Adapted goat milk formulas in infant nutrition: when, to whom and for how long

Breast milk is the gold standard for infant feeding. In case of its lack or insufficiency, this brings up the question about an affordable and adequate alternative. Adapted cow’s milk formulas are most commonly used, but the incidence of cow’s milk protein allergy in young children is increasing worldwide. Given the early onset of gastrointestinal disorders in infants, minimal digestive dysfunctions are often interpreted by doctors as sensitization to cow’s milk proteins or functional gastrointestinal disorders. However, there are conditions associated not with cow’s milk protein allergy, but intolerance. These conditions are difficult to diagnose, as the mechanism of development of cow’s milk protein allergy has not been sufficiently studied and is often not associated with an IgE-mediated immunological response. Food intolerance is associated with the enzymatic immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract and insufficient activity of intestinal microbiota. This article highlights the issues of cow’s milk protein allergy and food intolerance. In case of food sensitization and even minimal clinical manifestations of cow’s milk protein allergy, the choice of formula should always be made in favour of deep-hydrolyzed milk protein formulas. Goat protein formulas cannot be used in cases of cow’s milk protein allergy due to cross-sensitization effects. The aim of the article was to analyze a differentiated approach to the choice of infant nutrition in the absence of breastfeeding.

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