Episode Number
134
Episode Show Notes / Description
Is it a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance? Learn the key differences, common symptoms, and where hidden milk ingredients may be found in everyday foods.
Transcript
Good morning, this is your Wellness Wake Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
Did you know cow’s milk allergy is the most common food allergy in young children and remains common in adults? About 70% of children with cow’s milk allergy can tolerate baked milk, and those children may outgrow the allergy earlier than those who cannot. Milk allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to milk proteins, causing symptoms that can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis.
To prevent a reaction, it is very important that you avoid cow’s milk and cow’s milk-containing food products. Milk proteins can appear in surprising places so read food labels and ask questions if you’re unsure. Possible sources of milk proteins include pantry staples like breads, pasta, crackers, and tortillas, chocolate, deli meats which may use the milk protein casein as a binder or have been sliced on the same equipment as cheese leading to cross-contact, as well as whey, some medications, and probiotics.
Unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest the lactose sugar in milk, which can lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. While uncomfortable, lactose intolerance is not life-threatening.
Remember that not all reactions to dairy are the same. This week, pay attention to how dairy affects your body and explore options that best fit your individual needs and preferences.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Sources:
• https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/milk-allergy-vs-lactose-intolerance
• Tolerance to extensively heated milk in children with cow milk allergy. Nowak-Wegrzyn A, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008;122(2):342.
• Long term followup with baked milk challenge. Dulnap JH, et al J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2018;6(5):1699.
Did you know cow’s milk allergy is the most common food allergy in young children and remains common in adults? About 70% of children with cow’s milk allergy can tolerate baked milk, and those children may outgrow the allergy earlier than those who cannot. Milk allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to milk proteins, causing symptoms that can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis.
To prevent a reaction, it is very important that you avoid cow’s milk and cow’s milk-containing food products. Milk proteins can appear in surprising places so read food labels and ask questions if you’re unsure. Possible sources of milk proteins include pantry staples like breads, pasta, crackers, and tortillas, chocolate, deli meats which may use the milk protein casein as a binder or have been sliced on the same equipment as cheese leading to cross-contact, as well as whey, some medications, and probiotics.
Unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system. People with lactose intolerance lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest the lactose sugar in milk, which can lead to symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea. While uncomfortable, lactose intolerance is not life-threatening.
Remember that not all reactions to dairy are the same. This week, pay attention to how dairy affects your body and explore options that best fit your individual needs and preferences.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. This has been Kristin Bogdonas, food and nutrition educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Sources:
• https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/milk-allergy-vs-lactose-intolerance
• Tolerance to extensively heated milk in children with cow milk allergy. Nowak-Wegrzyn A, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008;122(2):342.
• Long term followup with baked milk challenge. Dulnap JH, et al J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2018;6(5):1699.