Cow's milk protein allergy, or CMPA, is relatively common, affecting 3% of babies during their first year of life¹. It manifests itself through various disorders (digestive, skin, etc.)² and generally disappears before age 5³.
How can you recognize the signs of a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA)? What are the symptoms?
At Biostime , we share our knowledge on this exciting topic!
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for every infant; it is best suited to their specific needs. If using infant formula when the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed, it is essential to strictly follow the preparation and usage instructions and consult a healthcare professional.
What is a cow's milk protein allergy?
Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a food allergy that primarily affects babies in the first few months of life, due to an immature immune system that rejects cow's milk proteins, which are identified as harmful to the body⁴. Most of the time, it disappears spontaneously around the age of 5³.
There are two types of APLV²:
- IgE-mediated CMPA: symptoms appear just minutes after eating food that contains cow's milk proteins, as the immune system reacts by producing IgE antibodies.
- Non-IgE-mediated CMPA: it does not involve IgE antibodies, which explains why symptoms appear with a delay, up to 48 hours after consumption of cow's milk protein.
What are the symptoms of a baby allergic to cow's milk protein?
Cow's milk protein allergy in babies manifests itself in different ways depending on the child.
The most frequent symptoms are²⁵:
- Digestive symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting or reflux, abdominal pain, colic…
- Skin manifestations: redness, itching, eczema, edema…
- Respiratory symptoms: wheezing or difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis, chronic cough, rhinitis, asthma attack…
- General symptoms: refusal of bottle or breast, frequent crying, irritability throughout the day, sleep disturbances…
If you suspect your baby has a cow's milk allergy, consult your pediatrician for advice. They can refer you to an allergist who will perform skin tests and other examinations to identify a potential food allergy to cow's milk.
What should I do if my baby is allergic to cow's milk protein?
The diagnosis is in: your baby has a cow's milk protein allergy. Don't panic! This food allergy is relatively common in babies, and in most cases, it disappears spontaneously as the child grows. In the meantime, it's important to make changes to their diet to alleviate the symptoms.
For breastfed babies
A breastfed baby can suffer from CMPA (cow's milk protein allergy), because the cow's milk proteins consumed by the mother can pass into breast milk and be transmitted to the baby⁵. This should not prevent you from continuing to breastfeed because, as the WHO reminds us, breast milk is best for the baby and exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first 6 months of life and up to the age of 2. You can therefore continue breastfeeding, while implementing a strict cow's milk protein elimination diet with the help of your doctor.
For babies fed with infant formula
When the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed and the baby is bottle- fed, the pediatrician may suggest switching from standard infant formula to a specific infant formula available in pharmacies and only with a prescription. This is called a DADFMS (Food for Special Medical Purposes). Several types of formula are available⁵ in cases of CMPA (Cow's Milk Protein Allergy):
- Formulas based on concentrated protein hydrolysates: cow's milk proteins are broken down into very small pieces to limit their allergenic potential.
- Infant formula made from rice protein hydrolysate (not to be confused with vegetable juices which are not suitable for feeding an infant)
- Amino acid-based preparations, without any protein or protein fragments, for severe allergies
Important: Goat's milk-based infant formula is not suitable for babies with cow's milk protein allergies, as 90% of babies allergic to cow's milk protein are also allergic to goat's milk protein!⁷
Share your experience!
Is your baby allergic to cow's milk protein? How did you notice? If you're breastfeeding, is strictly avoiding cow's milk protein difficult? Share your experience at contact@biostime.fr or by private message on Instagram @biostimefr, so parents in the same situation can support each other. That's what the #NewGenerationOrganic is all about!
Sources:
- Tamazouzt S et al. Nutrients 2022; 14(17), 3624
- Vandenplas Y et al. J Asthme Allergie 2021;14:1243-1256
- Sabouraud-Leclerc, et al. Arch Pediatr, 2022; 29:81-89
- Health insurance. Food allergy: definition and symptoms Ameli.fr [Accessed 10/02/2023]
- Media. CMPA: Cow's Milk Protein Allergy [Accessed 05/05/2022] Available here
- Prosser CG J Food Sci 2021; 86(2): 257-265
