Milk Allergy
Milk allergy occurs when the immune system respond adversely to cow's milk. Cow's milk is a predominant food allergen because of the protein/s it contains.
There are two types of protein in cow's milk, namely whey and casein. Whey is the watery liquid that is left when the curd is removed from cow's milk. Whey is around 20% of the total milk protein. It contains 2 major proteins: lactalbumin and beta-lactaglobulin.
The curd, which is usually made into cheese and other products, is the casein. The casein in cow's milk is about 80% of the total milk protein. It is the essential allergen in cheese, and the more casein the harder the cheese.
Infants are the usual milk allergen victims since they ingest milk 100% of the time. Studies show that 2%-3% of infants are inflicted with milk allergen, but most of them outgrow it in the first few years. 60% of these infants outgrow their milk allergies at age 4. 8% outgrow the condition by age 6. However, there are other infants that do not outgrow milk allergy that may have continued until adulthood.
Although it is normal for infants to acquire milk allergy, it is also normal for some adults to acquire it sometime in their life.
Symptoms
Milk allergy is a type of food allergy and the respiratory and digestive system is the most common areas that respond to the allergic reaction.
- Skin reactions:
- itchy red rashes
- eczema
- hives
- black eyes
- swelling or the mouth, lips, face, tongue or throat
- Respiratory system reactions:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- watery eyes
- nasal congestion
- wheezing
- itchy eyes
- coughing
- anaphylactic shock
- shortness of breath
- Digestive system reactions:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- gas
- vomiting
- bloating
- abdominal cramps
- Others:
- reddish earlobes
- hazy eyes
- bedwetting
- lethargy
- inattentiveness
The best solution to milk allergy is preventive maintenance. Avoiding the foods with milk cow and milk cow proteins should always be practiced to prevent adverse effects. Processed meats may have milk and can have hidden allergens. Non-dairy products may also have casein.
Substituting cow's milk is a good idea. But try to avoid goat's milk as well as soy milk since these too can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Alternatives such as fruit juices, vegetables and supplements can supply the much needed protein and calcium that milk has. Eat more fish and seafood to get more calcium.
Vitamin D is an essential supplement that helps calcium absorption. It can come from liver, eggs and sunlight. A dietary supplement can also be a good alternative.
Milk allergy should not be a fearful experience. There are alternative foods that can replenish the much needed nutrient from it. For infants, breast milk is still number one.
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