Milk is a mainstay in many children?s diets, found in everything from infant formulas to birthday cakes. But if your child is allergic, it can be tough to avoid. If milk is off the menu, it?s important to replace it with alternative sources of calcium and vitamin D. Here?s what you need to know to keep your kid safe and healthy if they have a milk allergy.
What is a milk allergy"
A milk allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies one or more of the proteins in milk as dangerous and mounts an attack, releasing chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. A reaction to milk is usually mild to moderate, but anaphylaxis can occur in one to two percent of cases. This makes it one of the most common foods to cause a life-threatening reaction, along with peanuts and tree nuts. What?s the difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance"
While ?allergy? and ?intolerance? are often used interchangeably, they have completely different meanings. Lactose intolerance occurs when you have low levels of the enzyme lactase in your gut to help you break down the carbohydrate lactose in milk. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas and diarrhea.
?Milk allergies are very different from lactose intolerance,? says Maria Triassi Asper, an allergist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. ?Although it can cause pain and discomfort, lactose intolerance is not a life-threatening condition, whereas a milk allergy is an allergy to the prot...