Specialist Infant Formulas for Non-IgE Cow’s Milk Allergy

Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA) in infants has large impact on their health and development. In this project the mechanism behind the non-classical type is studied and two diet formula’s are compared in these children. This project is a collaboration between the University of Utrecht and Nutricia Research. At the University of Utrecht the expertise on food allergy both clinically and biologically is top of the country. Nutricia is a world player on medical feeding and has a large research centre with expertise on the biology of allergy.

In the Netherlands 1 in 20-50 infants suffer from Cow’s Milk Allergy (CMA). In these infants, CMA can lead to gut inflammation, growth retardation, inadequate dietary intake and feeding difficulties, also in the long term. Significant research has been done in the classical form of CMA and guidelines are mainly focused on these children. Half of the infants with CMA however suffer from an alternative type: the so-called ‘non-IgE-mediated CMA’. Research on non-IgE-mediated CMA is scarce. This study aims to elucidate the biology behind non-IgE-mediated CMA and generate evidence for an alternative or more optimised treatment strategy.

All non breast-fed children suspected of non-IgE-mediated CMA presenting at the baby well clinics in the province of Utrecht were asked to participate.The goal was to include at least 150 subjects. Children were randomised to either the current practice hypo-allergenic formula (eHF) or an alternative medical formula (AAF). Symptom scores were logged before, during and after start of this elimination diet and during follow-up. Blood, feces and saliva were collected at the time points mentioned above as well as other clinical and biological characteristics.

Unfortunately due to external factors the start of the study was delayed. The COVID-19 crisis then resulted in a complete stop of the study. Too few patients were included to draw any conclusions.