Growth Patterns of Indonesian Infants with Cow's Milk Allergy and Fed with Soy-Based Infant Formula

PURPOSE: The use of soy-based infant formula has increased widely in infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA). This study aimed to provide evidence on the growth pattern of CMA infants fed with soy-based infant formula in an Indonesian setting. METHODS: A multi-site, intervention study was conducted among full-term and normal birth weight CMA infants. Within six months, the subjects were provided with a soy-based infant formula. Weight, height, and head circumference were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Adverse events were recorded by scoring atopic dermatitis and symptom-based clinical scores. RESULTS: Based on the World Health Organization growth chart, we found that most of subjects had normal nutritional status for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and head-circumference-for-age. There were statistically significant differences between baseline and end-line for weight-for-age, length-for-age, weight-for-length, and head circumference-for-age nutritional status. No allergic symptoms or intolerance toward soy formula were observed at the end of the intervention period. CONCLUSION: These results show that infants fed with soy-based infant formula have a normal pattern of growth.