ADVERSE-EFFECTS OF MILK FORMULA INGESTION ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT - UPDATE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • review article
    • Vol. 76  (2) , 365-374
Abstract
The large-scale use of cow''s milk in infant feeding is less than 100 yr old. Much progress was made by the manufacturers of proprietary formulas during this period to make their products safer. Although the current formulas provide an excellent substitute for the majority of infants, problems still remain, and its is necessary for every pediatrician and gastroenterologist to be aware of these. The adverse effects of nonhuman milk on the gastrointestinal tract are reviewed, the underlying mechanisms, are examined and further thought and research are hopefully stimulated. Particular emphasis will be placed on hypersensitivity reactions, because there now appears to be a swing back to this diagnosis as a result of more sophisticated immunologic investigations. The arguments in favor of breast-feeding, the systemic biochemical differences resulting from different formulas, and the indications for specialized formula feeding are all beyond the scope of this review.