Growth Patterns of Indonesian Infants with Cow's Milk Allergy and Fed with Soy-Based Infant Formula

Abstract

Purpose The use of soy-based infant formula has increased widely in infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA). This study aimed to provide evidence on the growth pattern of CMA infants fed with soy-based infant formula in an Indonesian setting. Methods A multi-site, intervention study was conducted among full-term and normal birth weight CMA infants. Within six months, the subjects were provided with a soy-based infant formula. Weight, height, and head circumference were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Adverse events were recorded by scoring atopic dermatitis and symptom-based clinical scores. Results Based on the World Health Organization growth chart, we found that most of subjects had normal nutritional status for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and head-circumference-for-age. There were statistically significant differences between baseline and end-line for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and head circumference-for-age nutritional status. No allergic symptoms or intolerance toward soy formula were observed at the end of the intervention period. Conclusion These results show that infants fed with soy-based infant formula have a normal pattern of growth.

Effects of regular soy formula intake between 1 and 2 months of age on food sensitization in infancy

“…In our study, infants with regular SF intake had significantly heavier body weight at 6 months of age than those without regular SF intake. This is similar to previous findings that SF does not detrimentally affect growth patterns in infants 22,24 . Among the 210 participants who ingested SF in this study, 20 experienced transient gastrointestinal symptoms and one had an FPIES‐type reaction.…”

“…In a review of 40 studies, Katz et al 21 reported the incidence of soy sensitization from SF to be 8.7%–8.8%. In contrast, a recent Indonesian study showed that SF did not induce allergic reactions to soy 22 . Similarly, an Israeli study demonstrated that the use of SF in the early neonatal period did not increase the prevalence of soy allergy in infants 23 .…”

“…This is similar to previous findings that SF does not detrimentally affect growth patterns in infants. 22,24 Among the 210 participants who ingested SF in this study, 20 experienced transient gastrointestinal symptoms and one had an FPIES-type reaction. In the SPADE study, an infant with a positive result to the screening oral food challenge was diagnosed with FPIES to cow's milk protein.…”

“…In contrast, a recent Indonesian study showed that SF did not induce allergic reactions to soy. 22 Similarly, an Israeli study demonstrated that the use of SF the early neonatal period did not the prevalence of soy allergy in infants. 23 These disparities in findings may be due to differences in the timing of SF introduction, which could have contributed to the facilitative or protective effects on soy sensitization.…”

Managing Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy in Indonesia: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Hypoallergenic Milk Formulas from the Private Payers’ Perspective

“…12,13 This is due to its allergenicity, being poorly tolerated by 8% to 10% of infants with CMPA. 49,50 Second, low formula costs deflate the total costs associated with SF, masking the increase in healthcare resource consumption due to increased symptoms in children. The current study carries limitations that should be discussed.…”