Hypoallergenic baby formula does not reduce a baby’s risk of developing allergies in later life.
Despite the formula being recommended in public health guidelines set out by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, a new study, published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found there was no benefit in using hypoallergenic (partially hydrolysed whey) formula to prevent allergies in high-risk infants up to seven years of age, compared to a conventional cow’s milk based formula.
“Our findings do not support the role of hypoallergenic formula for the prevention of allergic disease. Families at high risk of allergy should continue to be encouraged to breast feed for the many known benefits associated with breastfeeding,” the study authors said.
Read more at The University of Melbourne