Milk allergy - symptoms, differentiation from lactose intolerance

A milk allergy is an immune reaction to milk protein. Find out how it manifests itself, what you should avoid and how you can alleviate symptoms naturally.

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Wissenswertes über "Milk allergy"

The milk allergy is a genuine food allergy in which the immune system overreacts to milk protein

In contrast to lactose intolerance, in which the milk sugar (lactose) is not digested properly, milk allergy is an immune reaction, often of the type.nbsp;immune reaction, often of the type IgE-mediated. Particularly affected are infants and young children, in whom the allergy often regresses with age.

Symptoms range from skin rash, eczema, abdominal cramps, Diarrhoea, vomiting up to breathing difficulties or in extreme cases anaphylactic shock. The symptoms often occur shortly after the consumption of dairy products . Common triggers are the proteins casein and β-lactoglobulin, which are found in milk, yoghurt, cheese, cream and many processed foods.

The most important measure for milk allergy is consistent avoidance of dairy products. Substitutes are plant-based milk alternatives (e.g. oat, rice or almond milk) and a targeted supply of calcium, vitamin D, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to compensate for nutrient deficiencies. Children should receive individual advice from allergists and nutritional therapists. In some cases, an oral tolerance induction is also medically supported.

Typical symptoms of milk allergy:

Abdominal pain, Bloating, Diarrhoea, Vomiting
Skin rash, Neurodermatitis-like eczema
Breathing difficulties, cough, rhinitis
In severe cases anaphylactic reactions
complaints usually a few minutes to hours after milk intake

Differentiation from lactose intolerance:

Milk allergy: immunological, affects proteins (casein, whey)
Lactose intolerance: enzymatic, affects milk sugar (lactose)
Allergy can be life-threatening, intolerance is usually ""only"" unpleasant

Treatment & Prevention:

Dairy-free diet (incl. hidden ingredients in processed products)
Substitution of important micronutrients: Calcium, vitamin D, B12, omega-3
In children: regular review of tolerance development

Literature references

Fiocchi, A. et al (2010): World Allergy Organization (WAO) diagnosis and rationale for action against cow's milk allergy. World Allergy Organ J.
Host, A. et al. (2002): Cow's milk allergy and intolerance in infants. Pediatr Allergy Immunol.
Sicherer, S.H. (2011): Epidemiology of food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol.