The Role of Hypoallergenic Formula and Dietary Supplements in the Prevention of Early Onset Allergic Disease

Purpose of Review: Allergic diseases have risen in prevalence in recent decades and placed a significant burden on individuals, their families and the health system. Identifying interventions that may prevent the development of allergies has been a significant focus of research, and the infant diet is often investigated as a potential target as it is readily modifiable. This includes the use of modified (“hypoallergenic”) infant formulas and dietary supplements including vitamin D, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and probiotics. The aim of this review is to provide an update of the literature published in the last 3 years on the role of these dietary interventions in the prevention of early onset allergic disease, primarily food allergy and eczema. Recent Findings: Promising findings have emerged from observational studies on the potential of dietary interventions to prevent early-life allergic disease although there is currently only weak evidence, in the form of randomised controlled trials, to inform recommendations that the use of these dietary supplements will prevent allergy at the population level. However, in the absence of appropriate alternatives and because the balance of probability of harm is low, some expert bodies are now recommending prevention strategies that are only supported by weak evidence. Recent findings show that there is not enough evidence to support the use of hypoallergenic formula in the prevention of allergies and infant feeding guidelines are now being revised. Summary: There is weak evidence to support the use of some dietary supplements, but not hypoallergenic infant formula, for the prevention of early-life allergic disease. © 2016, Springer Science + Business Media New York.