Approximately 2.5% of children under 3 years suffer from milk allergies. Almost all infants who develop milk allergies do so in their first year. The good news is many children who suffer from a milk allergy will outgrow it in the first few years.
Baking
Thankfully, milk is one of the easiest ingredients to substitute in baking and cooking. It can be substituted, in equal amounts, with water or fruit juice. (For example, substitute 1 cup milk with 1 cup water.)
Some Unseen Sources of Milk
- Deli meat slicers are frequently used for both meat and dairy products.
- Some brands of canned tuna contain casein which is a milk protein.
- Some meats may contain casein as a binder. Please be careful and check all labels.
- Some restaurants put butter on their steaks after they have been grilled to add extra flavor. The butter is melted and is therefore invisible.
Frequently asked questions
Is goat milk a safe alternative to cow milk?
No – Goat’s milk protein is not a safe alternative to cow’s milk protein as it is very similar and therefore may cause a reaction in those with milk allergies.
What formulas are recommended for children with milk allergies?
Hydrolyzed, casein-based formulas are sometimes recommended. These formulas include protein that has been broken down so it is dissimilar to milk protein and is therefore unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.
Examples of casein-hydrolysate formulas are Alimentum® and Nutramigen®. If your child suffers from a soy allergy, the doctor may recommend a soy-based formula.
When should a child stop using formula?
This of course will vary depending on the child’s current diet.
Milk-free formulas are a very good source of nutrients. Many doctors recommend continuing to use after the age of one year for children who are on a restricted diet due to food allergy.
It is of course vital that you discuss all of the options available with your Doctor or dietitian in order to ensure that your child’s nutritional needs are all being fully met.
Do these ingredients contain milk?
The following ingredients do not contain milk protein and need not be restricted by someone avoiding with milk allergies:
- Calcium lactate
- Calcuium stearoyl lactylate
- Cocoa butter
- Cream of tartar
- Lactic acid
- Oleoresin
- Sodium lactate
- Sodium stearoyl lactylate
