Young babies can be 'allergic to milk', experts say

26 Feb 2008

During the first few months after birth babies can demonstrate allergic reactions to food proteins, particularly hen's eggs and cow's milk, even if they are breast-fed, studies show.

According to the educational initiative Act Against Allergy, food allergies and reactions tend to occur most commonly in the first ten years of childhood as the immune system develops and matures.

Research has found that cow's milk is the most common cause of food allergy among infants, with at least two to three per cent of children affected.

However, general symptoms associated with a milk allergy including eczema and rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and breathing difficulty may occur in up to 15 per cent of babies.

Parents required to cut cow milk protein from their child's diet in order to manage an allergic condition are encouraged to use a supplement of amino-acid-based formulas to reduce the risk of poor growth and development.

Act Against Allergy claims that it is rare for babies over 12 months old to start developing symptoms of milk allergy.

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