Found at http://www.bmjpg.com/data/press/adc2207.htm press release
from Archive of Disease in Childhood, 22nd July 1998 -
"Formula feeds do not increase subsequent risk of allergy in children
[Randomised controlled trial of brief neonatal exposure to Cows' milk on the
development of atopy]
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 newborn 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 when a
year old and again when they were 2 years old, to detect any allergic
reactions, such as wheezing, eczema, and rhinitis. There was virtually no
difference between the two groups at the first assessment, with babies fed
cows' milk 7 per cent more likely to develop allergic reactions. But by the
second assessment, babies fed cows' milk were 6 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.
Contact: Dr Marjke de Jong,
Department of Paediatrics,
Emma Children's Hospital,
University of Amsterdam,
The Netherlands.
or
Professor Timothy David (editorial),
University Department of Child Health,
Booth Hall Children's Hospital,
Manchester."
I'm sure I don't need to point out the apparent strangeness in concluding
that it's ok not to fully breastfeed when no babies in the study were
exclusively breastfed. Has anyone seen the full study? I can't find full
article on web
Mary Broadfoot, Paisley, Scotland
[log in to unmask]
The Breastfeeding Network - Independent Support and Information about
Breastfeeding http://webzone1.co.uk/www/cathus/bfnindex.htm
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