Background: Allergic diseases are increasing globally and are a significant public health challenge, especially in children. Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in early childhood. When CMA is diagnosed and exclusive breastfeeding is not possible, current guidelines recommend extensively hydrolyzed formulas (eHF) or amino acid-based formulas (AAF), depending on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Hydrolyzed rice formulas (HRF) are considered an alternative to eHF and AAF where available.
Objectives & methods: We aimed to understand how HRF are being used and their position in the management of CMA, and to generate consensus on indications for use. Two virtual roundtables of international healthcare experts in pediatric food allergy focused on HRF were convened in May and October 2021. Experts provided multiple perspectives due to different specialties, locations, healthcare settings, and availability of HRF. Following discussion of international CMA guidelines and HRF use, identification of challenges along the diagnosis and treatment pathway, and translation of guidelines into clinical practice, an expert consensus on the use of HRF for CMA was developed. This involved repeated voting followed by statement amendment to reach 100% agreement. This publication summarizes insights from these meetings.
Results: There was 100% agreement on all 8 statements: (1) While breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for infants with CMA, when breastfeeding is not possible, a hypoallergenic formula can be used; (2) Per definition, a HRF is cow's milk protein-free; (3) A minority of infants with immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated CMA react to eHF due to residual cow's milk protein; (4) More infants with non-IgE-mediated CMA than IgE-mediated CMA react to eHF likely due to residual cow's milk protein; (5) When a diagnostic elimination diet is indicated, HRF can be used; (6) A HRF can be recommended as a first-line option for CMA, where available, as outlined in the Diagnosis and Rationale for Action against Cow's Milk Allergy guidelines; (7) HRFs have proven hypoallergenicity and are suitable for the dietary management of CMA; (8) HRFs have been shown to support growth in infants with CMA, similar to other hypoallergenic formulas. Participants recommend healthcare professionals take these statements as guidance to use HRF in clinical practice. Based on efficacy and growth evidence, the experts found HRF a suitable option for the dietary management of CMA.
Conclusion: HRF can be recommended as a first-line alternative to cow's milk-based eHF or AAF, where available, in the dietary management of CMA.
Keywords: Children; Consensus; Cow's milk allergy; Hydrolyzed protein; Hydrolyzed rice formula; Infant feeding.
© 2022 The Authors.