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Nutritional value of a rice-hydrolysate formula in infants with cows' milk protein allergy: a randomized pilot study
1Department of Paediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. clinped@mailserver.unimi.it
Insights
Rice-hydrolysate formula supports normal growth in infants with cows' milk protein allergy. This study suggests it is a safe and nutritionally suitable alternative for managing this common infant allergy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Allergy Management
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common condition in infants.
- Nutritional management is crucial for infants with CMPA.
- Hydrolyzed protein formulas are often used, but alternatives are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a rice-hydrolysate formula.
- To assess normal growth and metabolic balance in infants with CMPA.
- To compare rice-hydrolysate formula with soy formula in infants with CMPA.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 16 infants (aged 6-14 months) diagnosed with CMPA.
- Infants were assigned to either rice-hydrolysate formula or soy formula groups (n=8 each).
- Growth indices (Z scores) and biochemical parameters were monitored over 6 months.
Main Results:
- Both rice-hydrolysate and soy formulas supported normal infant growth patterns.
- No adverse reactions were reported in either feeding group.
- Plasma biochemical parameters remained within normal ranges and showed no significant differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- Rice-hydrolysate formula appears to be a nutritionally suitable alternative for infants with CMPA.
- Further large-scale studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
- This formula may offer a viable option for managing CMPA in infants.
Abstract:
This study was designed to assess whether a rice-hydrolysate formula allows normal growth and adequate metabolic balance in infants with cows' milk protein allergy. Infants (seven females, nine males; aged 6-14 months) were randomly assigned to receive a rice-hydrolysate formula (n = 8) or a soy formula (control group, n = 8). Standardized growth indices (Z scores) and biochemical parameters were evaluated during a 6-month treatment period. Infants in both groups showed normal growth patterns during the study, and no adverse reactions were seen. Mean plasma biochemical parameters were within the normal ranges, and did not differ between groups. In conclusion, rice-hydrolysate formula may be a nutritionally suitable alternative for infants with cows' milk protein allergy. Larger studies, with satisfactory power, should be undertaken to confirm these findings.