Milk Allergies Not To Be Confused With Lactose Intolerance

Milk Allergies Not To Be Confused With Lactose Intolerance
by Bob Cotto

other food type allergies. If they are under 4 months and are fed formula, it may be
their only food source.

Two types of allergic reactions occur - delayed and immediate. Immediate reactions
will occur practically straight away after a feeding and delayed reactions can occur 3
or 4 weeks after the first feeding. Symptoms may present anywhere from day 1 to
six weeks.

Allergies to formula can occur and because of the large numbers of children with
cow's milk allergies, manufacturers have developed hypoallergenic formulations that
meet FDA standards for minimum infant nutrition requirements.

Some infant formulas are soy based and contain additives because soy milk is
naturally deficient in some fatty acids and amino acids that are essential for the
proper development of a baby's neurological system.

Milk allergies develop because a baby's immune system erroneously treats milk
protein as dangerous and wants to eliminate it and can result in the baby crying,
feeling fussy and irritable, developing rash, vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhea and
look like colic.

Milk allergies don't disappear as children grow older - symptoms change and older
children will develop symptoms other than gastrointestinal reactions.

A doctor should be consulted for this allergy. Doctors will perform a physical
examination and try to determine the existence of a family history of milk allergies.
Changing to a hypoallergenic formula often solves the problem and costly tests are
only necessary if the situation persists.

Once the infant has been put on a hypoallergenic formula diet for approximately 1 to
2 weeks, the doctor may ask that the baby be fed a few ounces of normal milk to
see what reaction it will have. If the formula is suitable, the baby will stay on it for the
first year. Mothers who breast feed must limit or refrain from consuming dairy
products. Food manufacturers are required to clearly display, together with the
ingredients of a product, if it contains any milk based additives (many food products
contain milk based ingredients).

By working together, you and your doctor can identify a suitable alternative diet that
will diminish the milk allergy and make life more comfortable for your infant.

About The Author

Bob Cotto spent most of his life as a Sr. Sales & Marketing executive. Two years ago
his wife of 43 years, Joanne was told that she had 4th stage cancer. Since then, Bob
and Joanne have devoted all of their energy to assisting her in maintaining a high
quality of life. Find out more about his efforts at his site 4-Ideal-Health
[http://www.4-ideal-health.com/HealthAudioIntro.html].

Infant milk allergies are caused by
proteins found in cow's milk and not
breast milk of the mother. Women
whose infants suffer from this allergy
should limit their own milk intake
since the milk protein is passed to the
baby via breast milk.

This allergy must not be confused
with lactose intolerance which is an
adverse reaction to milk sugar
present in sheep, goat and cow's
milk. Many adults suffer from it.

Infants with a cow's milk allergy may
show symptoms similar to some

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.