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Risk of developing atopic disease after early feeding with cows' milk based formula
D Gustafsson1, T Löwhagen, K Andersson
1Department of Paediatrics, Orebro Medical Centre Hospital, Sweden.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Early exposure to cow's milk-based formula in newborns does not increase the risk of developing atopic diseases later in life. This study found no significant differences in atopic disease incidence among infants fed different milk types.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Allergology
- Public Health
Background:
- Atopic diseases, such as eczema and asthma, are common in childhood.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential impact of early infant feeding practices on the development of atopic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of early exposure to cow's milk-based formula on the incidence of atopic diseases.
- To determine if the type and amount of formula given to newborns influence the risk of developing atopic disease.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 736 healthy full-term infants was followed.
- Infants were divided into three groups based on feeding: mother's milk only, mother's milk plus donor milk, and mother's milk plus donor milk plus cow's milk-based formula.
- Children were assessed at 7, 11, and 14 years for atopic disease symptoms.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in the cumulative incidence of atopic diseases were observed between the feeding groups at follow-up.
- The quantity of formula consumed did not correlate with an increased risk of atopic disease.
- Infants with a family history of atopic diseases had similar risks regardless of formula exposure.
Conclusions:
- Early introduction of cow's milk-based formula in the maternity ward setting does not appear to elevate the risk of developing atopic diseases.
- Infant feeding practices, including the use of formula, may not be a primary determinant for the onset of atopic conditions.