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 .
Infant feeding and allergy.
The effect of withholding cows ' milk was examined in 487 infants at high risk of allergic disease . Before birth they were r and omly allocated either to a control group , most of whom received cows ' milk preparations , or to an intervention group , who were offered a soya based substitute .  Eczema and wheezing occurred to a similar extent in the two groups during the first year of life , although napkin rash , diarrhoea , and oral thrush were commoner in the intervention group , especially during the first three months . Breast feeding for any length of time was associated with a reduced incidence of wheezing and diarrhoea
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 .