Eggs, peanuts and milk are the most common
causes of food allergies in children.
Soya milk formula is a good alternative when breast-feeding is not an option and/or when problems occur, such as cow's milk allergy.
Cow's milk allergy is usually diagnosed before the age of 1 year and occurs in 2-5%
of children. They usually outgrow the allergy from 3 years onwards.
Cow's milk allergy is a real food allergy (Type I), IgE mediated.
The most important allergens in cow's milk are casein, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and bovine serum albumin.
Symptoms occur shortly after ingestion and include skin reactions (erythematous lesions), angioedema, Quincke-oedema, respiratory problems (asthma, allergic rhinitis) and gastro-intestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) (1, 2).
In some cases anaphylaxis can occur, with possible life-threatening
consequences (3).
Soya milk formula is a good alternative when breast-feeding is not an option and/or when problems occur, such as cow's milk allergy.
Cow's milk allergy is usually diagnosed before the age of 1 year and occurs in 2-5%
of children. They usually outgrow the allergy from 3 years onwards.
Cow's milk allergy is a real food allergy (Type I), IgE mediated.
The most important allergens in cow's milk are casein, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and bovine serum albumin.
Symptoms occur shortly after ingestion and include skin reactions (erythematous lesions), angioedema, Quincke-oedema, respiratory problems (asthma, allergic rhinitis) and gastro-intestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) (1, 2).
In some cases anaphylaxis can occur, with possible life-threatening
consequences (3).
After intake of milk products, protein is broken down into peptides and amino acids. The degree of breakdown by the proteases in the gastro-intestinal tract plays an important role.
Before the age of 1 year, the proteolytic activity of these enzymes is still incomplete. As a consequence, some of these macromolecules (antigens) pass through the intestinal mucosae and reach the antibody-producing cells.
Antigen-specific Ig A 's are formed; these can form complexes with the antigen and thus prevent further absorption.
- In babies the secretion of IgA can be relatively low, which will give rise to an enhanced gastro-intestinal permeability.
- If the antigen does penetrate further, other immuno-competent cells are encountered and IgE antibodies formed. On renewed contact with the antigen, an allergic reaction then occurs.
References:
1.
Casimir.
L'allergie alimentaire chez l'enfant. Allergoguide n¡ 4.
2.
Sicherer.
Manifestations of food allergy: evaluation and management. American Family
Physician 1999 Jan 15;59(2):415 24,429-30.
3.
Novembre
et al. Anaphylaxis in children: clinical and allergologic features.
Pediatrics 1998;101(4).
Pediatrics 1998;101(4).
4.
Zeiger.
Soy allergy in infants and children with IgE-associated cow's milk allergy. J
Pediatr. 1999;134(5):614-622.
Laoprasert et al. Anaphylaxis in a milk-allergic child following
ingestion of lemon sorbet containing trace quantities of milk. J Food Prot 1998
Nov;61(11):1522-4. 