Cow milk protein allergy in children

Have you heard about cow's milk protein allergy in children? We will tell you how to distinguish it from lactose intolerance as they are often confused.

Did you know that the most common allergy in children is cow's milk protein? It is one of the first allergies to develop in children, as cow's milk is usually introduced into the diet before the age of one year before other potentially allergenic products.

This allows doctors to detect it early and start treatment as soon as possible to avoid problems in the future.

It usually affects 2% of children and persists into adulthood. The most important thing here is to distinguish between allergies and lactose intolerance. Why? Because in the case of allergies, the list of products to avoid is much longer. For this reason, it is important to pay attention to the possibility of this occurrence, especially if your child is eating lunch at school.

Would you like to know how to detect it and what to do when an allergic reaction occurs? Read on and we'll explain it to you. We also outline below what children allergic to milk protein can eat and how to prepare meals to avoid cross-reactions.

Cow's milk protein allergy - diagnosis and symptoms

It should be remembered that an allergy is a response of the immune system to a given allergen, so experts detect it using IgE antibodies in the blood. There are 2 ways to evaluate them: skin examination and blood test.

On the one hand, a skin test involves injecting an allergen under the skin and watching for a red rash and itching. In the case of children, this method is the least invasive, so it is most often used. On the other hand, a blood test allows you to assess the reaction of your blood cells to the milk protein.

The medical history of the patient and his family should also be taken into account, the age at which symptoms first appear, and the time between ingestion of the allergen and the onset of symptoms.

In general, an allergy can be identified by itching and reddening of the skin. In addition, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and respiratory pain may also occur several hours after consuming a product containing cow protein.

Treatment with a diet

Unlike lactose intolerance, it is not only dairy products that cause adverse reactions. These proteins also contain veal and its derivatives such as burgers, sausages and cannelloni.

In addition, there is a great similarity between milk proteins and goat and sheep meat. Therefore, they should be avoided as well as other sources of lactoglobulin and casein.

These proteins are also found in sauces, preserves, ready meals, chocolate, cocoa, cereals, some breads, sausages and candies. This is because they are used as additives and can even be found in soaps, body creams and medicines.

Before buying any product, it is enough to read the label or ask the seller for advice, as each manufacturer is required to provide a list of the ingredients of the food products.

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However, if the product contains only traces of certain substances, they do not need to be included on the label. These amounts are considered too small to cause any harm. In most cases, their presence is due to cross-contamination as they are prepared on the same production lines.

So, if you are unsure whether a product is free from cow's milk protein, better not buy it.

Finally, be sure to use separate utensils for food preparation that do not contain this allergen. It is best to prepare them in separate places to avoid contact and cross-contamination. Remember to clean all surfaces and pots well after use.

Alternative products for children allergic to cow's milk protein

As for dairy products, you can buy the intensely hydrolyzed ones that do not contain the allergenic protein. You can also try the following alternative products with the following recommendations in mind:

• It is recommended to give soy milk to children over 12 months of age.
• Rice milk is not a recommended substitute for regular milk as it contains large amounts of arsenic, a toxic soil mineral.
• Other drinks, such as those based on oats or nuts, can be consumed without problem. Their nutritional value is not comparable to that contained in regular milk, as it contains practically no proteins. However, they are full of carbohydrates and high-quality fats.
• Choose products without added sugar and, if possible, those that are enriched with vitamin D and calcium.

As for meat, you can give your baby chicken, rabbit, turkey as they are quite tender. In addition, combining meat with citrus or paprika improves iron absorption.

Living with an Allergy to Cow's Milk Protein

It's normal to have many questions popping up in your head when you find out that your baby is allergic to cows' milk protein. We have already answered many of them.

The problem is that this protein is found in many staple foods that play an important role in healthy bone growth and preventing anemia. However, there are products with the same properties, for example broccoli, Brussels sprouts, almonds, beans, fish and meat.

Also, when you are dealing with an allergy for the first time, you need to be extra careful when buying food or eating out. It is worth finding out more information on this to avoid accidental contact with the allergen.

Therefore, you should always carry epinephrine with you in case of anaphylactic shock. It manifests itself, inter alia, with difficulty breathing, dizziness, sweating and tachycardia.