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 .
Cumulative incidence of atopic disorders in high risk infants fed whey hydrolysate, soy, and conventional cow milk formulas.
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
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 .