Children with milk allergy

Among the richest and most frequent foods in the diet of children, cow's milk plays a leading role. But this is not always the case, The biggest disadvantage of this food is that the most common allergy in children is the intolerance or allergy to cow's milk, especially in infants.

This intolerance It can be permanent or become something passenger. Almost all infants develop intolerance in the first months of life when they start with bottles, but it is usually exceeded between 12 and 18 months of age.

It is curious the fact that intolerance or allergy to cow's milk is more common in some races than in others. Specifically, the villages that were traditionally cattle ranchers, that is to say, that have been fed generation after generation of animal milk, present less cases of intolerance to lactose, hence it is less frequent in the population of northern and central Europe.


Why allergy or intolerance to cow's milk is triggered

Lactose is a sugar that is present in all milk of mammals: cow, goat, sheep and in the human. Normally, the small intestine has enough enzymes to be able to break down all the lactose consumed, but there are some children, and also adults, who they lack enough enzymes to develop this function in the body. The partially or undigested lactose will pass into the large intestine and there is broken down by the bacteria that will create the waste substances and fatty acids that cause its symptoms.

We must differentiate the allergy from lactose intolerance. Allergy is produced by some fraction or several of the milk proteins, while lactose intolerance, manifested in the form of diarrhea or abdominal pain, is a consequence of the lack of lactase, the enzyme that digests it.


What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance or allergy?

In some children, the symptoms are very severe and their digestive systems do not tolerate lactose at all. In others, the symptoms are milder and should only reduce the amount of dairy they consume.

Between the most common symptoms they find each other:

- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Spasms
- Abdominal gas and flatulence
- Acid diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sleep disorders

The symptoms They are usually present between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consuming any food or drink with lactose. In case of any of them, it is essential to consult the specialist.

Alternative foods for children with lactose intolerance

The absence of milk in children's diet It can cause them lack of Calcium, Vitamin D, Riboflavin and proteins. Therefore, it is essential to consume other products rich in these substances such as for example sardines, salmon, tofu, prawns, cabbage, or spinach.


On the other hand, if you do not want them to give up the flavor and the nutritional properties of cow's milk, the most frequent thing is for children to take milk whose lactose has been partially eliminated by being called "low in lactose" or total "without lactose". An offer that has been complemented with dairy products such as cheeses in different varieties, yogurts, flavored shakes, cream, etc ... Also in our country, you can already find lactase supplements in capsule form that will allow children consume dairy products.

Ana Vázquez Recio

You may also like:

- 10 false myths about milk

- Food allergies can not be prevented

- Diarrhea in children: what to do if it lasts too long

- Allergy to food or intolerance

- Food allergies in the baby

Video: Eczema & Allergies : Symptoms of Milk Allergies


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