The global prevalence of allergy is steadily rising, with around 30-40% of the world’s population now affected by one or more allergic conditions1,2. Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common childhood allergies, affecting up to 5% of infants and children3. Beyond the clinical symptoms, allergy can have a major impact on the quality of life of patients and their families, as well as being an ongoing economic burden on healthcare services4-7.
Lorena and Maria’s story
“When Lorena was born, I chose to breastfeed her. But she cried so much. She was always awake and irritable. We were extremely worried that something serious was going on. After months of sleepless nights and countless visits to the doctor, she was diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy. Although we were relieved it wasn’t anything more serious, it was also a very emotional time. I gave up breastfeeding and switched to specialized formula.”
After about 5 days I knew that I had made the right decision. I called the doctor and said, ‘I don’t know what’s happening, she’s actually sleeping at night’. The doctor said ‘yes, that’s normal for a child her age’. We were so happy.”
After months of sleepless nights, she was finally sleeping. We were so surprised that we actually called the doctor to ask if something was wrong!”
Maria, Lorena’s mum - Brazil
Allergy is on the rise
Cow’s milk allergy affects 2-5% of infants globally [8].
Related articles
Interesting facts about cow's milk allergy
Cow’s milk allergy is a relatively common food allergy in babies and young children9 and can affect both formula-fed and breast-fed babies. The allergy is an allergic reaction to the protein in cow’s milk10. Here, we answer some frequently asked questions about this condition.
How does cow's milk allergy affect infants
The symptoms of cow’s milk allergy are wide-ranging and non-specific. Many parents can wait months for their baby to be diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy (also known as cow’s milk protein allergy)11. Learn more about signs and symptoms of cow’s milk allergy and what to expect when a doctor is investigating a possible cow’s milk allergy.
The role of nutrition in allergy
Breastfeeding ensures that an infant gets the best possible nutrition for healthy growth and development. Breast milk also supports an infant's developing immune system by delivering important antibodies and immune-boosting substances which pass on passive immunity to help protect infants against many potential diseases (gastrointestinal and respiratory).
Digestive health
The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract, commonly known as the gut, and other digestive organs. A healthy adult gut is home to 100 trillion bacteria - a unique community known as the microbiota. This microbiota plays an important role in gut function and is vital for our health. The importance of gut health starts early in life. As the digestive system of a newborn matures it develops an ability to produce enzymes to digest food and antibodies for protection.
A healthy gut and microbiota development is crucial for overall growth and development, may reduce digestive discomfort and, in turn, contribute to the wellbeing of infants and parents. Nutrition plays a major role in supporting the development of a healthy digestive system.
For healthcare professionals only
Cow’s Milk Allergy healthcare professionals pages
The Healthcare professionals pages provide access to a range of articles and resources related to Cow’s Milk Allergy, including clinical guidelines and detailed product information. The pages are for healthcare professionals only.
- Prescott SL. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;131(1):23-30.
- Pawankar R, et al. World Allergy Organisation (WAO): White book on allergy. Wisconsin: World Allergy Organisation, 2011.
- Fiocchi A, et al. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2010;3(4):57-161.
- Gupta R. JAMA Pediatrics. 2013;167:1026-31.
- Patel DA. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011;128:110-5.
- Sladkevicius E and Guest JF. J Med Econom. 2010;13:273-83.
- Sladkevicius E et al. J Med Econom. 2010;13:119
- Fiocchi A, et al. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2010;3(4):57-161.
- Fiocchi A, et al. WAO J 2010;3:57-161.
- ASCIA, 2016, Cow’s milk (dairy) allergy Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, viewed 6 May 2016
- Sladkevicius E, Nagy E, Lack G, et al. J Med Econ 2010; 13(1): 119-128.
- DRACMA. WAO Journal April 2010.
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