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 .
Effect of an allergy prevention programme on incidence of atopic symptoms in infancy
A total of 105 “ high‐risk ” infants born in 1988 were studied prospect ively from birth to 18 months of age . The infants were recommended breastfeeding and /or hypoallergenic formula ( Nutramigen or Profylac ) combined with avoidance of solid foods during the first 6 months of life . All mothers had unrestricted diet . Avoidance of daily exposure to tobacco smoke , furred pets and dust‐collecting material s in the bedroom were advised . This prevention group was compared with a control group consisting of 54 identically defined “ high‐risk ” infants born in 1985 in the same area . All infants had either severe single atopic predisposition combined with cord blood IgE ≥ 0.5 KU/1 or biparental atopic predisposition . The control group had unrestricted diet and was not advised about environmental factors . Apart from the prevention programme and year of birth the prevention group and the control group were comparable . The parents were highly motivated and compliance was good . The rate of participation was 97 % , and 85 % followed the dietary measures strictly . The cumulative prevalence of atopic symptoms was significantly lower at 18 months in the prevention group ( 32 % ) , as compared with the control group ( 74 % ) ( p<0.01 ) , due to reduced prevalence of recurrent wheezing ( 13 % , versus 37 % ; p<0.01 ) , atopic dermatitis ( 14 % versus 31 % ; p<0.01 ) , vomiting/diarrhoea ( 5 % versus 20 % ; p<0.01 ) and infantile colic ( 9 % versus 24 % ; p<0.01 ) . The cumulative prevalence of food allergy was significantly lower in the prevention group ( 6 % versus 17 % ; p<0.05 ) . In both high‐risk groups daily exposure to tobacco smoke increased the risk of recurrent wheezing significantly ( p<0.01 ) . The main difference between the prevention group and the control group was the diet . Thus , feeding with breastmilk and /or hypoallergenic formula combined with avoidance of solid foods until the age of 6 months appeared to reduce the cumulative prevalence of atopic symptoms during the first 18 months of life
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 .