If your newborn is constantly crying, experiencing gas pain, and not gaining weight, you need to evaluate their condition. These symptoms, which can be seen in almost all babies, can sometimes indicate a milk allergy.
The most common food allergy in infancy is a milk allergy, also known as cow's milk allergy. It's an allergic reaction to the proteins in cow's milk (especially beta-lactalbumin). It can occur directly from giving cow's milk to a baby, or in breastfed babies, it can occur when foods containing cow's milk are passed on to the baby through breastfeeding. Furthermore, because many formulas contain cow's milk proteins, allergies can also occur in formula-fed babies. Children with cow's milk allergy often develop cross-allergies to goat's milk and soy milk. This should be taken into consideration when making nutritional recommendations to both the baby and the mother.
SYMPTOMS OF MILK ALLERGY
Symptoms vary depending on the baby and the severity of the allergy. Some babies may have a single symptom, while others may have multiple symptoms. Clinical findings usually begin in the first 6 months of life, but can sometimes appear later. The main symptoms are:
- Excessive crying and severe gas pain in the first months
- Post-feeding vomiting and resulting in inability to gain weight
- Bloody and mucous stools, and sometimes constipation
- Red and itchy skin rashes, similar to eczema
- Persistent wheezing, cough, and nasal congestion
- Recurrent bronchitis and/or bronchiolitis attacks
The main principle of treatment is avoiding the allergen. In breastfed babies, treatment begins with the elimination of milk and dairy products from the mother's diet.
Three methods are used to diagnose milk allergy.
- Skin Test: Can be done at any age; reliability is 95%.
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Detection of Cow's Milk-Specific Antibodies in Blood: 90% reliable.
- Elimination Method: Foods containing cow's milk are not given to the baby for a period of time. Existing symptoms are expected to disappear during this period. After the symptoms subside, cow's milk is tried again. A reappearance of symptoms will support a cow's milk allergy.
The most common food allergy in infancy is milk allergy, also known as cow's milk allergy. It is an allergic reaction to the proteins in cow's milk.
HOW IS IT TREATMENT?
The main principle of treatment is avoiding the allergen. In breastfed babies, treatment begins with the elimination of milk and dairy products from the mother's diet. Medication may also be necessary until the allergy resolves, depending on the current clinical findings. For formula-fed babies, formulas that do not contain cow's milk protein should be preferred.
COCONUT MILK INSTEAD OF COW'S MILK
In breastfed babies, the milk and dairy products consumed by the mother are transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding, causing allergies. In this case, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding, but completely eliminate milk and dairy products from the mother's diet. Medical support should be offered to protect the mother from calcium deficiency, and her diet should be managed under the guidance of a dietitian.
In babies with cow's milk allergy, soy protein and goat's milk allergies can also coexist, so these products should be eliminated from the mother's diet. Vegetable oils should be preferred over butter and margarine, and cream, powdered milk, milk cookies, and milk pasta should be avoided. Rice milk, oat milk, and coconut milk can be used instead of cow's milk.
BREAST MILK FEEDING IS IMPORTANT FOR PROTECTION
As with all diseases, prevention is crucial for cow's milk allergies. Breast milk is essential for protection. Breast milk protects babies from allergic asthma and also plays a protective role against food allergies, especially cow's milk allergy.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, introducing cow's milk to food allergies as late as possible, and avoiding cow's milk for the first 12-18 months is the best approach to prevent allergies.
A BABY ADAPTS TO COW'S MILK AS THEY GROW
A baby diagnosed with a cow's milk allergy should not be given cow's milk-containing foods or cow's milk-based formulas for 12-18 months; their diet should be supported with specialized formulas. At the end of this period, cow's milk is reintroduced and observed for any symptoms. The time it takes for cow's milk to become tolerant varies from baby to baby. 56% of children develop tolerance to cow's milk within one year, and 77% within three years.
In a baby with a diagnosed allergy, how much cow's milk should be eliminated from the diet?
The more we can do this and protect the baby from this allergenic substance, the quicker the tolerance will develop and the healing process will be.