Did you know that there is a difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance in babies and toddlers? And that there is a third and very common condition called Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance.
Both of my infant twins had a severe cow milk protein intolerance which lasted through early toddlerhood. Their symptoms early on included significant blood and mucus in their stool, as well as severe abdominal pain and gas.
This experience made me want to share some insight with you all.
What’s the Difference Between Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance?
A real milk allergy is actually incredibly rare and can be very dangerous including symptoms like anaphylactic shock in some cases. This condition is caused by an abnormal response by the body’s immune system to milk and products containing milk.
Lactose intolerance is more common but actually rare in infants. It becomes more prevalent in children after the age of three and into adulthood. People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. As a result, they have diarrhea, gas, and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.
And then there is a cow's milk protein intolerance, CMPI.
According to the La Leche League International, “When it is recommended that a breastfeeding mother eliminate dairy produce from her diet, it is because of a problem that may be caused by the protein it contains, not because of lactose intolerance.”
“Human milk is full of lactose, and nature has made certain that babies and toddlers can digest it. Large protein molecules from cow’s milk can pass into human milk fairly intact and it is these particles that can bother a sensitive baby.”
Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPI)
If your baby has cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI) he might have colic-like symptoms and be wheezy, vomit, have diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), constipation, a rash, eczema, and/or a blocked nose. A lot of parents confuse this for an actual milk allergy.
Both of my kids have since grown out of their cow’s milk protein intolerance but I do think my daughter was in fact LACTOSE intolerant in early toddlerhood. Although rare, lactose intolerance can happen in infants and young toddlers especially if your child was born prematurely.
Dairy Alternatives, Cheese and Calcium Intake
If your kids are lactose intolerant (and don’t have a milk allergy), did you know that there are common cheeses that have very little or no lactose at all? Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and Munster cheese all have very low lactose content.
When I gave my 1-year-old daughter dairy yogurt, her face would get red and she would wake up from her naps, gassy and in terrible abdominal pain. But when I would give her cheddar cheese sticks as a snack, she had no reaction to the dairy.
If your little one is in fact lactose intolerant and you still want them to get the benefits of cheese including calcium and fat, I recommend feeding them a low-lactose cheese! As always, confirm with your pediatrician.
If you are concerned about your child not getting enough calcium, there are lots of alternative drinks such as almond milk or orange juice with added calcium. Just read the nutritional label to make sure that specific brands include calcium. Some non-dairy milks don’t have any added.
Other great sources of calcium include fortified foods such as Cheerios, certain kinds of pasta and cereals, fortified bread, shrimp, and many green vegetables including spinach, broccoli, kale, and soybeans.
The Culture of Cow’s Milk and Babies
A lot of people have been raised to think that babies need cow’s milk. In my opinion, it’s a cultural thing. But the reality is, that these little humans just need to make sure they are getting enough calcium and fat. It doesn’t necessarily have to come from cow’s milk.
Many parents will give their kids cow’s milk all day, but as long as the kids are getting 100% of their daily value in calcium from whatever source they choose, that is really all they need. It’s not about the milk; it’s about the calcium and fat.
Lastly, if you think your baby is suffering from a cow protein dairy intolerance, bring their diaper (or a few) to the pediatrician with a stool sample in it.
For my son, I literally took three diapers (on three separate days) before one diaper FINALLY showed traces of blood and mucus in the sample they tested. This was very frustrating.
I suggest asking the doctor to swab multiple areas of the stool because some areas might not have any traces of blood or mucus and other spots might. TRUST YOUR GUT.
This is important to know because if they don’t find any proof of a milk protein intolerance, they will not be able to write a prescription for a hypoallergenic formula. Consequently, your child will continue to suffer.
Hypoallergenic Formula
Once we had proof of the diagnosis, we tried Nutramigen which is a very broken-down milk-based formula, so it’s easier for most babies to digest. Unfortunately, the slight presence of dairy made it intolerable for my kids.
We then switched to EleCare which is non-dairy, and a total amino acid-based formula fortified with all of the essential nutrients a growing baby needs.
Neocate along with EleCare are two of the best amino acid-based formulas for severe cow milk protein intolerance. That said, infants have found relief with Nutramigen because the formula’s cow milk protein is so broken down. It all comes down to trial and error depending on the severity of your child’s intolerance.
Lastly, remember to fight your insurance company if they deny your request to cover the hypoallergenic formula. It can be extremely expensive so don’t give up and ask your pediatrician’s office for support!
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