DETERMINATION OF HYPOALLERGENICITY TO SUBSTITUTIVE FORMULAS IN CHILDREN WITH COW'S MILK ALLERGY

The management of children with confirmed cow's milk allergy is based on complete avoidance of cow's milk proteins and leaves the physician with several dietary options, none of which, given the prevalence, spectrum and potential seriousness of the condition, can be recommended to all patients. In the absence of an alternative to cow's milk, the management of cow's milk allergy is based on the use of safe, affordable and nutritionally adequate formulas. Extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein formulas, which are considered as safe for most children with cow's milk allergy, are still liable to contain residual peptides, and hypersensitivity reactions may occur in infants allergic to cow's milk protein. Thus, specific product allergenicity must be addressed on an individual basis before recommending a formula as a substitute for cow's milk. Soy-based formula can also concomitant sensitize cow's milk allergy children to soy. Amino acid-based formulas have been studied from safety and nutritional efficacy perspectives. These formulas have been proposed for subjects highly sensitive to cow's milk protein and that cannot be managed using extensively hydolyzed formula and for children with multiple food allergies. In these conditions aminoacid based formulas are able to effectively cure allergic symptoms and to improve body growth.