Cow's milk-based infant formula supplements in breastfed infants and primary prevention of cow's milk allergy: A commentary of the Committee on Nutrition of the French Society of Pediatrics

The role of nutritional interventions for the primary prevention of cow's milk allergy (CMA) remains debated as well as the role of early introduction of allergenic foods, which is largely encouraged from the beginning of complementary feeding. Considering the introduction of cow's milk protein (CMP), current recommendations suggest avoidance of any cow's milk formula (CMF) supplements in breastfed infants in the maternity ward. By contrast, based on poor evidence, some authors support systematic supplements of CMP in breastfed children at risk of allergy from the first week of life. The Committee on Nutrition of the French Society of Pediatrics considers that such a proposal requires more clinical studies and mainly randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trials before becoming a recommendation. (c) 2023 French Society of Pediatrics. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The role of nutritional interventions and early introduction of allergenic foods for the primary prevention of cow's milk allergy is still debated. Current recommendations suggest avoiding cow's milk formula supplements for breastfed infants, while some authors argue for systematic supplements of cow's milk protein for breastfed children at risk of allergy. The Committee on Nutrition of the French Society of Pediatrics believes that more clinical studies, particularly randomized and placebo-controlled trials, are needed before making a recommendation.