Milk allergy and lactose intolerance

Experts say that around 12% of children suffer from milk allergies, and while most will grow out of it by the age of 3, it can pose problems for parents in terms of feeding and ensuring that your child receives a diet which provides all the nutrient he needs.

How can I tell if my child is allergic to cow’s milk?
The symptoms of milk allergy will vary, but can include anything from eczema and diarrheoa to wheezing and constipation. It usually becomes apparent once your baby is weaned off breast milk and onto a cow’s milk-based formula feed, but even breastfed babies can exhibit symptoms if their mother eats a dairy-rich diet. If you suspect that your child may be allergic to cow’s milk, consult your doctor.

What are the alternatives to cow’s milk?
Some children who cannot tolerate cow’s milk are able to manage goat’s milk, while others are unable to tolerate any kind of milk at all. For those children with an intolerance to all milk and milk products, the best alternative in terms of providing the protein and calcium they need is soya-based milk which is fortified with calcium. There are several different types of soya milk available, and some have quite a high sugar content, so it’s always advisable to check the ingredients first and compare the different brands. Discuss with your doctor how you can ensure that your child’s diet doesn’t lack vital nutrients which he would get from cow’s milk, such as protein, phosphorous and vitamin D.

Temporary milk intolerance
Sometimes, following a gastro-intestinal illness, children who have been happily drinking milk from babyhood can develop a sudden temporary intolerance to milk. Intolerances to food are slightly different to allergies, and the reactions they cause are generally less severe. A food allergy is caused by the body’s autoimmune system reacting in an abnormal way to a certain food, and causing an allergic reaction, such as wheezing, rashes or sneezing. An intolerance is a reaction by the body itself to certain foods, causing symptoms such as bloating and fatigue. These symptoms may take a while to manifest themselves, and it can sometimes be difficult to tell which foodstuffs are causing the problem.

Milk intolerance is caused by the gut becoming temporarily unable to digest the milk sugar lactose, and they may experience bloating, diarrheoa, stomach cramps, or even some mild symptoms similar to those of a milk allergy. Consult your doctor on how best to cut down on the amount of milk in your child’s diet and which dairy products are easiest to digest, so that your child can continue to benefit from the nutrients in dairy-based food. Certain cheeses and yoghurts are easier to digest than others, and your child may be able to manage these without developing any untoward symptoms. This temporary intolerance should last only a few weeks, and rarely develops into a full-blown milk allergy.