Evaluation in guinea pigs of the allergenic capacity of two infant formulae based on hydrolyzed milk proteins.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential capacity of infant formulae based, respectively, on hydrolyzed casein and on hydrolyzed whey proteins to induce sensitization in guinea pigs. This potential capacity was tested by intravenous challenges with centrifuged formulae and by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. The results showed that neither formula was sensitizing, therefore suggesting that protein hydrolyzates can be considered a suitable cow's milk substitute for infants with cow's milk protein intolerance. However, further studies are necessary in order to investigate whether these hydrolyzates are not allergenic in infants as well.