Worried about allergies? You’re certainly not alone. Almost 20% of Australians have some kind of allergic disorder, including about 40-50% of children.
In fact, studies have shown that Australian kids have the highest prevalence of food allergy in the world!
This is probably why The Wiggles have that really catchy song about allergies. (Good luck getting that out of your head.)
Some allergies are quite manageable, but those that can cause anaphylaxis such as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) are no joke. A baby with serious allergies that can’t breastfeed needs proper medical support and an appropriate anti-allergy formula. (Note: we don’t recommend Oli6 Goat Milk Formula for CMPA.)
If you’re worried about your little one’s tolerance of milk or certain foods, definitely check in with your paediatrician first. And read on to learn more about the relationship between goat’s milk formula and allergies.
What even is an allergy? (Formula options aside)
In an infant’s first few years of life, their body is highly engaged in building its immune response. The incessant sickness your kid brings home from daycare is all part of it, helping to build their tolerance against viruses and infection.
Whether they’re fed breast milk or formula, allergies can still surface in this time: a case of the immune system gone wild.
With allergies, instead of protecting the body, the immune system detects a harmless substance (like milk protein) as a threat, and creates antibodies to fight it off. The result? A
plethora of uncomfortable at best, life-threatening at worst symptoms.
An atopic (AKA allergic) response to pollen is one of the less intrusive types. A cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA or simply CMA) is one of the worst types. Potentially leading to a scary anaphylactic response, CMPA needs to be managed with a specialised formula for allergies, if the baby is formula fed.
What’s in Oli6 that relates to immune and gut health?
Let’s get this straight: No newborn formula can guarantee to prevent allergies. Allergic responses are often genetic in nature. They go hand in hand with conditions like eczema and asthma. But in place of breast milk, formula should supply the vital nutrients needed to support healthy immune development in the first place.
Enter: Oli6 Goat Milk Formula.
While it’s not a formula for allergies, Oli6 contains ingredients that support a healthy gut microbiome and contribute to normal immune function — which is why some families with unsettled or sensitive infants choose it.
HMOs
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a type of milk sugar present in breast milk. They’re primarily involved in supporting immunity and gut health, including lowering the risk of allergic disorders.
While a formula feeding newborn won’t have as much exposure to HMOs as a breastfed baby, goat’s milk formula is naturally higher in HMOs compared to cow’s milk formula.
Probiotic BB536
Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum BB536 is one of the most extensively researched probiotic strains used in infant formula. Research suggests BB536 may support a healthy gut microbiome — and a healthy gut microbiome is associated with healthy immune development. It forms part of our SynbiOli™ synbiotic blend alongside zinc and vitamin C, which contribute to normal immune function.
Is Oli6 Goat Milk Formula suitable for CMPA?
No.
Oli6 Goat Milk Formula is not a suitable option for babies and children with a fully fledged cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy warns parents and practitioners not to use goat’s milk formula for children with CMPA. It also advises steering clear of:
- Standard infant formula including anti-regurgitation, lactose free, organic, newborn, and follow on.
- Other mammal milks and formula.
- A2 formula.
It’s important to note that:
- Oli6 is not a dairy-free infant formula – Goat’s milk contains similar proteins to cow’s milk, and may produce a similar allergic response with CMPA.
- Oli6 is not a lactose-free infant formula – While it contains less lactose than cow’s milk, there’s still some in there! (Even breast milk contains lactose, by the way.)
Oli6 Goat Milk Formula may be tolerated by some kids with mild lactose intolerance. It may also be an option for people with cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI). But always exercise caution with your little one’s allergies and intolerances. Consult with a paediatrician for advice on formula for allergies.
What’s a good formula for CMPA?
When it comes to choosing the right formula for allergies, it will depend on the allergy severity and your baby’s unique needs.
In Australia, babies with CMPA who can’t breastfeed and need to take formula will often get started on a rice protein based formula. Other suitable options may include:
- Extensively hydrolysed formula – a cow’s milk based formula with the casein protein broken down into smaller parts.
- Amino acid based formula – this formula is made from amino acids, without any complete proteins. The basis is not milk, and this type of formula is considered the most hypoallergenic option.
- Soy based formula – which is less commonly prescribed, as many children with CMPA will also react to soy.
If your child has CMPA, you’ll need to chat to your paediatrician for specialised advice on a suitable allergy formula.
What else should we know about goat’s milk formula and allergies?
We’re glad you asked! It’s interesting to note that research on goat’s milk formula is still fairly minimal, and we’re learning more about its potential all the time.
While Oli6 Goat Milk Formula isn’t suitable for CMPA, there’s a growing body of research into how goat milk formula’s oligosaccharide and protein structure interacts with gut microbiome development. Speak to your healthcare professional about whether Oli6 is right for your family’s situation.
Again, always speak to your healthcare professional before trying out a new type of formula. And if you do choose to give Oli6 Goat Milk Formula a try, follow the Transition Guide and preparation instructions to a tee!
