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 .
Allergen avoidance in infancy and allergy at 4 years of age
In an attempt to prevent or reduce the manifestations of atopic disease , a group of infants considered to be genetically at high risk of atopy was entered in a prenatally r and omized , controlled study . A prophylactic group ( n= 58 ) was either breast‐fed with their mothers excluding foods regarded as highly antigenic from their diets , or given an extensively hydrolysed formula . In addition , strenuous efforts were made to reduce exposure to the house‐dust mite by application of acaricide to the bedroom and living room carpets and upholstered furniture . A control group ( n= 62 )  was fed conventionally by breast or on formula , and no specific environmental measures were taken . The results ( previously reported ) after 1 year showed significantly less total allergy , asthma , and eczema in the prophylactic group . Similar results were obtained at 2 years although the reduction in asthma no longer achieved statistical significance . However , there was significantly less sensitization , as shown by a battery of skin prick tests ( SPTs ) , to both dietary allergens and aeroallergens in the prophylactic group . A11 the children have now been review ed at the age of 4 years , and SPTs to a wide range of dietary allergens and aeroallergens have been performed . The control group continues to show more total allergy ( odds ratio [ OR ] 2.73 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] 1.21–6.13 , P<0.02 ) , definite allergy ( allergic symptoms plus positive SPT ) ( OR 5.6 , CI 1.8–17.9 , P<0.005 ) , and eczema ( OR 3.4 , CI 1.2–10.1 , P<0.05 ) . More control children have positive SPTs ( OR 3.7 , CI 1.3–10.0 , P<0.02 ) . A dual approach to the prevention of allergic disease , avoiding as far as possible sensitization to food and aeroallergens , significantly reduces the risk of atopic disease . This should be reserved for infants considered at very high risk of atopy , and close medical and dietetic supervision must be available
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 .