Explaining Milk Protein Allergies in Babies

Do you have a baby that is often times fussy, grunts in pain and passes watery stools? A milk protein allergy may be the culprit; 2 – 3% of newborns are allergic to milk. Food intolerances are on the rise in Western countries, and though no one knows exactly why, several theories do exist.

1. The first is that we have become too sterile—the Purell before touching baby, the antibacterial soap we’re constantly washing our hands with—this causes an infant to have less exposure to germs. Since the body lacks “real” threats, it turns on itself by attacking proteins.
2. Another theory is that we are constantly ingesting environmental pollutants. As a result, the fetus becomes saturated with them, and is unable to cope with the body’s natural chemicals such as proteins.
3. Thirdly, the enzymes needed to breakdown various foods are simply not being produced by babies.

Different than being lactose intolerant (when a person doesn’t produce the enzyme lactase, which is required to break down and digest the sugar found in milk), a milk protein allergy is when a person’s immune system thinks that the milk protein is a foreign body, and it should be fought off. This causes an allergic reaction, which results in stomach discomfort. Usually, if a baby is allergic to cow’s milk, they’ll most likely be allergic to goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, and the protein in soy milk, which means that breastfeeding mothers should cut off consumption of dairy entirely.

There are several types of allergic reactions that can be seen as a result of milk. Most common are:

baby becomes colicky showing signs of reflux is unsettled and unable to sleep prone to crying fits is not putting on weight has excessive wind

stomach pain loose stools frequently vomits up whole feeds diarrhea runny, green stools raised red blotches on the skin (hives)

Unfortunately, these are also signs of other reactions to foods as well. To determine if your baby is allergic to milk protein, there are several tests that your pediatrician may order, including a stool and blood test. An allergy skin test may also be done where a small amount of the milk protein is inserted just under the surface of the skin. If a raised spot (which is called a wheal) emerges, your child may have a milk allergy.

Your pediatrician may also have you eliminate all dairy from your diet (if breastfeeding) or if formula feeding, switch to a non-dairy formula. In a week, he/she will have you reintroduce dairy to see if an allergic reaction occurs.

A less common reaction to dairy is anaphylaxis. Usually associated with peanuts, this is when a child goes into anaphylactic shock minutes after ingesting the food. Their face, mouth, and tongue will start to swell, making it difficult to breathe. Hives, itchy rash and flushing and severe vomiting may also occur. If this happens, you need to seek medical attention immediately as anaphylaxis can be fatal. Luckily, anaphylaxis is rare.

If your child does get diagnosed with a milk allergy, do remember the positives--most will outgrow the allergy by the time they reach their second or third birthday and that today, there are so many milk alternatives on the market, it will be easier to make dairy free choices.