EAGAN, Minn.—A new study found that consumption of a milk-based children’s formula (by Mead Johnson Nutrition) helped healthy children between the ages of one and four, experience fewer episodes of allergy symptoms compared to healthy children consumer unfortified cow’s milk (FASEB Apr 2014. 28(1) Supplement 382.6). The results were presented at the Experimental Biology meeting in San Diego.

In the double blind, randomized, controlled trial, healthy children between the ages of one and four from two daycare centers in Brazil were given three servings per day of a cow’s milk-based follow-up formula with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), prebiotics, polydextrose and galactooligosaccharides, and beta-glucan or an unfortified cow’s milk-based beverage for up to 28 weeks.

The study found that children consuming the fortified formula had fewer episodes of allergic manifestations (AM), which included allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, wheezing, allergic cough, eczema and urticaria, and a lower hazard ratio for having AM. Wellmune WGP (from Biothera) is an ingredient in Mead Johnson Enfagrow and Enfakid Premium children nutritional products in numerous countries in Asia and Latin America.

“This research further demonstrates the importance of immune support and modulation for young children whose immune systems are still developing," said Richard G. Mueller, Biothera CEO.  “The study results are consistent with Biothera’s own research demonstrating that Wellmune WGP reduced allergy symptoms and improved the quality of life in adults."