Hypoallergenic infant formula does not prevent allergy onset

Monday, 29 August 2011 10:58

Partially hydrolysed whey formula is recommended in public health guidelines set out by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) for infants and children at high risk of allergy. However, a new study has shown no benefit in using the hypoallergenic formula compared to a conventional cow's milk based formula for the prevention childhood eczema, asthma or hay fever up to seven years of age.

The Australian-based trial aimed to assess whether using the formula decreased the risk of allergy in later life. Infants in the trial were given either hypoallergenic, cow's milk or soy formula after the cessation of breastfeeding. Allergy testing was undertaken at six, 12 and 24 months and children were followed up again at six or seven years of age.

The authors concluded the findings did not support the use of hypoallergenic formula for the prevention of allergic disease and maintained that families at high risk of allergy should be encouraged to breast feed their infants for the many known benefits associated with breastfeeding.

Reference: Low et al. 2011. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. DOI:10.1016/j.jaci.2010.05.006