FORMULA ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE

There are two major types of adverse reactions in infant formulas: (1) formula allergy/hypersensitivity, which is an immunologic response, a nd (2) formula intolerance, which is a nonimmunologic response. Formul a intolerance can occur in infants with an underlying congenital or ac quired enzyme deficiency (disaccharidase deficiency, galactosemia, her editary fructose intolerance). The clinical presentation, diagnosis, a nd treatment of both reactions are reviewed in this article. The appro priateness of the use of a variety of infant formulas is discussed. Gu idelines for the prevention of allergic disease are described as well.