Milk allergy in infants is fairly common. Breastmilk is the sole source of nutrition and energy for babies for the first six months, and babies seldom show signs of allergies to breastmilk. However, formula milk or cow’s milk may trigger allergic reactions. Further, the signs and symptoms of the allergy are typically evident immediately or within an hour or two of consuming the milk. Read on to learn more about milk allergy in babies, including its causes, signs, treatment, and substitutes you may use in place of milk to provide the required nutrition.
What Is Milk Allergy?
Milk allergy is the condition when the body’s immune system mistakes the milk protein to be a foreign body or something that harms the body and attacks it (1). Since the immune system behaves defensively, like it would when fighting a pathogen, the body displays symptoms of an illness. About 2-3% babies suffer from a milk allergy. Do note that we are referring to allergy related to the milk sourced from animals. And that brings us to the next question.
Can A Baby Be Allergic To Breastmilk?
No. An infant cannot be allergic to breastmilk since it is made specifically for consumption by the human infant (2). The American Academy of Pediatrics states that if the infant is showing signs of allergy to breastmilk, it could be an allergy to a substance that the mother has eaten (3). An infant could exhibit allergy-like symptoms after consuming breastmilk. But that could be an allergy to the animal-milk proteins, which the mother could have consumed earlier and passed to the baby through breastmilk. This happens only when the mother passes on allergy from the milk she has consumed.
Can Milk Allergy Result In Formula Allergy?
Yes. Formulas contain proteins derived from cow milk. It means, an infant with milk allergy will also have an allergy to formula milk.
Is Milk Allergy Same As Lactose Intolerance?
No. The two are different.
What Causes Milk Allergy In Babies?
The causes of milk allergy are not known. The physiology of the condition is that when food passes into the small intestine, the immune system mistakes it to be a foreign body and attacks it, causing an allergic reaction. Genetics and environmental factors seem to be the fundamental cause of food allergies, while other factors increase an infant’s risk of developing milk allergy (4).
What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Milk Allergy?
A baby can be at a greater risk of developing a milk allergy in the following scenarios: If your baby has any of these risk factors, then be alert and check for any symptoms of allergy.
What Are The Symptoms Of Milk Allergy In Babies?
The symptoms appear a few minutes to several hours after the consumption of milk or milk products. A baby with milk allergy will display the following signs (8): The above symptoms occur at a higher intensity in the cases of severe allergic reaction to milk. Such a situation is called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. Take your baby to a doctor as soon as you spot any symptoms of milk allergy.
How Is Milk Allergy In Infants Diagnosed?
Milk allergy is diagnosed using the following two methods: Treatment of milk allergy is often the biggest concern for the parents.
How Is Milk Allergy In Babies Treated?
Milk allergies can only be managed but not treated (10). Here is how it can be managed (11): There is no doubt that the baby has to avoid milk entirely. But doesn’t that deprive the baby of nutrients?
What To Feed A Baby With Milk Allergy?
The following foods are excellent, nutritionally equivalent, substitutes for cow milk: Your baby won’t miss the nutrition provided by milk when you substitute it with equally nutritious solid foods. But did you know that milk protein could be hiding in foods where you least expect it?
Can Milk Allergy Also Cause Dairy Allergy?
Yes. Milk allergy is not just allergy to liquid milk, but also to other milk or dairy products. Milk proteins are found in some non-dairy, packaged products. The following is the list of products to avoid when the baby has a milk allergy (15):
All dairy products including cheese, cottage cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and milk desserts like custard
Foods containing casein, whey, and lactose
Creams and sour creams
Chocolates and candies
Baked products, especially milk bread
Canned fish; it often contains added milk proteins for better taste
Always check the labeling of the food you purchase to prevent accidental exposure to milk proteins.
Do Babies Outgrow Milk Allergy?
Yes. Experts state that infants can outgrow milk allergy by the time they are three to four years old. However, some continue to be allergic to milk until they are in their teenage. About 80% of children outgrow milk allergy by the time they are 16 years old (16). The chances of that, however, depending on the severity of the allergy.
How To Prevent Milk Allergy In Infants?
There is no single and specific method to prevent the onset of milk allergy. However, you can take precautions to minimize the risk of a baby developing a milk allergy:
Introduce milk only after 12 months. While this does not guarantee the prevention of milk allergy, it reduces the chances of it.
Introduce milk gradually. Do not start with a bottle full of it. Instead, start with small quantities so that the body gets adequate time to get used to the new food. Also, if the baby turns out to be allergic, a small quantity of milk may elicit a weaker allergic reaction.
FPIES can be hard to detect during blood tests since it does not cause the formation of antibodies like those seen in milk allergy. Observation of symptoms and their pattern can help a pediatrician diagnose FPIES.
