The prevalence of allergies has increased greatly over the last two decades, although experts are still trying to discover exactly why
- Babies are more at risk of developing an allergy if they have a parent or close relative that has asthma, eczema, hay fever or food allergy
- Cows’ milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in babies, as cows milk is the major food that a bottle-fed baby is given
Many mums worry about their babies reacting to the foods they give them or developing an allergy. Allergy and intolerance are two distinct conditions and should not be confused;
Food Allergy
- A food allergy involves the immune system and often causes an immediate reaction after consumption of the food allergen (something in the food that causes an allergic reaction)
- The most common symptoms of a food allergy are irritation of the skin and eyes, swellings around the eyes, mouth and tongue, sneezing and blocked or runny noses, shortness of breath and coughing, abdominal pains, diarrhoea and vomiting
- Around 5-8 % of children will develop a true food allergy and up to 90% of children will grow out of these allergies, often by five years of age. They may however go on to develop other allergy related conditions, such as asthma, eczema, hay fever or rhinitis, later in life
- The foods that most commonly cause food allergies are; eggs, cows’ milk, nuts, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts and soya
Food Intolerance
- Food intolerance is any adverse response that happens each time a food is eaten
- A food intolerance is often a more delayed reaction, usually occurring hours or even days after eating certain foods
- Lactose intolerance is an example, where there is a lack of or a reduced amount of the enzyme which is needed for lactose digestion
- Food intolerance symptoms often involve the digestive tract and include pain and colic, bloating, wind, diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting
Recommendations for babies considered at higher risk of developing food allergy
Babies with a family history of allergy are at a higher risk of developing a food allergy, and there are certain recommendations that include:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life
- Weaning foods to be introduced one at a time with a period of at least one day between new foods so that symptoms can be monitored
Allergy or intolerance to cows’ milk
- An allergy to cows’ milk affects 2-7 % of babies under a year of age. Children often grow out of their allergy by the age of 3 but in some cases it may persist beyond this
- Babies can react to cows’ milk, infant formula based on cows’ milk, or even breast milk if cows’ milk or dairy products have been consumed by the mother
- If cows’ milk is causing symptoms in your baby, it is important to determine whether it is the protein or the lactose (a milk sugar) which is causing the problem, as this will determine the type of dietary restrictions they will need
- Symptoms of the two can be similar and include eczema or rashes, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Lactose intolerance will not produce hives or breathing difficulties
- A lactose intolerance will not show up in conventional allergy testing like a skin prick test or blood test
If you suspect your baby has a food allergy or intolerance
It is really important that if you suspect that your baby has had an adverse reaction to a food, you should seek professional medical advice. If an allergy or intolerance is diagnosed you will then be given help to formulate a suitable diet for your baby which ensures that the their diet continues to meet their nutritional needs.
Click on the links below to find suitable SMA products
Lactose Intolerance
Cows Milk Intolerance