What is Milk Allergy?

Cow’s milk allergy is a serious condition and is a common cause of food allergy in infants. Children allergic to cow's milk may be allergic to a number of different proteins present in dairy products. In Australia and New Zealand around 2 per cent of babies (1 in 50) are allergic to cow’s milk and dairy products (1). Although most children outgrow cow's milk allergy by 4 years of age, persistent cow's milk allergy may sometimes occur (1). If you are known to suffer from cow’s milk allergy, you should consult your doctor or paediatrician before consuming any milk variety.

Cow’s milk allergy is different to cow’s milk intolerance (2)*. An intolerance to cow’s milk can occur at any age, but is most commonly found in babies, in children and also in people who have poor digestive well-being and gut conditions. The A1 beta-casein protein in cow’s milk has been associated with symptoms of intolerance in some people.

Most fresh milk supermarket brands today contain both the A1 and A2 type beta-casein proteins. a2 Milk™ comes from cows specially selected to produce A2 beta-casein protein rather than A1 beta-casein protein. These differences in protein composition between a2 MilkMilk™ and other milk varieties may impact on digestive well-being. Feel the difference by switching to a2 Milk™.

Note: a2 Milk™ contains lactose. Lactose is the sugar which is present in all milk, unless it is labeled ‘lactose free’. If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance by your doctor, a2 Milk™ will not resolve any digestion problems.

Visit www.a2milk.com.au to find out how a2 Milk™ has made such a difference to many families.

References

(1) Cow’s Milk (Dairy) Allergy n.d., accessed 9 November 2010,
http://www.allergy.org.au/aer/infobulletins/milk_allergy.htm

(2) Allergy and Intolerance n.d., accessed 9 November 2010,
http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumers/problems-with-food/allergy-and-intolerance/
*provides a detailed explanation of allergy versus intolerance responses and highlights that allergic or intolerance responses to milk may be common