MILK ALLEGIES
LACTIC OVERLOAD PROJECT
ALLERGIES
If a food allergy or intolerance is suspected in an infant, then they should be under close pediatrician supervision. The following is merely baseline information for parents and parents to be. Always consult a physician before making any changes to a child’s diet.
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RECOGNIZING I N FA N T M I L K A L L E R G I E S More than 100,000 babies suffer from a milk allergy each year. This condition causes digestive, respiratory and/or skin problems, but it is often very difficult to recognize, since infants are unable to put their discomfort into words. The following is a list of symptoms that may signal a potential milk allergy:
DIARRHEA Diarrhea is a common occurrence in babies, but if it is persists several times a day for more than a week, it could signal a milk allergy.
VOMITING Babies often spit up bits of food, but a doctor should examine vomiting beyond the typical mealtime regurgitation. Reflux symptoms, such as excessive spit-up and difficulty swallowing can also be milk allergy symptoms.
SKIN RASHES There are many causes of red rashes and eczema, but it may signal an underlying milk allergy.
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS Colds are common for infants, but wheezing, struggling to breathe and developing excess mucus in the nose and throat is not. In some instances, these respiratory problems could be the baby’s reaction to the proteins found in milk.
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ALLERGIES
A FEW KNOWN FACTS ARE IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHEN DEALING WITH A FOOD ALLERGIC CHILD:
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FOOD ALLERGY SYMPTOMS VARY IN SEVERITY. Some children may experience dramatic respiratory symptoms, while others may develop a simple rash. FOOD ALLERGY SYMPTOMS MAY BE DELAYED. An infant may experience allergic symptoms immediately upon feeding. However, the majority of allergic reactions are delayed, occurring a few hours to several days after consuming milk products. This can make diagnosis very difficult. Delayed reactions may include loose stools (possibly containing blood), vomiting, gagging, refusing food, irritability or colic, and skin rashes. Rapid-onset reactions come on suddenly with symptoms that can include irritability, vomiting, wheezing, swelling, hives, itchy bumps on the skin, and bloody diarrhea. In rare cases, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur and affect the baby’s skin, stomach, breathing, and blood pressure. THERE COULD BE MULTIPLE ALLERGENS. If your child is allergic to milk, they have a greater chance of being allergic to other foods as well. If a milk allergy has been confirmed, but symptoms persist upon removal, consider having your child tested for other food allergies.
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ALLERGIES
FEEDING OPTIONS 6
When a milk allergy or intolerance is considered, it is essential to consult with a physician for feeding recommendations and to monitor your child’s condition. The following is a list of the options that may be useful to know about when speaking with your pediatrician.
BREASTFEEDING The primary benefit of breast milk is nutrition. Human milk contains just the right amount of fatty acids, lactose, water, and amino acids for human digestion, brain development, and growth. It also contains at least 100 beneficial ingredients not found in formula. Babies are not allergic to their mother’s milk, although they may have a reaction to something their mother eats. Babies with allergies or sensitivities may react adversely towards proteins within these foods, as they find their way into the breast milk. In cases of milk-allergic infants, nursing mothers would most likely be advised to follow a dairy-free diet. A lactose-free diet would not be sufficient since it is the proteins in milk, not the lactose, which instigates allergic reactions.
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ALLERGIES
INFANT FORMULAS HERE ARE A FEW TYPES OF INFANT FORMULA TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN: Soy Protein-Based Formula Soy formulas are readily available, however, many doctors have differing opinions as to whether these are the best option. Some babies who are allergic to cow milk also have a sensitivity or allergy to soy. Do not confuse soy formula with soymilk; soymilk is not suitable for infants. Hydrolyzed Formula Hydrolyzed formulas are made from cow milk, but the proteins have been broken down or “pre-digested” to be less allergenic. Partially hydrolyzed formulas are of little benefit against milk allergies. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas may provide allergy symptom relief, and are frequently recommended by doctors as a first trial. 8
Amino Acid-Based Formula Not all infants with cow milk allergies respond to hydrolyzed formulas. For these babies, amino acid-based formula is often the next option. It contains protein in its simplest form (amino acids are the building blocks of proteins). Though it is derived from cow milk, amino acid based formulas have a high rate of success among dairy allergic infants. However, this type of formula is extremely expensive, and not always covered by health insurance. The most well known brand of amino acid based formula is Neocate® (www.neocate.com, (800) 365-7354 – U.S., (877) 636-2283 - Canada). Lactose-Free Formula In rare instances, babies may be born with congenital lactose intolerance. In this case, a lactose-free formula may be essential. Also, secondary lactase deficiency often occurs in babies suffering from acute diarrhea. In this case, a pediatrician may recommend the temporary use of a soy or lactose-free formula.
Formulas available in the United States are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been created through a very specialized process that cannot be duplicated at home. Regular, commercially available soymilk, goat milk, rice milk, and almond milk are not considered to be safe alternatives for infant formula.
ONCE YOU SWITCH YOUR BABY TO ANOTHER FORMULA, THE MILK ALLERGY SYMPTOMS SHOULD GO AWAY IN 2 TO 4 WEEKS IF THE NEW FORMULA IS SUCCESSFUL.
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ALLERGIES
TODDLER TIME AFTER THEIR FIRST YEAR, YOUR PEDIATRICIAN MAY HAVE SOME OTHER OPTIONS TO RECOMMEND FOR YOUR MILK ALLERGIC CHILD: Milk Introduction Even in children who have been milk allergic, doctors may recommend the gradual introduction of cow milk after one year of age. Some may have outgrown their allergy by this time, while others may not. Reintroduction of cow milk should always be done under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is up to the parents and their pediatrician to decide the diet that their child should follow.
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Many children must live with a milk allergy throughout their growing years and into adulthood. Parents with a milk allergic child, or who opt to promote a dairy-free lifestyle in the home, may sometimes feel restricted in their selections.
CHILDHOOD AND BEYOND FOLLOW VEGAN FAMILY RECOMMENDATIONS. Though the information is limited for raising a child in a dairy-free household, vegan resources are abundant. If your family is most definitely omnivorous, it is simple to add meat, eggs, or fish to most vegan main dishes. JOIN FORCES. Seek out or start a food allergy or dairy-free support group in your local area or virtually. Food allergy moms around the world have united via local groups and international Internet groups. These groups can offer everything from real world discussions on food allergies in school to recipe exchanges.
A FEW GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS I HAVE FOUND INCLUDE: DON’T IGNORE HEALTHY FATS. Many parents are concerned that their children may not be getting adequate fat for growth and weight gain in the early years. Soymilk contains the most fat of the obvious dairy alternatives, which is similar to that of 2% milk. However, regular coconut milk (which can be used for pudding, soup, ice cream, etc.), avocados, and the wide array of nut butters are rich in plant-based fats. ASK FOR HELP. Dealing with food allergies is no time to be shy. Ask questions, make requests, and help inform. When you come across people or companies that are resistant or unhelpful, then it is a red flag that this may not be the best option anyway. However, you may be surprised by how many “safe” foods you discover, and what companies and restaurants are more than accommodating. GET THEM INVOLVED. Special diets can involve more made-from-scratch foods. Let children help in baking cookies, preparing snacks, and reading recipes. Not only will it be an excellent bonding experience, but it will also help them to better understand and cope with their diet in the future. Plus, you will have better odds in getting your little ones to eat some broccoli if they were the ones to stir those steamed florets into the pasta salad!
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