title: Role of hydrolyzed formulas in nutritional allergy prevention in infants.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In recent years, more and more discussions have arisen with regard to the role of (partially) hydrolyzed formulas as standard feedings for infants with a high risk to have allergy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review is based on an extensive overview of the literature dealing with the subjects of allergy prevention and hydrolyzed formulas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although breast-feeding should receive absolute priority in the nutrition of infants, the existence of artificial milk formulas as an addition to or replacement of breast milk is a necessity. In high-risk infants with a family history of allergy, we might consider a hypoallergenic formula instead of the classical start formulas to reduce the risk of allergy. From a nutritional point of view, these formulas should only be hydrolyzed as much as necessary. On the other hand, for the treatment of food allergies, the peptides of the semi-elementary infant formulas should be as short as possible. This can, however, have an impact on the nutritional value of the formula. Therefore, a difference is made between partial and complete hydrolysates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While a firm recommendation is not yet possible, physicians might consider partial hydrolysate formulas in high-risk infants if parents can afford the higher-cost option.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans 70112, USA.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Exl
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Vandenplas
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Blecker
mesh_terms: D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D006868:Hydrolysis; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins