Hypo-allergenic formulae: what's in a name?

Immunogenicity and antigenicity of a partially hydrolyzed cow's milk infant formula

We evaluated the immunogenicity and antigenicity of a formula based on partially hydrolyzed cow's milk whey protein in infants at risk of atopy and in controls. Total IgE and specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 subclass antibodies against egg albumin and cow's milk alpha-lactalbumin, casein, and beta-lactoglobulin were measured by radioimmunoassay of cord blood and of peripheral blood at 5 days and 6 months of life in five groups of infants: 16 breast-fed infants at risk of atopy (group 1), 21 partially hydrolyzed whey formula-fed infants at risk of atopy (group 2), 14 formula-fed infants at risk of atopy (group 3), 10 breast-fed control infants (group 4), and 13 formula-fed control infants (group 5). Total IgE concentration was significantly lower in group 2 at 6 months than in groups 3 and 5 infants and similar to that observed in groups 1 and 4 infants. The concentration of specific antiegg and anti-cow's milk protein IgG and of specific anti-cow's milk alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin IgG4 subclass antibodies was significantly reduced in group 2 as compared to group 3 infants and similar to that found in breast-fed infants. In conclusion, the partially hydrolyzed formula was less immunogenic and antigenic than a traditional formula and was as immunogenic and antigenic as breast milk.

The long-term effect of a partial whey hydrolysate formula on the prophylaxis of atopic disease

At the age of 5 years, the prevalence of atopic manifestations was analysed in 58 formula-fed "at risk" infants because of a history of atopic disease in at least two first degree relatives. Infants were randomly assigned to receive either a partial whey-hydrolysate formula (n: 28) or a regular cow's milk formula (n: 30) during the first 6 months of life; thereafter, feeding was unrestricted. Only non-breastfed infants were included. The groups did not differ in risk factors or in known confounding factors possibly influencing the incidence of manifestations suggestive of atopic disease. At 6 months, the prevalence of cow's milk protein (CMP) sensitivity was significantly decreased in the hydrolysate group (7% versus 43%; P: 0.002). At the age of 12 (21% versus 53%; P: 0.029), 36 (25% versus 57%; P: 0.018) and 60 months (29% versus 60%; P: 0.016) there was still a significant difference in the number of atopic manifestations, if calculated cumulatively. There was no difference between the groups if only the new cases after the age of 6 months were considered. Eczema was less frequent in the whey-hydrolysate group, but only during the 1st year of life, suggesting a decreased prevalence of CMP sensitivity. During the first 6 months, diarrhoea of non-infectious origin occurred in 8/30 infants (27%) of the adapted formula group, and in no infant in the hydrolysate group. "Colic as single manifestation" was considered of "allergic" origin in 1/28 infants in the hydrolysate group, and in 4/30 infants in the adapted formula group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)