What Is A Dairy Allergy
A dairy allergy is a reaction to certain components of cows milk. There are three components of cows milk that can cause allergic reactions: casein protein and whey protein.
Casein is the curd that forms when milk sours, and whey is the watery part that is left when the curd is taken out. Lactose is a sugar found in milk. Children can be allergic to either whey or casein, or both. Children are more likely to be lactose intolerant rather than have a full-blown allergy to lactose.
Dairy allergies have a wide variety of symptoms that may include hives, eczema, diarrhoea, skin rashes and wheezing. In a very few cases, milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis .
Avoiding A Milk Allergy Reaction
If You’re Breastfeeding
If your breastfed infant has a milk allergy, talk to the allergist before changing your diet.
If You’re Formula Feeding
If you’re formula feeding, your doctor may advise you to switch to an extensively hydrolyzed formula or an amino acid-based formula in which the proteins are broken down into particles so that the formula is less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
You also might see “partially hydrolyzed” formulas, but these aren’t truly hypoallergenic and can lead to a significant allergic reaction.
If you’re concerned about a milk allergy, it’s always best to talk with your child’s doctor and work together to choose a formula that’s safe for your baby.
Do not try to make your own formula. Commercial formulas are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and created through a very specialized process that cannot be duplicated at home. Other types of milk that might be safe for an older child with a milk allergy are not safe for infants.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your child’s doctor.
Can My Baby Develop Allergies Through My Breast Milk
- If your baby develops symptoms of an allergic reaction you should call your pediatrician.
- The symptoms will usually appear 3-6 hours after nursing.
- Your doctor might suggest that you eliminate common allergy foods from your diet, usually beginning with dairy products. Your babys symptoms should improve within 1-2 weeks.
- There are no recommendations to avoid any food while you are breastfeeding to prevent allergies. These restrictions are only recommended for breastfed babies who have developed symptoms.
For more information:
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Milk Intolerance In Babies And Children
6-minute read
Some babies and children have a reaction when they drink cow’s milk or formula made from cow’s milk. This could be due to 2 things: a lactose intolerance or an allergy to milk. If your child has one of these conditions, you will have to alter their diet to cut down on milk or avoid it altogether.
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- they are pale and floppy or unconscious
Should My Child Carry An Adrenaline Autoinjector
All allergists agree that children who have had a serious reaction with involvement of the breathing passages should have an adrenaline autoinjector. The need for other children to have an adrenalin autoinjector depends on a number of factors which should be discussed with your doctor.
If you have an adrenaline autoinjector it is very important that you understand how and when to use it and that you have a written anaphylaxis action plan provided by your doctor.
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Talking To Your Healthcare Provider
If your baby has symptoms of an allergy to milk protein, it may be hard to determine if the cause is a simple upset stomach or an allergy.
Dont try to diagnose the issue or change formulas yourself. Consult your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
Help your healthcare provider make the proper diagnosis with these tips:
- Keep a record of your babys eating habits and symptoms.
- If you breastfeed, keep a record of the foods you eat and how they affect your baby.
- Learn about your family medical history, especially any food allergies.
Can I Give My Infant Other Types Of Milk
There are a number of different types of milk, but it should not be assumed that these are suitable for a baby or child with a cowsâ milk allergy.
A soya formula is available for babies with milk intolerance, but infants with a cowsâ milk allergy can also react to soya, so a non-milk, non-soya formula is a better choice. But a soya formula can be given to a child from 6 months of age if an allergy specialist has established that the infant does not have a soya allergy. As soya formulas often have added glucose syrup as a sweetener, if you do give your infant a soya formula, ensure you take special care of your baby’s teeth.
Milk products from other animals such as goats, sheep, buffalo, and horses, should not be given to a child with a cows’ milk protein allergy. The proteins in their milk are similar to those in cows’ milk, so they can also trigger a reaction.
Soy, oat, coconut milk, and plant-based milk substitutes are not suitable as a replacement for infant formula, but can be given to children over 2 years old, and rice milk can be an option once they reach 4 1/2 years old. Look for brands that have been fortified with calcium.
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Can I Have Baked Milk
About 70% of children with a milk allergy can eat baked or extensively heated milk.5 Heating the milk changes the milk proteins and may trick the body into not reacting to them.
Baked milk typically refers to milk in a baked food that has been heated for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 F. If you have been diagnosed with an IgE-mediated milk allergy, talk with your doctor about whether or not you can have baked milk before you attempt to introduce it. There is a chance for a severe allergic reaction.
Where Else Can We Get The Nutrients That Dairy Milk Provides
Just a few examples:
Protein:Vegan optionsCalcium:Vitamin A:Vegan options:Vitamin D:
If your child has a dairy allergy or you simply want to avoid dairy for other reasons, there are different options to replace the nutrients that dairy provides in our traditional diet. The NutraMilk gives us access to easily make new alternative, healthy plant-based milks that offer important nutrients and can also be fortified with the missing nutrients if desired. These nutrients can also be obtained from other food sources as listed above. It’s a good idea to consult with your pediatrician and/or dietitian to make sure your child is eating a healthy and balanced diet for optimum growth and development.
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What Is The Milk Ladder
The milk ladder is a six-step approach to re-introducing milk, initially in a baked form alongside other proteins as this is less allergenic and moving stepwise in increasing amounts, other proteins and less baking time as it progresses.
There are specific recipes to accompany the first 3 steps on the milk ladder and its important not to alter these recipes which have been created in a specific way to measure tolerance.
If your child doesnt tolerate a certain step, they remain on the step before and include these foods in their diet until a date is arranged to try again.
If Your Baby Is Over 6 Months Of Age
A soya based infant formula may be a suitable alternative to standard formula assuming your baby can tolerate soya.
Its important not to give soya formula to babies under 6 months as the levels of oestrogens are too high for developing babies. You should also be aware that soya infant formula contains a type of sugar which isnt good for your babys teeth.
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Can I Have Goats Or Sheeps Milk If I Have A Milk Allergy
Cross-reactivity occurs when the proteins in one food are similar to the proteins in another. When that happens, your immune system sees them as the same. If you are allergic to cow’s milk, there is a very high chance you will react to milk from other mammals, such as goats or sheep. Studies have shown that about 90% of people with a milk allergy will react to goats milk or sheeps milk.3
The risk is much lower, about 5%, for mares milk or donkeys milk.
Vitamin And Mineral Supplements
Calcium
Whilst many of the alternative milks are fortified with calcium, the alternative milk products such as yoghurts and cheese are often not. For more information on calcium, see the BDA calcium fact sheet: https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/Calcium. pdf. If you are concerned that your child is not getting enough calcium in their diet, they may need a calcium supplement. Discuss this with your dietitian or GP.
Vitamin D
- Babies under one year of age receive a safe intake of 8.5mcg vitamin D
- Everyone over one year of age gets 10mcg vitamin D, including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
- Formula fed babies are likely to obtain an acceptable intake if consuming 600ml infant formula daily. If consuming less than this, a vitamin D containing supplement should be given.
- All breast-fed babies should be in receipt of a vitamin D containing supplement.
Breastfeeding mums following a cows milk free diet should continue to take their vitamin D supplement . A calcium supplement may also be needed unless mum is drinking around 1 litre of a calcium rich milk substitute daily. Your Dietitian can help with this.
Iodine
Milk and dairy products are the main sources of iodine, and very few milk substitutes are fortified with this. Try to include fish and eggs regularly in the diet as these are rich sources. See the BDA iodine fact sheet for more information: https://www.bda. uk.com/foodfacts/Iodine.pdf
Weaning
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How To Eat Out With Food Allergies
Here are a few steps that Megan suggests we follow if eating out with food allergies in the mix.
TIP: Here are a few ideas for restaurant chains that treat food allergies seriously.
Tips For Introducing Solid Foods To Your Baby
Watching your babys facial expressions as she samples new foods is sure to bring smiles to you both. You should savor this fun milestone while also taking some precautions. First, consult with your doctor before making any changes to your infants diet. Because infants who have cows milk allergy or who have a family history of food allergies have a greater chance of also being allergic to soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish, you may need to take particular care when introducing these foods. Your doctor can advise you on how and when to introduce potentially allergy-inducing foods, as well as educate you about what steps to take if your baby has an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties, vomiting or hives.
Follow these steps when introducing solid foods to your baby with cows milk allergy.
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What Is Milk Intolerance And Milk Allergy
Around 1 in 10 young children has a reaction when they drink cow’s milk. This could be because they have a lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. Milk allergy is much more common than lactose intolerance in children under 5.
Lactose intolerance is a problem with the digestive system it means your child doesn’t have the enzyme needed to digest lactose, which is the sugar in milk.
Milk allergy, however, is a problem with the immune system the body reacts to the protein in milk. An allergy usually involves other parts of the body as well as the stomach, and may cause symptoms such as a skin rash or swelling of the face.
Your doctor can confirm whether your child is lactose-intolerant or has a milk allergy by doing some medical tests. Don’t use unproven tests such as Vega, kinesiology, Alcat or allergy elimination tests for children. A milk intolerance is very unlikely to be the cause of mucus or coughing.
Many young children grow out of their intolerance or allergy. But don’t start giving them cow’s milk until your doctor tells you it’s safe to do so.
If I Am Allergic To Cows Milk Can I Eat Beef
The allergy to cows milk is specific to certain proteins found in the milk. Most people with milk allergy can eat beef. But about 13 to 20% of children who are allergic to milk may also be allergic to beef, especially undercooked or rare beef.6 If you have concerns about beef, talk with your doctor.
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Is Your Child Getting Enough Calcium
Cows milk and dairy products are the main source of calcium in our diet. When it isnt possible to use cows milk it is essential to make sure your child gets it from other sources such as calcium fortified soy milk. You need to discuss other options with your doctor and possibly a dietician to ensure your child meets their daily requirement for calcium that is so important for your child growing up.
Easy Family Meals To Serve Around Food Allergies
These easy dinners are the ones that Megan serves regularly since they are easy to customize for her family and serve without common food allergies.
ALLERGY-FRIENDLY TACOS:I have several varieties so we dont tire of them, like my Slow Cooker Pineapple Chipotle Pork Tacos, or my Chili Lime Chicken Tacos. Theyre customizable for each person and who doesnt love tacos? The one thing we all agree on: guacamole, which I love using for the healthy fats for my kids, since they dont get fat from typical kid sources like cheese.
ALLERGY-FRIENDLY SPAGHETTI:I love to make my gluten free dairy free ragu sauce, because it makes enough for one meal, and then I freeze the leftover sauce for nights when life gets crazywhich between allergist appointments, school, and sports with four kids that happens a lot. Plus spaghetti is never a hard sell to my kids, and its great finger food for toddlers. You can choose any noodles that work for your family.
BREAKFAST FOR DINNER: We love to do hash-browns , bacon and my pancakes for food allergies. This recipe also makes a ton, and my kids love to microwave leftovers for breakfasts for a few days after. Im all about making one thing and letting it stretch for a few days.
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Best Pantry Staples For Families With Food Allergies
Megan recommends starting with fresh fruits and vegetables since these are naturally allergy-free. My kids love to snack on cucumbers, sugar snap peas, bell peppers, apples, olives, bananas, pears and mandarin oranges. And, the best part about these? You can get them anywhere, no need to go to a specialty store for them! In addition, she stocks these foods in her pantry:
TIP: Always adjust what you buy based on the actual allergies in your house as every family will have different needs. By safe, I mean ones that are safe for your particular allergy situation.
Can My Child Grow Out Of Milk Allergy
Most infants and young children will grow out of their milk allergy. Children with the delayed reactions are more likely to outgrow their milk allergy at an earlier age than children with milk allergy due to IgE allergy antibodies. Approximately 90% of children with delayed and 50% with immediate reactions will grow out of their allergy by 3-5 years of age. Those children who have had more severe immediate reactions with breathing problems may be less likely to outgrow their allergy than children with milder reactions. Your doctor can determine whether your child has outgrown immediate milk allergy by monitoring the allergy tests every 12 months or so.
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How Is Cows Milk Allergy Managed
Cows milk allergy in children is managed through the removal of cows milk and other dairy products from their diet and substituting them with non-dairy-based alternatives . Most children with cows milk protein allergy are also allergic to milks from other animals and products made from these milks.1
How Is A Milk Allergy In Infants Diagnosed
If your baby has symptoms of either a milk allergy or milk intolerance, see your pediatrician. He or she will probably check for both with a physical exam, an examination of your babys stool, a discussion your family’s history of allergies and/or a skin-prick test.
If your doc thinks your baby may have a milk allergy or intolerance, then youll probably be asked to eliminate milk from your diet or switch to a different formula to see whether your newborns symptoms improve.
After your baby has been cows-milk-free for about a week, the doctor may have you reintroduce cows milk to see whether your little one has a reaction to it.
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What Foods Are Commonly Associated With Allergies
The most common allergies in infants come from milk, egg, wheat and soy products. However, these allergies often resolve when the child is 3-5 years old. While allergies from peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish can resolve, they are more likely to be carried into adulthood. While these foods are more associated with allergies, it does not mean they should be avoided. They only need to be avoided if your child has been diagnosed with a food allergy or you have discussed it with your pediatrician.
