Cow's milk allergy (1 of 2)
Some reactions to cows' milk involve the
medicine, the term cow's milk allergy is
only used to describe reactions involving
food labels every time you shop - even if
reactions are normally called cow's milk
Mild to moderate milk allergy
can be found in some unlikely foods.
Cow's milk allergy is common in infants
reaction. Lactose (milk sugar) is usually
Flavours and seasoning
develops after one year of age. The onset
is closely related to the introduction of
to watch out for as they can contain milk
Very mild milk allergy
be tolerated. These children are likely to
outgrow their milk allergy at an early age.
Reactions through touch and smell
activities besides eating. Playtime maybe
Symptoms of cow's milk allergy (CMA)
rash (hives), swelling of the face, eczema
the skin, or by contact on the lips or the
In some very sensitive patients, even the
Medicines
As the infant gets older, typical allergic
reactions to milk include rash, hives and
and lots of tablets are manufactured with
involves extremely high concentrations.
normally contain the proteins responsible
for causing reactions, but could possibly
Avoidance of milk
allergic reaction that affects several body
Severe milk allergy
milk. Strict avoidance of all traces of milk
allergy are advised to stick to the syrups
and all dairy products is the only way to
Cow's milk allergy (2 of 2) Terms indicating the presence of cow's milk Examples of foods and products which may contain milk
Most foods containing any form of milk must declare milk in the
When in doubt check with the individual food companies.
contents label. However if no milk is declared it may well be
• Crisps/savoury snacks/pancakes/rolls/waffles
• Butter/butter fat/buttermilk/butterfat/butter oil
• Processed meats/sausages/frankfurters/some poultry
• Milk formula/whey/whey solids/whey powder/yoghurt/ghee
• Ready made meals/takeaway meals/restaurant meals
• Evaporated milk/semi-skimmed milk/skimmed milk
• Seasonings/some natural flavourings/binding agents
• Lactose-free milk formula/de-lactosed milk
• Most vegetable margarines/butter substitutes
• Canned fish/gravy mixes/sweets/lollies/desserts
• Cream/cheese/cheese powder/curds/sour cream/sour milk
• Ice cream/milk solids/milk fat/ice milk
• Some washing up liquids/shampoos and creams
• Lactalbumin/Lactoglobulin/bovine scrum albumin
The above list may not be exhaustive.
• Hydrolysed casein/rennet casein• Hydrolysed milk protein
Some calcium supplements are derived from cow's milk
(e.g. calcium lactobionate) and may contain trace impurities
The above list may not be exhaustive. Treating symptoms Cow's milk intolerance Lactose intolerance (Lactase deficiency)
antihistamines (e.g. loratadine, cetirizine)
sugar found in milk, called lactose.
People with a lactose intolerance need to
cow's milk (over 120mls or 4oz). Delayed
coffee creamers and also used as a filler
Alternatives to milk
or blood tests. Milk intolerance does not
The Anaphylaxis Campaign is a national charity that can provide further information and support. Contact:
can be safely eaten. Children with cow's
soy. Cow's milk is very similar to other
both of these should not be given to milk
The information contained in these pages has been provided by the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology. Every effort has been made to ensure at the time of printing, its contents are accurate. However this information should be used in conjunction with advice from a medical professional.
This Summary is taken from “In Safe Hands”, the Guildford Diocesan Guide to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults This Summary is intended to give Leaders and Helpers a basic practical outline for them to follow. All those working for the Church or on Church Premises must as a minimum adhere to these guidelines. Where anything is unclear then the full document above should be consulted.