Controversies on Special Products for Managing Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy in Infants: Safety and Suitability

Abstract

The aim of the symposium was to share learnings from the recently established European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Task Force on special products for cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), with the intention of providing an overview on controversies regarding extensively hydrolysed formulas (eHFs), their utility, and the validity of the definition ‘special products for CMPA’. Dr Rosan Meyer opened the symposium by discussing the evidence for appropriate dietary management in CMPA, emphasising the importance of breastfeeding and dietary management of breastfed children with CMPA, hypoallergenic formula, and the current controversies and debate around formula choice. Dr Martinas Kuslys covered the current interpretations and ranges for definitions for eHFs, and presented data from an analytical programme that aims to improve understanding of the wide range of commercially available formulas, with the objective of defining eHFs in a more consistent, meaningful, and practical way. Prof Antonella Muraro and Prof Arne Høst closed the session with a discussion around the need for updated guidelines to ensure safe products for infants with CMPA, summarising some of the issues with currently available hypoallergenic formulas.