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

Abstract

The effects of regular soy formula (SF) intake on the development of food sensitization in infancy remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of regular SF intake between 1 and 2months of age on food sensitization development by 6months of age. Using data from a randomized controlled trial of a birth cohort from four Japanese hospitals that assessed cow's milk allergy development, we performed a retrospective cohort study of 235 infants who avoided cow's milk formula and supplemented breastfeeding with SF as required between 1 and 2months of age. Regular SF intake was defined as SF consumption of ≥14 days per month and ≥1350 ml per month. Food sensitization was defined as positive skin prick test reactions to hen's egg, cow's milk, wheat, and/or soy. Using multivariable logistic regression models that adjusted for parental, perinatal, and environmental factors, we calculated the adjusted odds ratios of regular SF intake for food, hen's egg, and cow's milk sensitization by 6months of age. From the 235 participants, 114 (48.5%) had regular SF intake. The adjusted odds ratios of regular SF intake for food, hen's egg, and cow's milk sensitization were 0.32 (95% confidence interval: 0.16-0.62, p= .0007), 0.42 (0.20-0.88, p= .02), and 0.33 (0.14-0.81, p= .02), respectively. Regular SF intake between 1 and 2months of age in infants avoiding cow's milk formula was significantly associated with a reduced risk of food sensitization in infancy.