I've finally seen the paper; title as above, (authors Marijke H de Jong,
Vera T M Scharp-van der Linden, Rob C Aalberse, Johannes Oosting, Jan G P
Tijssen, Cornelis J de Groot; Archives of Disease in Childhood 1998;
79:126-130)
The children have been followed up to 2 years, and they are now following at
age 5.  (Quote - a second study is underway focusing on respiratory symptoms
at the age of 5 years, as a next step in dispelling the fears related to the
concept of "the dangerous bottle".)

The stated conclusion is 'Early and brief exposure to cows' milk in breast
fed children does not increase the risk of atopic disease in the first 2
years.'  All children received at least 3 sachets of powder (reconstituted
with 60 ml of water) in the first 3 days after randomisation.  The sachets
contained either a standard whey protein dominant cows' milk formula
(Nutricia), or a placebo formula.  The placebo was based 'on a maltodextrin,
glucose and mineral solution emulsified with vegetable fats, visibly
indistinguishable from infant formula.' Mothers were encouraged to continue
breast feeding without giving protein containing formula supplements for at
least 6 weeks.  Newborns who received formula milk, additionally or
exclusively, remained in the study.

I was interested to note that 54% of the children were 'exclusively' breast
fed at 6 weeks.  The authors do not define the term.

The study was 'funded by Nutricia Nederland BV.  The support from Nutricia
Research in developing the placebo product and making the blinded and
packaged intervention products available is greatly appreciated.'

I continue to be amazed that this paper was able to be published as it
stands.  The conclusion should surely be that brief neonatal exposure to
cows' milk has no greater effect on the development of atopy than brief
exposure to certain other fluids.

Mary Broadfoot, Paisley, Scotland
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The Breastfeeding Network - Independent Support and Information about
Breastfeeding http://webzone1.co.uk/www/cathus/bfnindex.htm