Dietary Management of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy
What is the dietary management for cow’s milk protein allergy?
If you are breastfeeding
Although it is not common, breastfed babies can develop an allergy to cow’s milk protein. The cow’s milk protein that you ingest can cross into your breast milk and cause an allergic reaction in your baby. If you are breastfeeding and your child has a cow’s milk protein allergy, eliminating milk and milk products from your diet may help. Discuss with your doctor. You may want to also talk to a dietitian about finding alternative sources of calcium and other nutrients to replace what you were getting from dairy products.
If you are formula feeding
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends a hypoallergenic (extensively hydrolyzed) formula (such as Nutramigen® A+®) for the dietary management of cow’s milk protein allergy.
Most babies with cow’s milk protein allergy do well on an extensively hydrolyzed formula, however, in some severe cases, an amino acid formula (such as Nutramigen® AATM) may be recommended.
Ask your baby’s doctor which formula is appropriate for your baby.
Solid Foods
For all healthy term babies, Health Canada recommends waiting until 6 months of age before giving solid food. At 6 months, your baby is ready for solids and needs more iron and other nutrients. If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk protein, foods containing cow’s milk protein will need to be excluded from your baby’s diet. Learn more about which foods contain cow’s milk protein.
How does Nutramigen® A+® work for a baby with cow’s milk protein allergy?
Most infant formulas (with the exception of Soy formulas) are cow’s milk based. The cow’s milk protein in Nutramigen® A+®, however, has been ‘pre-digested’ or extensively broken down so the body doesn’t recognize it as a whole protein; therefore, it is much less likely to trigger an allergic response.
Nutramigen® A+® is a hypoallergenic formula. This means that at least 90% of babies with cow's milk protein allergy fed Nutramigen® A+® should not react with allergic symptoms.
Can I use a partially hydrolyzed formula if my baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy?
There is a significant difference between a partially hydrolyzed formula and an
extensively hydrolyzed formula. Many babies that are allergic to cow’s milk protein will still have allergic reactions on a partially hydrolyzed formula. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of a partially hydrolyzed formula for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy.
Can I use a soy formula if my baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy?
Many babies who are allergic to cow’s milk protein will also be allergic to soy protein. Therefore, agencies such as the Canadian Paediatric Society and American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend the use of soy formulas for babies who have cow’s milk protein allergy.
Nutramigen® A+® contains soy oil. Could this cause an allergic reaction if my baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy?
Protein is the food component that can trigger allergic reactions. Nutramigen® A+® contains soy oil, not soy protein. The soy oil in Nutramigen® A+® is purified, refined and considered hypoallergenic, therefore, we would not expect it to cause an allergic reaction.
If your baby has a cow's milk protein allergy, talk to your baby's doctor about Nutramigen® A+®, a hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed formula for the dietary management of babies with allergy symptoms due to cow's milk protein.
Nutramigen® A+® may be available through provincial drug benefits programs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify for Alberta Health and Wellness, Ontario Drug Benefits Program, Regie de l’assurance Maladie du Quebec or the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living programs.