Epidemiology of Cow’s Milk Allergy

Abstract

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children. CMA can result in anaphylactic reactions, and has long term implications on growth and nutrition. There are several studies in diverse populations assessing the epidemiology of CMA. However, assessment is complicated by the presence of other immune-mediated reactions to cow’s milk. These include non-IgE and mixed (IgE and non-IgE) reactions and common non-immune mediated reactions, such as lactose intolerance. Estimates of prevalence and population-level patterns are further complicated by the natural history of CMA (given its relatively high rate of resolution) and variation in phenotype (with a large proportion of patients able to tolerate baked cow’s milk). Prevalence, natural history, demographic patterns, and long-term outcomes of CMA have been explored in several disparate populations over the past 30 to 40 years, with differences seen based on the method of outcome assessment, study population, time period, and geographic region. The primary aim of this review is to describe the epidemiology of CMA. The review also briefly discusses topics related to prevalence studies and specific implications of CMA, including severity, natural course, nutritional impact, and risk factors.

Detection and Quantification of Milk Ingredients as Hidden Allergens in Meat Products by a Novel Specific Real-Time PCR Method

“…These proteins can be caseins or whey proteins, such as ß-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin, which are considered major food allergens. Milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in early childhood that often tends to resolve with age, although it can also persist through adulthood [2]. People with allergies are forced to implement a complete milk elimination diet in order to avoid adverse reactions, which can vary from mild symptoms, affecting the respiratory or the gastrointestinal tract, to severe symptoms leading to anaphylaxis [3].…”

Natural ingredients in cosmetic products—A suggestion for a screening series for skin allergy

“…In total, 21 ingredients were selected for further investigation and categorized into three groups depending on whether they were reported the first year of life. 13,14 The prevalence decreases to <1% in children ≥6 years of age, but can persist into adolescence and adulthood. 13 The mechanism may be immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated, non-IgE mediated, or mixed IgE-and non-IgE mediated.…”

“…Non-IgE-mediated reactions are mostly type IV allergic, delayed skin reactions. 13,14 In IgE-mediated reactions, symptoms may be from the skin, gastrointestinal, and/or respiratory system and can present as life-threatening anaphylaxis. 15 There are more than 25 different proteins in cow´s milk.…”

Breastfeeding and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: potential leukemogenesis in children in developing countries

“…BF might also have a protective role against asthma and eczema especially in developing countries [36]. Moreover, higher rates of asthma, atopic and allergic medical conditions were found to accompany cow's milk allergy [37] [36] which is more common with using formula in rst months of life. The high rates of allergic conditions in Syria that reached around half of the population might explain this sophisticated association between BF and ALL [22].…”