Part 1: Cows Milk Protein Allergy

Abstract

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMA) is the most common food allergy in children under 3 years, with an estimated incidence between 2-7.5%. The mechanisms involved include IgE-mediated, non IgE mediated reactions or mixed mechanisms. CMA compromises three systems: respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin. The diagnosis is clinical and it is conformed or excluded by eliminating the allergen. If the infant is breastfed, the mother should continue breastfeeding, avoiding foods that contain cow's milk protein. The mother must receive calcium supplements (1000 mg a day). If the baby is being fed with artificial formula, it should be discontinued and an extensively hydrolyzed formula should be started. CMA is being diagnosed at older ages with severe manifestations. The risk factors involved in CMA and diagnosis criteria are reviewed here in order to achieve early diagnosis and to avoid nutritional compromise. Most of these children are subject to frequent changes of formulas and unnecessary dietary eliminations.
Keywords
Food Hypersensibility, Milk hypersensibility, breastfeeding