The difference was confined to the group of infants with a history of allergy in two family members . Thus , 11 % of the formula‐fed infants developed allergy symptoms , as compared to 61 % of the control infants ( P < 0.01 ) . Our study implies that early feeding during the first days of life with a cow milk formula , before the introduction of breastmilk , may reduce the incidence of allergy symptoms before 18 months of age in infants with a family history of allergy Prolonged diarrhea following an acute episode of dehydrating gastroenteritis in infants is often treated by the empirical removal of both cow 's milk protein and lactose from the feed , as they both have been implicated in the prolongation of diarrhea . In order to assess the efficacy of this policy and to determine whether there are any advantages in using a lactose-free semi-elemental feed in this situation , infants with prolonged dehydrating gastroenteritis from a developing community in South Africa were studied . Male black children between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 years with prolonged dehydrating gastroenteritis ( requiring intravenous fluids for longer than 72 h to maintain hydration ) were r and omly assigned to receive one of four feeds if the stool weight was greater than 30 g/kg body weight/24 h on the fourth day of admission . The four formula feeds were a partially modified cow 's milk formula ; a lactose-free , casein-containing formula ; a lactose-free , soy-protein-containing formula ; and a lactose-free , whey-hydrolysate-containing formula .  Stool weights were measured for the following 3 days . Seventy-two children were enrolled into the study .  Stool weights were similar in the four groups at the start of the trial , and fell significantly over the trial period in those groups receiving the lactose-free feeds . Mean stool weight in the cow 's milk formula group did not change . Thus , it appears that the continued feeding of a cow 's milk-based lactose-containing formulae to infants with prolonged dehydrating gastroenteritis adversely affects their recovery . ( ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS ABSTRACT A prospect i ve case‐control study is presented to assess an allergy prevention programme in children up to 36 months of age . Infants born at three maternity hospitals were followed from birth : 279 infants with high atopic risk ( intervention group ) were compared with 80 infants with similar atopic risk but no intervention ( non‐intervention group ) . The intervention programme included dietary measures ( exclusive and prolonged milk feeding diet followed by a hypoantigenic weaning diet ) and environmental measures ( avoidance of parental smoking in the presence of the babies , day care > 2 years of life ) . Mothers in this group who had insufficient breast milk were r and omly assigned to one of two coded formulas : either a hydrolysed milk formula ( Nidina HA , Nestlé ) or a conventional adapted formula ( Nan , Nestlé ) . Other environmental measures remained the same as for the breastfeeding mothers . The non‐intervention group were either breastfed or received the usual Italian milk feeding and weaning diet , without environmental advice . The main outcome measures were anthropometric measurements and allergic disease manifestations . Normal anthropometric data were observed both in the intervention group and in the nonintervention group . The incidence of allergic manifestations was much lower in the intervention group than in the nonintervention group at 1 year ( 11.5 versus 54.4 % , respectively ) and at 2 years ( 14.9 versus 65.6 % ) and 3 years ( 20.6 versus 74.1 % ) . Atopic dermatitis and recurrent wheezing were found in both the intervention group and the non‐intervention group from birth up to the second year of life , while urticaria and gastrointestinal disorders were only present in the non‐intervention group in the first year of life . Conjunctivitis and rhinitis were present after the second year in both the intervention group and the non‐intervention group . Relapse of the same allergic symptom was less in the intervention group ( 13.0 % ) than in the non‐intervention group ( 36.9 % ) . In comparison to the non‐intervention group , there were fewer intervention group cases with two or more different allergic symptoms ( 8.7 versus 32.6 % ) , and they were more likely to avoid steroid treatment ( 0 versus 10.8 % ) and hospital admission ( 0 versus 6.5 % ) . Babies in the non‐intervention group fed with adapted formula were more likely to develop allergies than breastfed babies in the same group . In the intervention group the breastfed infants had the lowest incidence of allergic symptoms , followed by the infants fed the hydrolysed formula ( ns ) . Infants in the intervention group fed the adapted formula had significantly more allergies than the breastfed and hydrolysed milk fed infants , although less than their counterparts in the non‐intervention group . Of the affected subjects in the intervention group , 80.4 % were RAST and /or Prick positive to food or inhalant allergens . Total serum IgE values detected at birth in the intervention group were not predictive , but at 1 and 2 years of age , IgE values more than 2 SD above the mean in asymptomatic babies were found to predictive for later allergy . In breastfed babies the total IgE level at 1 and 2 years of age was lower than in the other two feeding groups . Of the various factors tested in the non‐intervention group , the following were the most important in the pathogenesis of allergic symptoms : ( i ) formula implementation begun in the first week of life ; ( ii ) early weaning ( < 4 months ) ; ( iii ) feeding beef ( < 6 months ) ; ( iv ) early introduction of cow 's milk ( < 6 months ) ; and ( v ) parental smoking in the presence of the babies and early day care admission ( < 2 years of life ) . All the preventive measures used in this study ( exclusive breastfeeding and /or hydrolysed milk feeding , delayed and selective introduction of solid foods , and environmental advice ) were effective at the third year of follow‐up , greatly reducing allergic manifestations in high atopic risk babies in comparison with those not receiving these interventions The possible role of cows milk intolerance in the aetiology of infant colic was evaluated in 19 babies presenting to their health visitor or general practitioner in one town . Over a three week period a st and ard modified cows milk formula was compared with a soya milk formula on a double blind basis . The duration of colic symptoms was significantly reduced during the week on soya milk ( P less than 0.01 ) , with 11 out of 19 babies fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for cows milk intolerance . Four babies whose symptoms failed to improve either spontaneously or with soya milk were given a hydrolysed protein milk with a positive response in two , confirmed by challenge testing . Thus in 13 out of 19 babies ( 68 % ) the symptoms of infant colic resolved almost completely with dietary change In a previously published prospect i ve study , we followed the development of allergic symptoms in term infants with a slightly reduced birthweight ( − 1 SD to − 2 SD ) . These children received , according to local routing early feeding with cow milk formula in order to diminish such neonatal problems as hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia . Of 216 infants 207 were observed for allergic symptoms up to 18 months of age . One group ( F ) received cow milk formula during the first days of life before the mother 's breastmilk production started and was then breastfed ; the other ( B ) was not given any formula before normal breastfeeding started . Unexpectedly , we found fewer allergic symptoms , in particular allergic skin problems , in the group fed cow milk , the difference being concentrated to children with a family fistory of allergic symptoms . At 5 Years of age 183 of the 207 children have been reinvestigated . Mild symptoms of allergy ( suspected and obvious ) were found in 22 % ( F ) and 27 % ( B ) respectively(NS ) . Moderate and severe symptoms of allergy ( obvious ) were found in 4.2 % ( F ) and 4.5 % ( B ) . In the subgroup with a double family history of allergic symptoms , 28 % ( 7/25 , F ) and 59 % ( 10/17 , B ) had symptoms of allergy ( p<0.05 ) . This difference was even more pronounced when laboratory tests in favour of atopic diagnosis were included , 1.4 % ( F ) and 53%(B ) respectively ( p < 0.05 ) . Thus at 5 years we still find a significantly lower frequency of allergic symptoms in the subgroup fed cow milk formula early with a family history of allergic symptoms . This difference was mainly caused by a reduced incidence of mild symptoms , some of which might not be true allergic symptoms . The incidence of moderate to severe disease was not affected , which can possibly be due to the relatively small number of children , expecially in the high risk group . Thus feeding with a high allergenic load during the first days of life seems , in the long run , to be ineffective in inhibiting the development of Significant ( moderate and severe ) atopic disease Forty‐eight children with a biparental history of atopic disease were followed from birth to 4 years of age . One group was fed soy and the other cow 's milk from weaning to 9 months of age . Two‐thirds of the children developed symptoms of atopic disease with no significant difference between the groups . No difference was found in the serum immunoglobulins ( IgE antibodies , IgA , IgG and IgM ) during the observation period . The soy fed children showed transiently lower levels of IgG antibodies to cow 's milk but higher levels of IgG antibodies to soy protein . Six children showed cow 's milk intolerance and a further five had symptoms possibly related to the use of cow 's milk . Withholding cow 's milk during the first 9 months did not reduce the incidence of symptoms of cow 's milk intolerance from birth to 4 years of age . Thus , no benefit was found from replacing cows ' milk with soy . A prolonged breast feeding seems most rational for infants at risk of developing atopic disease , even if the present study did not show evidence of a prophylactic effect of breast milk against the development of atopic disease In a prospect i ve r and omized study we investigated in 28 mainly bottle-fed infants younger than 60 days whether in acute gastroenteritis a hypoallergenic formula could prevent the development of cow 's milk protein intolerance . Group 1 ( 14 infants ) was fed with a formula adapted to human milk , Group 2 ( 14 infants ) got a semi-elementary formula ( Alfaré ) . After 3 months group II was exposed to cow 's milk protein with a st and ardized challenge and the incidence of CMPI in both groups was calculated . All cases with the acute form of CMPI occurred in group II ( 5/12 ) whereas in group I only one infant suffered from the protracted mild form of the disease . Inspite of the relatively small number of prob and s we conclude from our results that in infants who are not totally breast-fed in the post-enteritic period feeding with a formula adapted to human milk is preferable to hypoallergenic semi-elementary preparations . An allergen free period of 3 months seems to induce symptoms of cow 's milk intolerance , probably as a booster-effect to early sensibilisation For a minimum of one month ( mean , 54 days ) , 287 infants and children less than 8 years of age were fed an isolated soy-protein formula . Prior to entry into the study , a cow 's milk formula was being fed to 71 % , a soy formula to 9 % , and cow 's milk or other formulas to 20 % . Intolerance to cow 's milk was reported in 35 % of the patients , symptoms indicative of cow 's milk intolerance in 23 % , diarrhea or gastroenteritis in 18 % , a family history of allergy in 13 % , and insufficient weight gain , intolerance to other formulas , or constipation in 11 % . The patients showed normal increases in weight and length during the study . A significant decrease in the following symptoms were reported in the patients from before to after treatment : abdominal cramps , bloating or gas , colic , diarrhea , fussiness , rashes or eczema , spitting up , waking up crying at night , wheezing , and vomiting . It is concluded that , while receiving soy formula , infants and children continued to thrive normally and that the formula was well tolerated . After receiving soy formula , the frequency of undesirable feeding-related symptoms was reduced in the majority of infants and children
Feeding soya-based formula as opposed to st and ard cow 's milk formula did not reduce the risk of having asthma or wheeze at any age .
In infants with at least one first degree relative with atopy , hydrolysed formula for a minimum of 4 months combined with dietary restrictions and environment measures may reduce the risk of developing asthma or wheeze in the first year of life .
There is insufficient evidence to suggest that soya-based milk formula has any benefit
BACKGROUND In infants with a family history of atopy , food allergen avoidance has been advocated as means of preventing the development of atopic disease when breast-feeding is not possible or supplemental feeding is needed .
Most infant formulas are based on cow 's milk protein .
Alternative choices include soya based and hydrolysed cows milk formulas .
OBJECTIVES To estimate the effect of dietary avoidance of cow 's milk protein on the development of asthma or wheeze in children .