The FDA now acknowledges a potential link between infant nutrition choices and atopic dermatitis (AD)
AD is the most common allergic disease in infants. Due to evidence that 100% whey, partially hydrolyzed infant formula (100% W-pHF) may reduce the risk of AD, Nestlé petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration to allow a qualified health claim (QHC). FAQs about the QHC.
On May 24, 2011, the FDA concluded that the current scientific evidence was credible to support a QHC.
The claim is worded as follows:
Little scientific evidence suggests that, for healthy infants who are not exclusively breastfed and who have a family history of allergy, feeding a 100% whey protein partially hydrolyzed infant formula from birth up to 4 months of age instead of a formula containing intact cow's milk proteins may reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis throughout the 1st year of life. Partially hydrolyzed formulas should not be fed to infants who are allergic to milk or to infants with existing milk allergy symptoms.
GERBER® recommends breastfeeding as the best way to nourish infants
Watch a discussion about pediatric allergy and the impact of early feeding
Key studies on which the FDA based its conclusions
Learn more about infant feeding and allergy
GERBER® GOOD START® milk-based formulas are the first and only infant formulas that:
- Are made with 100% whey protein, partially hydrolyzed
- Meet the FDA criteria for a qualified health claim
Read the press release from GERBER®