Cow Milk Allergy in Babies

 

Cow Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is a Common Food Allergy in Infancy

 

Cow milk, a childhood staple and a key source of vital nutrients, is also the most common food allergen in early life. Like many allergic disorders, researchers and doctors aren’t sure of the exact cause of cow milk allergy or why some infants develop a milk allergy while others do not. Researchers are working to better understand factors that may contribute to cow milk allergy. Cow milk protein allergy is sometimes referred to as cow milk allergy (CMA).

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system misidentifies a food as harmful. Generally, it is the proteins in foods that cause this reaction. The body makes antibodies against the food. Eating the food then triggers an immune response, releasing histamine and other chemicals that produce allergic symptoms.

Food allergy symptoms may occur right after consuming the food or hours and even days later. Common food allergy symptoms may affect the respiratory system or the digestive system. They can also affect the skin. Some people have food allergies so severe that they are at risk for a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis affects multiple areas of the body at once.

WHAT IS COW MILK ALLERGY?

WHAT IS COW MILK ALLERGY?

Cow milk allergy is an allergic reaction that usually occurs soon after your child consumes milk or products containing milk. Signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe. They can include vomiting and diarrhea. Or, you might see skin rashes like atopic dermatitis (eczema) or hives, or respiratory issues like wheezing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur. Milk from sheep, goats, buffalo, and other mammals also can cause allergies.

WHO IS AFFECTED BY COW MILK ALLERGY?

WHO IS AFFECTED BY COW MILK ALLERGY?

Cow milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infancy and in the first few years of life. About two-to-three out of every 100 infants in the United States are diagnosed with a cow milk allergy. Cow milk allergy typically begins in infancy and early childhood and is less common in older children and adults. Approximately one million infants and children under 18 in the U.S. have a cow milk allergy.

WHEN DO BABIES OUTGROW MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY?

WHEN DO BABIES OUTGROW MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY?

All children are different. Many children outgrow it by three-to-five years of age. Some outgrow it by early adulthood. Your medical specialist can help you track your child’s tolerance for cow milk protein. Learn More.

Get More Details on Cow Milk Allergy in Babies and Children

Get More Details on Cow Milk Allergy in Babies and Children

SYMPTOMS
Cow milk allergy can be hard to recognize. Learn the signs and symptoms.

CAUSES
Why do babies get cow milk allergy? Read the discussion.

DIAGNOSIS
Find out what to do if you suspect your baby may have a cow milk allergy.

DIET/MANAGEMENT
Your baby has a cow milk allergy. Now what? You can handle this! Learn how.

Advocacy Groups

Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT)

A national nonprofit organization that educates, advocates, and raises awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Whether it’s keeping children safe at school, responding to food allergy bullying, traveling, preparing for college, dealing with workplace issues, or simply taking the family out for dinner, FAACT has all the facts you need to manage food allergies and stay healthy. FAACT is a voice for food allergy awareness.

 

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

A nonprofit organization formed in 2012 through a merger of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI). FARE works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis.

 

GIKids

Provides information for kids and parents on digestive and nutritional disorders, including cow milk allergy. This site provides easy-to-understand information about the managing pediatric digestive conditions. Learn how they are diagnosed, the treatment and management, and explore the patient and parent resources.

 

Kids with Food Allergies

Kids with Food Allergies offers daily assistance and practical food allergy management help. It has a large online peer support group focused on children’s food allergies — a good place for giving and getting help with food ideas, recipes, and cooking challenges.

Registration is free.

 

 

Cow Milk Allergy Products

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which Neocate products are right for you.

Neocate® Syneo® Infant
Neocate® Syneo® Infant
The first and only hypoallergenic formula with prebiotics and probiotics, specifically designed for food-allergic infants.
Learn More
Neocate® Splash
Neocate® Splash
The first and only ready-to-feed hypoallergenic formula designed to address the growing nutritional and lifestyle needs of toddlers, older children and teens. Available in: Unflavored, Orange-Pineapple, Grape, and Tropical.
Learn More
Neocate® Infant DHA/ARA
Neocate® Infant DHA/ARA
Neocate® Infant is the original hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula, designed for food-allergic infants.
Learn More
Neocate® Nutra
Neocate® Nutra
The first and only hypoallergenic, amino acid-based, solid food. Pudding style consistency, ideal for spoon feeding.
Learn More
Neocate® Junior
Neocate® Junior
The only hypoallergenic formula that is available with or without prebiotic fiber to help support digestive health and specifically designed to address the growing nutritional and lifestyle needs of toddlers and older children. Available in: Unflavored, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate and Tropical.
Learn More
Duocal
Duocal
A unique energy supplement that can be added to foods and beverages without altering the taste or texture when more calories are needed in the diet.
Learn More

View All Products

Further Resources
 
8 Common Signs and Symptoms of a Cow Milk Allergy
Learn More
 
Baby Rashes from A to Z (Acne to Eczema!) and When Is It a Milk Allergy?
Learn More
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