BACKGROUND TO ALLERGIC DISEASE IN INFANTS
Studies show that the incidence of allergic disease is growing and is estimated to affect up to 30% of infants. Around 60% of these allergies appear in the first years of life, with infants often showing signs of cows' milk allergy along with atopic dermatitis (1, 2, 3). Once a child has developed a food sensitivity and atopic dermatitis in infancy, research shows that around 50% will go on to develop respiratory disease, or will maintain their early allergy throughout the rest of their lives (4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
- Try to prevent or delay the appearance of allergies for as long as possible
It is therefore advantageous to prevent or to delay the appearance of allergies for as long as possible. Although the pathogenesis is not fully understood, it has been suggested that the first few months of life constitute a sensitive period during which exposure to certain allergens may create a predisposition to the subsequent development of atopic disease.
THE BEST OPTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF AN ALLERGY PRESENTING IS THROUGH BREAST-FEEDING (exclusive use of Breast Milk for the first 6 months of life, together with delaying the introduction of solids until 6 months).
If breastfeeding is discontinued or supplemented, a standard formula is often used. As a result of this, whole cows' milk protein is usually the first allergen with which an infant comes into contact.
To help avoid this early contact and the risk of an allergy developing, feeding an infant hypoallergenic formula has been shown to be effective (9).
