What is a Milk Allergy?

Cow’s milk allergy is one of the most common in children, and these children may also suffer from allergies to other foods such as soya, goat’s milk or egg. They may also suffer from asthma or eczema.

A child may be allergic to either of the milk proteins casein or whey, or both. Whey proteins are damaged by heat, so those sensitive to the whey may be able to tolerate heat-treated (long-life) milk or milk powder. Lactose intolerance occurs when lactose (milk sugar) cannot be digested because the enzyme that helps to digest it is lacking in the body. Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach pain, gas and vomiting.

Often yogurt and cottage cheese can be tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.