Development of an enriched and hypoallergenic soup for infants: Preclinical study on rats

Abstract

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants, leading to digestive, skin, and respiratory symptoms. At the same time, infant malnutrition remains a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. This preclinical study aims to develop and evaluate a hypoallergenic soup designed for infants with CMPA, while also addressing essential nutritional needs to help prevent malnutrition. The experiment was conducted on laboratory rats subjected to induced malnutrition. The soup was formulated using ingredients selected for their high nutritional value and low allergenic potential, and was administered following a defined protocol. Key parameters assessed included weight gain, overall clinical condition, and specific biological markers. The results showed significant improvement in the nutritional status of the treated rats, with no observable allergic reactions. The soup contributed to growth recovery, improved biological indicators, and was well tolerated from a digestive perspective. These findings suggest that the developed soup could serve as a promising nutritional alternative for infants with CMPA, while also contributing to the prevention of infant malnutrition.