What is allergy to cow’s milk?

A milk allergy is an abnormal reaction by the immune system to protein found in milk.  Two major milk proteins include:

·        Casein

·        Whey

Who develops an allergy to cow’s milk?

A  true milk allergy is fairly uncommon and occurs mostly in children.  Many children will outgrow the allergy.  Breastfed infants are less likely to develop a milk allergy than formula fed infants.  And, children with a parent and/or sibling with allergies are at greater risk of developing allergies themselves.

Possible Symptoms of Milk Allergy

·        Abdominal pain

·        Blood in stool

·        Breathing problems

·        Constipation

·        Diarrhea

·        Hives

·        Vomiting

Many people that claim they have a milk allergy actually have lactose intolerance.  Lactose is the sugar that is naturally present in milk and is broken down by the enzyme lactase.  People with lactose intolerance do not have enough of the enzyme to break down all of the lactose that they get from food.  The lactose remains in the gut and may cause symptoms including:

·        Bloating

·        Cramping

·        Gas

·        Diarrhea

·        Vomiting

A person with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of milk as well as other milk products like cheese or yogurt.

It is important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis of your symptoms.  You may need to avoid milk and other milk products if you have a true allergy.

Foods to Avoid

You will need to read food labels to identify milk and milk ingredients as well as food items that contain milk if you have a milk allergy.  The following ingredients mean that milk protein is in a food item:

 Buttermilk

Casein

Caseinate(ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium)

Cheese

Cottage cheese

Cream

Curds

Demineralized whey

Delactosed whey

Lactalbumin

Lactoglobulin

Lactose

Milk (condensed, dry, evaporated, whole, low-fat, malted, non-fat, skimmed)

Milk powder

Milk solids

Whey

Whey powder

Whey protein concentrate

Milk provides many important nutrients including protein, calcium, phosphorous, riboflavin, as well as vitamins A, D and B12.  A Registered Dietitian can help you replace these nutrients in your diet if you need to avoid milk and milk products.