Milk Alternative Formula For Cow Milk Allergy

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Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies. But there are times when exclusive breastfeeding cannot be done so forced to do formula feeding. Cow's milk is a foreign protein that is first recognized by babies who are not breastfed. Cow Milk allergy is not only experienced by infants with formula milk consumption but can also be experienced by infants with exclusive breastfeeding. Breast milk may contain a protein component of cow's milk from the milk consumed by the mother. In addition to causing symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract or skin, Cow Milk allergy can cause disruption of growth and development of children and may continue to be other allergies in the future. Diagnosis and management of Cow Milk allergy should be appropriate to prevent this. The incidence rate of Cow Milk Allergy ranges from 3-4% of infants, most of which are experienced by infants under 1 year.

Cow milk allergies commonly cause gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting, abdominal cramps, colic, or diarrhea. Diarrhea may be accompanied by blood due to severe inflammatory reactions in the intestines/rectum. In addition, Cow milk allergy can cause symptoms in the skin (such as rash) and in the airway. Diagnosis Cow milk allergy can be assisted by examination of specific IgE levels or allergic skin tests. If this test has not been able to establish a diagnosis of Cow Milk allergy, it is necessary to do an elimination and provocation test, by stopping the cow's milk for 2 weeks and giving the baby soya milk or amino acid. After the symptoms disappear, cow's milk can be given back. If symptoms reappear, then the baby is declared allergic to cow's milk.

Also read : Cow Milk Allergy In Children

The termination of formula milk containing cow's milk protein is the main and safest strategy for allergy patients of cow's milk. However, babies still need the intake of milk for the source of nutrients. Selection of alternative infant formula depends on age, potential allergy risk, cost, availability, and composition of formula milk. In infants Allergic to cow milk under 1 year, the consumption of alternative formula milk is maintained for at least 6 months or until the age of 9-12 months. Babies who are given alternative formula milk appropriately proven to grow and develop normally.

Several types of alternative milk formula available as a substitute include:

1. Extensive hydrolyzate formula milk. In this milk, cow's milk protein is present in a form that has been broken down into smaller components. Most infants and children Cow milk allergy can tolerate this type of milk well. Kinds of milk belonging to this type include Nutramigen®, Pregestimil®, and Pepti-Junior®.
2. Amino acid formula. Formulas containing free amino acids (the simplest form of protein) as a source of this nitrogen are the best choice for infants with Cow Milk Allergy, especially in Cow Milk Allergies. The amino acid formula is considered as the first choice treatment for Cow Milk Allergy. Formulas of this type include Neocate®.
3. Soy formula (soya). This formula uses soybeans as a protein source to replace the milk components of cows. Although it does not contain cow's milk, there can be cross-reactions between cow's milk protein and soy protein, so that 10 to 14% of babies allergic to cow's milk may experience an allergic reaction to this milk use. Soy formulas are not recommended for babies under 6 months. This formula can be considered in infants with special circumstances, such as family economic problems, infants cannot tolerate other types of formula, or any special preference (vegetarian diet).
4. Partially hydrolyzed formula milk is not recommended for infants Cow milk allergy.

The duration of alternative formula use depends on the severity of symptoms, age, and specific IgE levels. Cow milk resuscitation may be performed after the alternative formula for at least 3 months (in IgE-negative infants or mild symptoms) for up to 12 months (in high positive IgE infants, severe symptoms). If the baby has repeated symptoms after cow's milk, the alternative formula is continued for 6-12 months. However, if the baby does not experience symptoms of repetition, then cow's milk can be given again in full. Most infants and children Allergic to cow's milk will be cured or tolerant of cow's milk at the age of five. 50% of babies allergic to cow's milk will heal at age 1,> 75% recover at age 3 years and> 90% recover at age 6 years.