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Antigenicity of infant formulas: role of immature intestine on protein permeability
Insights
Early casein hydrolysate formula feeding in infants may reduce antibody responses to later milk or soy proteins. This suggests caution with soy formula due to its antigenicity.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infant formula proteins can elicit immune responses.
- Early feeding practices may influence long-term antigenicity.
- Understanding formula antigenicity is crucial for preventing infant allergies and intolerances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of early infant feeding on the antigenicity of formula proteins.
- To compare the relative antigenicity of casein hydrolysate, soy-based, and milk-based formulas.
- To assess the role of infant age in determining immune responses to dietary proteins.
Main Methods:
- Preliminary study involving 25 infants.
- Infants were fed casein hydrolysate, soy-based, or milk-based formulas.
- Antibody titers (hemagglutinins) were measured to assess immune response to formula proteins.
Main Results:
- Infants fed casein hydrolysate for the first three months showed lower antibody titers to subsequent milk or soy proteins.
- Soy protein demonstrated significant antigenicity, comparable to milk protein.
- Early exposure to specific formulas influenced immune reactivity to different protein types.
Conclusions:
- Age is a critical factor in the relative antigenicity of infant formula proteins.
- Casein hydrolysate may have a protective effect against developing sensitivity to other formula proteins.
- Soy protein is highly antigenic and warrants cautious use in infants at risk for allergic diseases.
Abstract:
Preliminary studies of 25 infants fed casein hydrolysate, soy-based or milk-based formulas were undertaken to determine the importance of age with respect to the relative antigenicity of formula proteins. Infants fed casein hydrolysate for the first three months had lower antibody titers (hemagglutinins) to subsequent milk-based or soy-based proteins than those given these formulas since birth. The clinical implications with regard to atopy and gastrointestinal protein intolerance are discussed. Soy protein is at least as antigenic as milk protein and should be used with caution in prophylaxis against possible dietary antigen/antibody-related disease.