Clinical and Translational Allergy published new data from the ASSIGN study. The first publication of the ASSIGN study (Pediatr Res 2018, Candy et al) demonstrated a hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula (AAF) including a specific synbiotic blend, used for 8 weeks, being able to bring the gut microbiota composition of infants with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) closer to that of healthy breastfed infants.
This second publication of the ASSIGN study reports results from the full study period (26 weeks). During this study infants could, after 8 weeks of study formula consumption, continue the study product or change to another type of formula as per advice by the clinician. Results show that beneficial effects on the gut microbiota composition were also observed over the full 26 weeks period.
The study product AAF formula including the specific synbiotic blend was shown safe1Burks A.W, et al. Pediatr. Allergy Immunol. Published on 2015, 26(4): p. 316-22. ,2Harvey B.M, et al. Pediatr.Res. Published on 2014, 75(2): p. 343-51 and well tolerated3Candy, et al. Pediatric Research, 2. Published on 017, 7(Supll 1): 10 for dietary management of infants with non-IgE mediated CMA.
Lucien Harthoorn, Research Program Leader Allergy at Danone Research & Innovation:
“Continuous research is important as not only do we see a trend towards a growing prevalence in food allergy, but also a rise in severity of the allergy. Additionally, an altered gut microbiota in early life appears to have consequences on potential related allergies later in life. By bringing the gut microbiota of CMA allergic infants closer to that of healthy breastfed infants it may be possible to go beyond the resolution of the acute allergic symptoms and this warrants further investigation. ASSIGN shows the efficacy of an AAF with synbiotics in eliminating symptoms but may also signpost a possible next step in the dietary management of CMA in those infants unable to breastfeed.”