Growth of infants with cow's milk allergy fed chicken-based formula

Abstract

Background: The recommended formulas for treatments of cow's milk allergy (CMA) in infants are hydrolyzed protein-based and amino acid-based formulas. However, they are not always affordable. Furthermore, some patients are still allergic to these formulas. Therefore, chicken-based formula has been innovated and used as an alternative formula to treat CMA in these infants. Objective: To assess the growth of infants with CMA who consumed chicken-based formula compared to normal infants. Material and Method: A prospective study was performed in 34 infants aged 3 to 24 months diagnosed as CMA at Siriraj Hospital. All subjects consumed the chicken-based formula for at least three months. The growth parameters were recorded. Results: Manifestations occurred in dermatological (78.6%), respiratory (67.9%), and gastrointestinal (53.6%) systems. Mean (±SD) chicken-based formula intake was 77 (±39.6) kcal/kg/d. Weight gains are higher (35.7%), equal (10.8%), and lower (53.5%) than those of normal infants. In addition, length gains were higher (38%), equal (5%), and lower (57%) than those of normal infants. However, the difference of weight and length in chicken-based fed, cow's milk-allergic infants, and normal infants were not statistically significant (p = 0.141, p = 0.192). None of these infants had severe complications. Conclusion: Growth parameters of infants fed with chicken-based formula are not different from those of normal infants.