To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Formula Feeds Do Not Increase Subsequent Risk Of Allergy In Children URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/A014E.htm Doctor's Guide July 22, 1998
LONDON, ENGLAND -- July 22, 1998 -- Cows' milk formula fed to babies in the first few days of life does not increase their risk of allergy in later life, finds research in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. Controversy has raged over the issue for some time. Current practice favours a strict diet of breastfeeding to prevent the development of eczema and rhinitis. Over 1,500 new-born babies were fed either a formula feed containing cows' milk protein or a placebo that contained no protein during the first three days of life. All the babies were then breastfed. They were assessed by researchers from The Netherlands when a year old and again when they were two years old, to detect any allergic reactions, such as wheezing, eczema and rhinitis. The researchers found virtually no difference between the two groups at the first assessment, with babies fed cows' milk seven per cent more likely to develop allergic reactions. But by the second assessment, babies fed cows' milk were six per cent less likely to develop allergic reactions. Babies whose parents were allergic were twice as likely to have allergic reactions themselves, but these findings were not affected by the feeds they had received. The authors say that their findings should reassure mothers who cannot fully breast feed their newborns. Related Links: Archives of Disease in Childhood --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.