Analysis of Hypoallergenic Cow's Milk Formulas
Analysis of Hypoallergenic Cow's Milk Formulas During their first year of life, 2% to 3% of children develop hypersensitivity to cow's milk. Hypoallergenic formulas have considerable variation in their biochemical and immunologic characteristics. The "degree of hypoallergenicity" can be measured with: - sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) - mass spectrometry - immunoglobulin (Ig)E reactivity A recent study (see reference section below) investigated 16 cow's milk formulas to determine their allergenic activity. The amino acid formulations showed the lowest IgE-binding activity, low T-cell reactivity, and low allergenic activity. Only 3-5% of children who are allergic to cow's milk are allergic to the extensively hydrolyzed formula. However, partially hydrolyzed formulas have larger peptides and can cause allergy. "A person who is truly allergic to cow's milk or milk formula has to go to extensively hydrolyzed formula (E