Conference moira::parenting

    My niece is allergic to dairy products.  In fact, she wears a braclet
    like you might see a diabetic person wear.  She still drinks soy
    formula (at 3.75 years old).
    
    It's a real challenge finding products she can eat (read the labels
    on bread and crackers and you'll see that many contain whey, which
    Allie is allergic to).  But, the good news is that there are PLENTY
    of soy products available that make good substitutes.  I've found
    them in my local Star market for when I'm babysitting her (and I serve
    my own daughter the same foods with no complaints) - cheese, yogurt,
    rice etc.  And "health food stores" like Bread and Circus (which I just
    heard has been bought out by someone else) carry an even more amazing
    array of products.
    
    My sister-in-law has found nutritionists helpful as well as cookbooks
    available from the formula companies. (Family parties always include
    cakes made with Isomil soy formula!)  Allie is not on any calcium
    supplement that I know of, maybe the formula provides the requirements?
                                

    What works for me is to rethink my menu planning.  I find it easier to
    plan meals that don't include dairy substitutes, most of the time.  
    
    Two notable exceptions:  
    
    1. Soy milk (I use it in my morning cereal and as a substitute for milk in
    pancakes.  My daughter (at least temporarily lactose-free) also drinks
    it by the cup.
    
    2.  Margarine.
    
    For instance, consider the Chinese or Japanese diets.  They include
    no dairy except as an occasional exotic side dish.  Yet consider the
    great variety.  I am still inspired by memories of my trip to Thailand
    years ago.  I went 2 weeks without any dairy and loved the meals there.
    
    L

re: .2:

I found that most margerines do contain some dairy products - usu. some
whey I think.  Do you know of a totally dairy-free marg?

re: .0 and .1:

I took my then-13-month-old to an allergist this summer, and we spoke
briefly about milk allergies.  He said that people aren't "allergic" to
milk, only unable to digest either the lactose, the protein, or both, and
that they don't experience alleric reactions (runny nose, congestion,
watery eyes).

After reading the symptoms described in .0, especially the congestion,
I am now confused!

~Caryn

    RE: .3
    
    My niece is definitely allergic.  A little nibble of cheese starts her
    lips puffing up and turning blue along with oher symptoms.  BUT, as you
    point out there's certainly a difference between allergic and
    intolerant.
    
    About the margarine.  Everyone in our extended family now uses
    Fleischmans - no dairy.

    RE:  .3
    
    A few people have a genuine allergy to milk.  That is - the body starts
    producing lots of histamines, with the typical allergic reactions as
    described in .4
    
    Many, many people have lactose intolerance.  What is it?
    
    Lactose is the form of sugar found in dairy product, equivalent to
    fructose (fruit) and sucrose (sugar).  With any dietary sugar, the body
    must break it down to glucose before it can be absorbed and used by the
    muscles and organs.  By the way, this is why hospitals use glucose in
    IV drips.  
    
    The intestines do the work of converting dietary sugars into glucose,
    which is then passed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. 
    To convert the sugars, the intestines use specific enzymes.  Lactase is
    the enzyme which converts lactose to glucose.  Lactase is actually
    produced by flora, bacteria that thrive in the intestine.  If the body
    has stopped producing lactase, the lactose passes intact into the large
    intestine.
    
    When lactose accumulates in the large intestine, it ferments, and just
    like beer or wine fermenting, it produces alcohol.  The alcohol draws
    water from the abdominal cavity into the intestine.   Normally, the
    reverse occurs, which is why we normally have solid stools.  The
    fermentation process produces gas, and the large volume of water in the
    stool causes diarrhea.  Hence, the noxious results of lactose
    intolerance.
    
    Why do people have lactose intolerance?
    
    Babies normally produce lactase to digest their milk diet.  
    
    But in most cultures worldwide, adults do not eat any dairy products. 
    Their gene pools evolved to stop producing lactase during adolescence. 
    For example, no adults in China, Japan, or other Asian countries eat
    dairy products or drink milk.  This is true also for Native American
    and African populations.  
    
    To a lesser degree, it is true for people of the Mid-East and India who
    eat only small to moderate quantities of yogurt and other cultured
    dairy products.  Their intestines usually produce small amounts of
    lactase, because of the small quantities ingested, and because yogurt
    requires less lactase to digest it.
    
    One genetic population eats moderate to large quantities of milk, and
    has inherited full production of lactase into adulthood.  This is  the
    people of northern Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia,
    Germany, Switzerland, and central to northern portions of France.
    
    Lactase intolerance can appear in people of Mediterranean heritage, but
    will usually resemble the partial intolerance of Mid-Eastern people. 
    I don't know about its occurance in people of Russian and Eastern
    European heritage.  I guess it is probably in the Mid-Eastern pattern,
    because these cultures eat moderate quantities of yogurt.
    
    In the US, it is difficult to determine lactose intolerance because so
    many people are of mixed genetic heritage.  Its presence can be easily
    tested, however, by removing all dairy products from the diet for a
    period of time, usually about 1 week.  All dairy products will be
    digested and eliminated within 3 or 4 days.  The extra time allows the
    upset intestine to settle down.  If your digestion goes back to normal
    and stays that way, then you can readily deduce that lactose
    intolerance is the culprit.
    
    What can you do about it?
    
    Commercially-producted lactase tablets can be added to milk to
    "pre=digest" the lactose, or can be taken orally with meals,  This
    won't work for everybody and should be tested slowly and carefully.
    
    Otherwise, you can go on a dairy-free diet.  While this is difficult
    for kids surrounded by ice cream, cheese, and other dairy temptations,
    it is not too difficult for a determined adult.  You must become adept
    at reading food labels and interrogating restaurant personnel.  Just
    remember to bring your reading glasses to the store for all that small
    type. 
    
    Just think about it this way - you are not weird or defective.  You are
    actually in the world's genetic majority!  You can learn lots about a
    dairy-free diet by studying the diets, menus, and recipes of Asia and
    other dairy-free regions.
    
    Laura

re: .5

     Thanks Laura.  Interesting.  I refer to the lactose intolerance as
"Asian stomach."  I can digest cheese or ice cream with only minor 
discomfort, but I can't drink milk straight.  If I had known it would turn to 
alcohol, I would have asked for beer on my cereal, I guess.
	One other comment -- it took some doing, but I've learned to 
eliminate needing a dairy spread on bread products.  The thought of a dry
bagel, English muffin, or biscuit is unappealing to most people, but it is
doable, and now I've gotten used to it, and actually prefer it.  
Occasionally, I'll put a jam or jelly on, but for the most part I
just take it dry.  For the really dry stuff, I do need something to drink,
like water or coffee along with the bread product.
     I suspect that this may be easier to do for kids, because most adults
have grown up thinking the only way to eat a biscuit is to put two pats of
butter on it.
     I've also gotten to PREFER cereal dry.  I like the crunchiness.  I've
heard of some kids learning to eat cereal with water, also.
     For me, it was more a matter of eliminating fat, calories, and
cholesterol than it was of eliminating dairy products.

Clay

    
    One way to see if a margerine is non-dairy is to look for the term
    'pareve (sp?)" on it.  Most of the time this would be written next
    to the u symbol with the circle around it or near the word kosher
    written out.  This is for Jewish people who keep kosher and can not
    have meat products with dairy products.
    
    

The only non-dairy margarines widely available in the U.S. are unsalted --
Mazola and Fleischmann's for example.

    There is also something called "52% Vegetable Spread" which I use in my
    house.  It is made primarily with Soy oils.  We use this successfully. 
    No Whey or Milk Proteins.  It does have a K on it which I believe means 
    it is Kosher.  It is sold in a big tub and has an acceptable taste if 
    you are use to margerine instead of butter.  I find the salt-free 
    margerines awful.  It does not have a particular brand name ... usually
    put out with the generic store name.
    
    There is also an excellent cook book out called "The Milk Free
    Kitchen".  It has some really good recipes in it if you are just
    avoiding milk/milk products.  If you have multiple food allergies, like
    my son, you have to watch the recipes close.  I can't remember the
    author, if someone wants it let me know and I will look it up.  The
    book was written by a mother with two children that had problems
    dealing with milk products.  She tried to take everyday meals and
    modify them so everyone could eat, and enjoy, them.  There pretty good!
    
    Joyce

    
    Does anyone use Dairy Ease? If so were they successful with it?
    
    

    I purchased a milk free cookbook this weekend and spent some time doing
    a bit of research on the situation. It had a very good forward section
    which gave some history as well as information on what products to cook
    with and how much calcium needs to be added to diets of people who are
    milk free.

    I am willing to try (as is Marc) a completely milk free diet for 4
    weeks to see if there is any change in all of our conditions (I have
    some eczema on my hands that is so bad it is painful and I really
    suspect that it is related).

    I am not willing to try, however, until we have moved into our new
    house (have I told you about it yet ;-)) and until the holidays are
    over. It is just too hectic a time of year to be adding a dietary
    change on top of all of the other changes that will soon be occurring.

    I'll let you know how this little experiment goes.

    			Wendy

    I was really glad when this note opened up!  My daughter was 
    diagnosed as having a Lactose Intolerance at around 3 1/2 months.
    
    Last week I took her back to her specialist and he said to go
    ahead and start her on whole milk because most babies grow out
    of the 'intolerance' by 6 months.  So...I started her (as the
    doctor ordered) the first day 1 ounce in each bottle - 2nd day
    half and half -- 3rd day all whole milk.
    
    Unfortunately by Sunday I knew that it wasn't going to work (I started
    on tuesday)...She was cranky and gassy - the terrible diaper rash
    came back, diarrhea...ugh!  She was really miserable.  Sunday afternoon I
    switched back to formula..by monday afternoon her diaper rash was
    gone and she wasn't cranky or gassy at all...
    
    I guess my question is:  Did I panic?  The doctor said she would be
    gassy/cranky the first couple of days...but 5 days later?  What is
    a childs typical reaction to the switch over from formula/breastmilk
    to whole milk?
    
    I think for now (at least for another couple of months) I'll just
    stick to the milk free diet - it's really not that hard after you've
    been doing it for a while.....
    
    thanks for any experiences that can be shared!
    
    Andrea

    
    Can't remember where I first mentioned it but I finally got around to
    making yogurt with soymilk and it worked just fine.
    
    	It's nice to be able to have yogurt to add to things again.
    
    	Next experiments will be flavored yogurts and soy pudding. We tried
    dream pudding this weekend and it was a big hit but it's a little too
    expensive for my taste. 
    
    	We also tried soy cheddar cheese and that was a big thumbs-and
    throw-on-the-floor down.
    
    				Wendy

    
    
    for later readers here:
    
    
    My son is allergic to dairy, eggs, chocolate and nuts. You can imagine
    that we also searched far and wide. There was an excellent recipe book
    in the Nashua public library "the egg-free, milk-free, wheat-free
    cookbook" by Becky Hamrick and S.  L. Wiesenfeld MD. It is old and out
    of print, but we pulled some excellent recipes out. My wife has to
    improvise on some things, but my boy has grown well these last 3 years.
    Lots of tofu, middle eastern hummus, soy milk and hamburg.
    
    We also lucked out on fast food chains..for example, Macdonalds happy
    meals, the burgers have no fillers (bread often has milk), the fries
    are not cooked in peanut oil, and they have apple juice. We just cannot
    trust the buns since some outlets may have milk in them.
    
    
    Barry
    
    
    
    
    

    	As an update to this note, I *finally* got Spencer in to see a
    Naturopath/Nutritionist (I realize upfront and acknowledge that this
    approach is not for everyone). This guy comes highly recommended from
    the Digital community and I would have to agree that he is right on top
    of things. 
    
    	He had a good understanding of biochemistry and microbiology (which
    plays a great part in digestive health) and we were able to talk at
    that level. Also, because I have done a lot of reading in this area and
    have several thoughts and theories already, he appreciated this and
    augmented and/or corrected some of my perceptions.

    	We went over Spencer's history and his symptoms (bumpy red rash)
    and his feeling is that yes indeedy do, it most probably is a milk
    allergy. With both of the parents having milk allergies/intolerances
    this was to be expected.

    	I basically knew this but because going on a milk free (as opposed
    to low milk) diet is such work that I wanted confirmation/validation
    before I went forward. I had taken Spencer to the Doctor's for this
    very same rash and their reccomendation was to put Vaseline on it
    (basically on most of his body), my feeling was that that was treating
    the symptom and not the cause and so we went further. 
    
    	The plan is to remove milk for 4 weeks and then challenge Spencer
    with milk, we should be able to make a direct correlation at that
    point. We are planning to start this after the holidays as it is just
    too difficult right now with the start of "Holiday feasting" right
    around the corner. We will limit but not restrict until the new year.

   	We are also putting Spencer on some supplements (Flax oil, calcium,
    and Bifidus) and we'll see what happens. 			

    	Although I *know* milk is bad for us, I never really knew why
    (after all Milk *is* good for you, so says the Dairy industry) other
    than in some kids it causes mucous. I was able to pick up the book
    "Don't Drink Your Milk" (something I've been trying to find for almost
    a year) and after reading that book last night, milk will just not be
    allowed in the house, any desire I had for it was just (literally)
    thrown in the sewer. (the book comes highly referenced and researched
    and the author, a physician, has outstanding credentials) The next step
    is to get Marc to read this ;-).

    				Wendy

Hi,

My names Elaine,  

I've posted this note here 'cause I can't find anything on the UK 
conferences to help.

Until now I've been a read only noter to this conference, I 
have a little girl aged 2 1/2, called Jennifer.

She's been having problems digesting her food for the last month or so, 
and suffering from projectile vomiting.

Today the Doctor told me that her stomach lining is inflamed and
that dairy produce is causing her to vomit. She told me that I have 
to totally eradicate dairy produce from her diet for at least 2 months.

The Doctor gave me some leaflets on things to cook, but it looks awful.
I need some ideas on what I can cook, that a 2 1/2 year old will like, 
possible substitutions for ingredients in meals that I already cook.

Also if you have ideas could you state food types rather than brand names.

Regards  

Elaine   

    Hi Elaine,
    Sorry about your little girl.  I hope she heals soon.
    
    You might want to try the vegetarian notesfile.  Some of the
    participants do not use any dairy products at all, and could be a good
    source of info for you.  TRUCKS::VEGETARIANISM
    
    Barring that, what types of foods does she like to eat? Maybe we can
    help with substitutions in the recipes?
    
    

    Well my oldests allergy to mild wasn't quite as extreme as yours, she
    could have cheese and yogurt in small quantities, but I don't push milk
    on any of my kids I feel if they don't like it.  
    
    We have used all kinds of methods to work around the calcium issue,
    the easiest is to give her tums, or another calcium supplement.  We have 
    used non-dairy creamer in cereal or apple juice, and encourage more meat
    eating to make up the protien deficit.  Soups work really well for this
    as you can really concentrate the broth and still have it edible.  My
    kids like sardines, so that has always been a good source of both
    calcium and protein and vitamin D, as is canned salmon, cooked dry
    beans, almonds, and other nuts.
    
    meg

    A friend has a daughter with lactose intolerance, and has a book that
    looked pretty good.  It was written by someone who also has lactose
    intolerance.  It gives lots of advice of what can be eaten and what
    not, among other things.
    
    No Milk Today:
    How to Live with Lactose Intolerance
    by Steve Carper
      - symptoms and diagnosis
      - diet, recipes and dairy substitutes
      - dining out safely
      - the lactose-intolerant child
    A Fireside Book
    Published by Simon and Schuster, New York
    ISBN: 0-671-60301-9
    
    Good luck!
    Beryl

    I know calcium isn't the same as lactose intolerance, but calcium is
    really a stomach irritant too.  Good Drs. no longer prescribe Tums or
    milk or anything like if someone is having gastritis.
    
    Just a thought, since I have gastritis, the doctor has me take Maalox
    (I don't know what to call it in the UK), which does not contain
    calcium.
    
    So... if the stomach is all riled up over the lactose, maybe it would
    be a good idea to also not take a calcium supplement for a few days,
    just so things can settle down.
    
    Okay - *just* found my Maalox - for the readers in the UK, the
    ingredients are:
    
    	magnesium hydroxide 200mg,
        dried aluminum hydroxide gel 200 mg,
        simethicone (for gas) 25 mg.

    My 9-month old son can not tolerate milk.  He's been on soy formula
    since he was 6 weeks old.  I had/chose to stop breastfeeding because
    he was getting such severe stomach cramps after eating, just as he does
    when he has any milk.  Today, at his 9-month checkup the doctor told me
    to try goat milk (or to stick with the soy formula).
    
    I need to find some sources for goat milk in the greater Westford, MA
    area.  The pedi thought there was a goat farm in Tyngsboro but didn't
    know the name.  I called several health food stores and so far only the
    Concord Spice and Grain in Concord, MA has it.  And they have a very
    limited supply since the goats from their only source are currently
    having babies and the goats are using most of their milk for their
    own babies.
    
    Carol

    Carol,
    
    If you are unsuccessful in finding  fresh goat's milk, there is at
    least one brand of powdered goats milk in my health food store.  
    
    If this doesn't work for you, well my kids can tolerate cultured milk
    products, such as cheese and yogurt.  Other than that we don't touch
    milk in any form.  They are all growing well for the most part, and
    Carrie, who never was encouraged to drink any milk is strong and (for
    those who know about my fairy children) one of the taller kids in her
    class.  
    
    there are lots of calcium and vitamin d supplements in the world, and
    to me, drinking milk is drinking poison, so we just don't bother. 
    there are lots of things besides milk to drink out there.  However
    apple juice on corn  flakes is patently gross, so cold cereal is out
    the window for us.
    
    meg

    There are also soy beverages, supposedly similar to milk.
    
    Jonathan used I think it was Vita-Soy for a while.  But if you opt for
    this, bring along a can of formula before you buy - you might be
    appalled at how few vitamins there can be in these "alternative" milk
    products.
    
    If it's a lactose intolerance, there are lactose reduced milks that
    taste quite good.  I can't remember the name of the one we used for a
    while, but the carton said something like "Proven better tasting than
    xx" where xx was another leading brand.  I drank it, and it tasted
    great to me!
    
    Now we don't bother with any of that.  He can tolerate some milk just
    fine, so we just lean off the milk a bit, get calcium-enriched O.J.,
    and other sources.  AND the pedi said "they don't need anywhere NEAR as
    much calcium as we used to think!". (here's hoping he's right (-:)
    
    Is this in place of formula?  That would matter a lot ...!

    There's a small health food store in Littleton right next to Bob's Solid 
    Oak Repro. I've never been in there so don't know what they sell. This
    isn't near Westford, but if you get desperate you might try Bread and 
    Circus in Cambridge, right after Alwyfe Station.
    
    Kathy

    I'll answer my own question on where to get goats milk.
    
    There is a small goat dairy in Tyngsboro at 447 Dunstable Rd.  The
    phone number is (508)649-7715.  The woman who runs it is Mary Fox and
    she's been doing it for 20+ years.  I had a long chat with her and
    found out alot about milk and goats milk in particular.  Unfortunately
    she is on the verge on retiring to NH so I don't know how much longer
    she'll be there.
    
    The milk is in a refridgerator on the front porch.  It is self-serve
    and costs $3 per half-gallon.  She said people are free to come from
    6AM until about 9PM.  The milk last about 2 weeks if it is stored
    properly (cold and away from sunlight).  It is whole milk and
    unpasturized.
    
    I've never had goats milk.  This has no smell, has a creamy taste with
    a slight aftertaste which tastes like goats cheese.  I don't really
    like goats cheese but I think I could get used to this milk in a couple
    of days.  It was much better than I expected (apparently the type of
    goat, the storage of the milk and where it is pasturized or not greatly
    influence the flavor of the milk).  My 3 year old daughter, who likes
    almost nothing, has also taken a liking to this milk.
    
    And the best part is the it seems to agree with my son - we've had no
    horrible stomach cramps and no spitting up after he has it like we did
    with cows milk or my breastmilk for that matter.
    
    Goats milk does lack folic acid so my son will need to take a folic
    acid supplement if he stays on the goats milk.  Other than that it is
    an even switch with cows milk.
    
    Carol
    

    Does anyone have any updates to this note.  We just learned our
    daughter has an allergy to milk.  She gets the hives around her
    mouth area after only a sip of milk.
    
    Any recipes?  Anyone every make their own goats milk ice cream? haha.
    Has your child outgrown it?

There are a number of milk substitutes and milk-free ice cream substitutes.
My wife, who is lactose intolerant, finds that "Rice Dream" is much better
tasting than soy milk.  It's available in an "enriched" formulation that
has calcium and vitamins A and D.  It's available in virtually any health
food store.  The best price in the GMA is at the new Trader Joe's stores --
$1.49 a quart.

Tofutti is one brand of ice cream substitute.  If you find the word "Pareve"
(or "Parve") on any of these products, it should be safe for your child to
use.

We found out Samantha was allergic to lactose about 1.5 years ago, maybe 
closer to 1 year.  She is now 5.5 and we put her back on milk products about 1 
month ago.  So far, no problems.  Hopefully your's will outgrow the 
allergy/intolerance as well.

Dave

Regarding using kosher designations to find milk-free products, you need to be
careful.  It's a good rule of thumb, but it's not foolproof.  There are certain
things that satisfy kosher rules (ways of cleaning equipment, ingredients) but
do not actually get rid of all milk protein.  There was an article in Food
Allergy News about it some time back, I'll see if I can find the reference.

						Brian

    I have a number of recipes for my daughter who is allergic to milk
    protein.  I will try to post some of them next week.  
    I have a really good pancake recipe as well as a cake recipe that I
    am using for her birthday cake.  We make our own bread and use no
    processed foods at all in our home.  All of our soups, baked goods etc.
    are homemade.  As a previous noter stated, you may be asking for
    trouble if you trust all food labeling.
    In my daughter's case, she had a life threatening  reaction so we take
    NO chances at all.
      
    Please be very cautious with goats milk.  Most people with a true
    protein allergy to cows milk are also allergic to goats milk.
    
    There are other notes that have included experiences that noters have
    had with food allergies and there is a lot of good reading.
    
    Nancy
    

Sorbet (not sherbet) tastes terrific, comes in many flavors, and has no milk
products!  

There is also a soy yogurt and there are soy cheeses.  Be careful with the
cheeses, though - most soy cheeses still have dairy products!!!!!

Justin drinks "Justin milk" which is either rice milk or soy milk.  We always
use the enriched kind - some of them have the same amount of calcium as 
cow's milk (which they usually represent as "30%").  Be careful in switching
between them, though, because after lots of rice milk and then a switch to
soy, Justin was painfully constipated for days!  Now that his body is adjusted,
he drinks soy milk every day and likes it just fine.  I did a taste test with
Justin with 4 of the varying kinds.  There was soy, rice, and one that had
acidophilus in it.  He really had no preference (the rice milk tastes a *lot*
better to me, though).

He is 3 years old now, and we don't worry about small amounts of milk in cakes
and bread products. This way we can still do kids hamburger meals at fast food
places and can still let him take part in birthday parties.  We just bring our
own sorbet and he gives any milk chocolate treats to his very appreciative
brother! 

For Easter and Christmas, we can sometimes find dark chocolate made without
milk products, though it is not easy.  Health food stores sometimes carry
them, like little festive Santas wrapped in festive, colored foil.  Sometimes
presentation counts much more than taste.

      Carol

    Our daughter hasn't had a severe reaction.  We first noticed it
    when she licked ice cream off one of our spoons.  She broke out
    in hives on her face.  Then a few weeks back the Dr. had us try
    milk and the same hive situation around her mouth.  No swollen tongue
    or throat.  But thankfully she had only take a sip.
    
    I've read info the Allergy News Letter, but I still don't truly
    understand the allergy.  OAS and anaphylactic I don't know the
    difference.  Nor do I understand if this is Lactose intollerance, et.
    I assume Lactose effect the digestive track.
    
    For those of you with children who have milk allergies, do you find
    they are allergic to anything else, peanut butter, eggs, etc.  I am
    terrified to try anything new.
    
    She has eaten pancakes, french toast, cake.
    
    Actually my husband and I don't find the milk free diet part of
    it a big deal.  People look so sad when you tell them.  The first
    reaction is no ice cream??? But when the ice cream truck pulls up
    she loves her popsicles.  She doesn't like the taste of the milk
    so the Dr. suggested she stay on the formula.  But I have to admit
    I hadn't even thought of milk chocolate.  Now I am sad..hhaha.
    
    

You probably should talk to a pediatric allergist.  They can answer your
questions well, and can test your child for allergies if warranted.

The Food Allergy Network has a booklet called "Commonly Asked Questions About
Food Allergies," that discusses the difference between allergy and intolerance,
among other things.  They have a lot of good material, that's why I recommend
them so frequently :-)

Here's some info from the FAN web pages (http://www.foodallergy.org) under
"Commonly Asked Questions":

                   =====================

What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

    Many people think the terms food allergy and food intolerance mean the
    same thing; however, they do not. A food intolerance is an adverse
    food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose
    intolerance is one example of a food intolerance. A person with lactose
    intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When
    the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and
    abdominal pain may occur. A food allergy occurs when the immune system
    reacts to a certain food. The most common form of an immune system
    reaction occurs when the body creates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies
    to the food. When these IgE antibodies react with the food, histamine
    and other chemicals (called mediators) cause hives, asthma, or other
    symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do children usually have milk intolerance or milk allergy?

    Reactions in children are usually caused by an allergy. The only way to
    prevent the symptoms of milk allergy is to avoid all milk products.
    Adults usually suffer from a milk intolerance called lactose
    intolerance. Special drops or tablets are available to prevent the
    symptoms of lactose intolerance.

                   =====================

Good luck.  Food allergies can be very difficult to deal with emotionally, so
it's good to know others in the same boat.

						Brian

    I just saw a new milk product announced this morning.  Does it
    contain dairy?  I heard something about oat flour.. but not sure
    what else is in it.
    
    Lisa

    Its real milk, real dairy.  The additive from oats is to make non-fat
    milk taste more like whole milk.

    Leslie

    My sitter said that one day a few months ago a Pediatrician on Channel
    5 said that there is no such think as a milk allergy, only Lactose
    Intollerance.  What a stupid statement.  This is why I get confused
    around this milk allergy. Has anyone else experienced hives as a 
    reaction to milk (just on her face, red blotches?).  
    
    The other confusing part for us is that my daughter on some days can
    have milk products and on other days can't.  One day she has a piece
    of cheese and no reaction.  The next day same piece of cheese and
    WHAM hives (red blotches).  
    
    Also, the other day I gave her peanut butter like I normally do and
    the hives showed up.  She is 18 months now and I was wondering if
    getting an allergy later on in their life is common??
    
    The Pediatrician hasn't suggested an allergist yet, but I am thinking
    it might be the best thing for me to do, even if I have to pay for
    it myself.
    
    She is still on Nutramigen and actually refuses to drink anything
    else cause she has gotten so used to the disgusting taste of
    the formula.
    
    

>>    My sitter said that one day a few months ago a Pediatrician on Channel
>>    5 said that there is no such think as a milk allergy, only Lactose
>>    Intollerance.  What a stupid statement.  This is why I get confused
>>    around this milk allergy. Has anyone else experienced hives as a 
>>    reaction to milk (just on her face, red blotches?).  

I agree, that was a really stupid statement, even more so for a pediatrician to
say it.  Of course there is a milk allergy.  It is true that many people think
they or their kids have it when they don't, but to say it doesn't exist is
ridiculous.

>>    Also, the other day I gave her peanut butter like I normally do and
>>    the hives showed up.  She is 18 months now and I was wondering if
>>    getting an allergy later on in their life is common??

Yes!  (That is to say, it does happen, but I don't know if it is common.)  I
have a friend, in her 40's, who just found out last year that she has a peanut
allergy.  I find it hard to believe she had no encounters with peanuts in 40+
years, but she may very well have developed it later.  Also, a reaction is
supposed to occur on exposures after the first one, not on the first exposure,
so you might eat something that seems fine, and next time you eat it you have a
reaction.

>>    The Pediatrician hasn't suggested an allergist yet, but I am thinking
>>    it might be the best thing for me to do, even if I have to pay for
>>    it myself.

I've found very few pediatricians that take food allergies as seriously as an
allergist does.  I hope your pediatrician is willing to refer you to an
allergist at your request, even if he or she doesn't see a strong need.  At
least *talk* to an allergist; ours has call-in hours, perhaps you can find
someone like that.

						Brian

    
    My daughter didn't start showing allergies to raw carrots and
    raw apples until she was 9 years old, she had been fine with 
    those 2 food items before then. Since she gets swollen lips,
    swollen tongue and itchy throat from these 2 food items, our
    pediatrician did a blood test for food allergies, which isn't 
    as accurate as a skin test. When the blood test results showed
    allergies, I asked for a referral to a pediatric allergist in
    Children's. My daughter also shows symptoms of pollen allergy
    and cold allergy (she gets bad hives in cold water), so I
    wanted to get an expert opinion. I did not have to push for
    the referral as my pediatrician is affliated with Children's
    and is quite progressive. If you are concerned, by all means,
    ask for a referral to a pediatric allergy specialist.
    
    
    Eva
    
    

>    My sitter said that one day a few months ago a Pediatrician on Channel
>    5 said that there is no such think as a milk allergy, only Lactose
>    Intollerance.  What a stupid statement.  This is why I get confused
>    around this milk allergy. Has anyone else experienced hives as a 
>    reaction to milk (just on her face, red blotches?).  

A true allergy to milk is extremely rare.  Lactose intolerance is extremely
common.

>    The other confusing part for us is that my daughter on some days can
>    have milk products and on other days can't.  One day she has a piece
>    of cheese and no reaction.  The next day same piece of cheese and
>    WHAM hives (red blotches).  

Allergies, once you have them are essentially constant.  To understand this,
you have to understand what an allergy is ... An allergic reaction is the
result of your immune system trying to kill some invading material, just as
if it was trying to kill a cold or flu virus.  But the attack is usually
more active.  Once your immune system is sensitized to an allergen, then
it takes a desensitization program to avoid future reactions.  The immune
system will not do an "one day on" / "one day off" type reaction.

This is why I would be inclined to think that the problem isn't milk products
as such.  Dyes are often a problem.  Red cheese might be a problem where 
white isn't ... or souring milk might be a problem where fresh milk isn't.

>    Also, the other day I gave her peanut butter like I normally do and
>    the hives showed up.  She is 18 months now and I was wondering if
>    getting an allergy later on in their life is common??

Generally reactions to peanuts (and most other nuts) are extreme, and not
simply hives.

    
    A SENSITIVITY to milk products is pretty common from what I've seen.
    
    Our pediatrician TOLD us that they do not refer out to allergists
    because most "allergies" (or things that seem like them) are outgrown
    by the child is 2 or so, so it's all a "waste of money" (forget about
    your child's comfort!!).  Also, they can't really DO any allergy
    testing until they're quite a bit older (4?) so didn't see the value in
    it.  
    
    The question is;
    
    IF she's allergic to  a-b-c, what would you do different?
    Not eat/drink a-b-c.  Well, then do that anyway.  She certainly isn't
    going to whither up from not having milk.  If she's NOT allergic to it,
    not having it isn't going to be harmful.
    
    IF she's (lets say) allergic to maple trees, there's not much different
    that you're going to be able to do anyway - so what's the value in knowing??
    
    So, what we ended up with, was "If you think he's sensitive/bothered by
    something, then try to remove it from him."  In true form, Jonathan has
    outgrown the tomatoes and milk sensitivities that used to turn him RED!
    and attributed to his 15 zillion ear infections.  He eats pasta ALL the
    time with tomatoes, drinks milk by the gallon, and I don't recall the
    last time he had any reaction to either.
    
    Good Luck!
    

>>    A SENSITIVITY to milk products is pretty common from what I've seen.

That's what I've heard, too.

>>    IF she's allergic to  a-b-c, what would you do different?
>>    Not eat/drink a-b-c.

The question is, are you going to turn your life upside down looking for hidden
a-b-c products in every single thing you feed her, or can you give her regular
food and go to restaurants and relatives' houses and birthday parties?  The
main purpose of allergy testing, IMHO, is to find out that she is NOT allergic
to some common allergens.

>>    Our pediatrician TOLD us that they do not refer out to allergists
>>    because most "allergies" (or things that seem like them) are outgrown
>>    by the child is 2 or so, so it's all a "waste of money" (forget about
>>    your child's comfort!!).

...and which says nothing about allergies that are potentially
life-threatening.  I don't know whether that's suspected in the case under
discussion, but I always take allergies seriously.  For peace of mind, I think
it's a good idea to talk to a specialist.

						Brian

    
    
    
    
    IMO...
    
    I think the most important thing with allergies is to know 
    what one is or is not allergic to. It makes a world of a 
    difference if one can avoid the allergens. There is a distinction
    between not being able to digest some food because one's
    system is not mature enough and a true reaction. One can outgrow
    a immature digestive system, but outgrowing an allergy is not
    likely. eg. I have pollen allergy since childhood and it has 
    not disappear. Some allergic reactions can be life threatening
    and should be treated with respect. Even if the reactions are not 
    severe, it is not appreciative to subject a small child to allergens 
    as it does take the body quite a big of resources to rev up the 
    immune system for an attack, the same resources can be better spent 
    fighting real germs or just growing. Now, I certainly agree it is
    real that some people are not allergic to certain foods, but their
    digestive system cannot handle the food itself, like lactose 
    intolerance. So, one gets a tummy ache or a pimple or a mouth sore,
    which is not as big a deal as an immune system reaction. Also, each 
    of us is different (ethnic origin, remember our genes all came from 
    different parts of the world?) and it should be ok to have different 
    dietary needs - one man's food is another man's poison. If the child
    is not truelly allergic, then don't worry too much, just avoid the
    troublesome food items. 
       
    
    Eva 

>>    ... outgrowing an allergy is not likely.

My understanding is that many childhood food allergies are outgrown; shellfish
and nuts typically are not.

Some relevant info from the Food Allergy Network web site
(http://www.foodallergy.org/ under "Common Questions" and "Fact & Fiction"):

    Do children usually have milk intolerance or milk allergy?

         Reactions in children are usually caused by an allergy. The only way
         to prevent the symptoms of milk allergy is to avoid all milk products.
         Adults usually suffer from a milk intolerance called lactose
         intolerance. Special drops or tablets are available to prevent the
         symptoms of lactose intolerance.

    ...

         7.Milk is the most common cause of food allergies in children. Other
         foods most commonly cited are eggs, wheat, peanut, soy and tree nuts.
         8.Peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause the most severe
         reactions.
         9.Up to 5 percent of children have food allergies.
         10.Most children outgrow their allergy, although an allergy to peanuts
         and tree nuts is considered life-long.
         
         [Note: Other info I've seen adds shellfish allergy to this list.]

    ...

    Food Allergy Myths

         1.Myth: A recent study showed that up to 25 percent of adults believe
         they have food allergies. Scientific studies show, however, that only
         1 to 2 percent of adults truly have a food allergy. 

         2.Myth: Food allergies are not real. Not true. An allergic reaction
         involves the body's immune system. In the case of food allergy, the
         immune system misinterprets a food as a harmful invader and releases
         histamine and other chemicals to protect the body from harm. Symptoms
         can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. 

         3.Myth: Food allergies should not be taken seriously. Every year more
         people die of food allergic reactions, than allergic reactions caused
         by insect stings. Food allergies must be taken seriously. 

         4.Myth: Food additives and artificial flavors cause the majority of
         food allergic reactions. Contrary to common belief, natural foods
         account for the majority of allergic reactions. The foods that most
         commonly cause reactions are: peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree
         nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, and shellfish. These
         foods may appear in foods as ingredients or under natural flavors. 

    Lactose intollerance frequently manifests itself as increased mucous
    production.  My son has had incessant sinus infections the past
    two years - each time he came down with a head cold his sinuses were
    infected.  Each time! As an experiment, I took him off milk 1 month
    ago. Last week, he started to come down with a head cold.  As of today,
    the cold is subsiding.  He does not show signs of a sinus infection
    yet, and the cold is making an exit much more quickly than ever before.
    I can't say for certain that the milk is the culprit.  I'll reserve
    absolute judgement until we go through the rest of the cold and flu
    season without a sinus infection.  Taking him off milk did not
    cause much of a problem.  Luckily he likes soy beverages. I buy one
    that is fortified with vitamins and minerals, and it has the same
    protein content as milk. 
    Sarah
    

    Sarah, are you sure it's lactose intolerance that causes the mucous
    buildup.  I know that Aaron is sensitive to milk, I didn't think the
    lactose was what caused the mucous buildup.  That seems to imply that
    he wouldn't have the problem if I added lactose drops to his milk or
    gave him Lactaid.  
    
    sandy

    Sandy,
    You may be right.  I may be confusing two separate issue with the milk.
    It may not be the lactose that causes the excess mucous. It is
    something in the milk, however.  An older GP once told me to take him
    off milk completely as soon as I saw signs of a deep, phlegmy cough,
    because the increased mucous production from the milk would exacerbate
    an already overabundance.  I mentioned that he only drank skim milk,
    and the doctor said it didn't matter. No milk when he gets congested.
    This was an emergency room doctor we had to see on vacation. He didn't
    say anything about lactose, so it may be something else in milk that
    causes the mucous.
    Sarah

While milk alergies may be rare they certainly DO exist.  I also can't believe
a pedi would say otherwise.  It is our pedi who finally made the suggestion to
have our son tested (you can read the long, details in one of the notes on
reflux). 

It has been made VERY clear to us by all the doctors involved that he does
NOT have a lactose intolerance but he does have an allergic reaction to 
milk products.  And they have seemed to go out of the way to differenciate
between the two.  With an intolerance, you could mistakenly ingest a milk
product and then experience a reaction but once the milk had cleared your
system, you would be no worse off.

There is a possibility that a child will outgrow an allergy.  However, the
odds are greatly increased the longer you can avoid ANY of the thing(s) they
are allergic to.  Even a minute amount can trigger a reaction which sets back
any possibility of developing an immunity and sets them up for a more severe
reaction the next time.

Therefore it is very important to understand the difference.

					Mark

    I would have to take note with some of the comments in .56.  They are
    contrary to my readings from the Food Allergy Network, and contrary to
    what my daughter's Pediatric Allergist has told us.
    
    A true milk allergy is common in children under the age of 2.  However
    90% of children with milk protein allergy will outgrow it by the 
    age of 4.
    
    My daughter has a very severe milk allergy.  If she gets a drop of milk
    on her skin, she will swell up and get hives.  If she ingests a drop of
    milk (or most store bought cookies, breads, crackers, soups etc with 
    milk protein or manufacturered on the same line as those with milk
    protein) she will experience hives, facial swelling and have trouble 
    breathing.
    
    Most children (90%) will outgrow the milk allergy, if they stay away
    from milk protein in *all forms* for a year or two.  My daughter
    probably will not due to her severe sensitivity.
    
    I would be concerned about the noter whose child got hives from the
    milk and then the peanuts (peanut butter?).  You are exposing your
    child to milk, knowing that he is allergic.  His allergic reactions
    could get more severe as time goes on.
    Your child could also be developing an allergy to peanuts and have
    experienced a mild allergic reaction.  I would recommend that you talk
    to a reputable Pediatric Allergist 
     
    My allergist stated that because my daughter is so severely allergic to
    milk, that she must stay away from other allergic foods (nuts, peanuts,
    fish, shellfish, eggs).  Sometimes children with one food related
    allergy  are prone to other allergies as well.  Ths could be the case
    with the child getting the hives from peanut butter.
    
     My daughter was allergy tested at the age of ten months and again at
    two years using the skin prick method.  This method is 90% accurate and
    there are two test (histimine) indicators which will verify how
    accurate the reading is.  When my daughter was two, I explained the
    test to her ahead of time and she didn't cry - just said it tickled and
    was alittle uncomfortable.  It gave me great peace of mind having her
    tested.  I would recommend that if you have concerns about your child
    being allergic to certain foods, an allergy test is well worth it.  
    The size of the wheal (welt derived from the allergy testing) will
    provide a fair amount of information regarding the sensitivity your
    child will have to the allergen.
    
    My two cents.
    
    Nancy                                           

    Our "unprofessional" (though extremely determined!) testing, came to
    the following conclusions for Jonathan, when he was ~11mos, lasting
    until he was almost 2;
    
    He had a reaction to milk/milk products that when he drank more than
    ~4oz/milk/day, he would **ALWAYS** get an ear infection within 2-3
    days.  Sometimes nasal congestion accompanied this, but not always.
    
    If he had pasta more than twice in a 2-day period, his face would get
    very red/blotchy with some bumps.  His butt would react the same way
    (probably from stool in the diaper).
    
    If his milk was severely limited, he got *NO* ear infections (and I
    mean quite literally, none.  He hasn't had one that I can think of
    since we cut back on his milk/tomatoes).  
    
    A little history .... he was first on "regular" lo-iron formula, after
    a few mos of fussiness and puking, switched to Soy formula and did
    better.  By this time he was eating baby food, and all sorts of table
    food.  I'm sure that he would have gotten some pasta/milk along the
    way.  From the age of ~3mos, until he was ~11 mos, he almost ALWAYS had 
    an ear infection.  We were about to do the tubes, when we started
    pieceing things together .... he was getting ear infections in the
    middle of the spring/summer, which was what first caused me to look for
    other causes.  
    
    It didn't take long to make the correlation.  I tried to limit his milk
    and tomato products, but neglected to mention anything to the daycare.
    A couple of times, we both fed him lots of tomato stuff or lots of
    milk, and he got an ear infection or blotches every time.  The
    pediatrician agreed it was reasonable.  The ENT agreed that it was
    DEFINITELY reasonable.  He was OFF of milk/tomatoes for a while, and he
    cleared right up.  For the first time his ears were clear and dry. 
    Imagine THAT?!?  
    
    For ~10-12 mos we were spastic about the amount of tomato/milk in his
    diet, which we gradually loosened up on.  Now he seems to be fine. 
    Almost all he likes to drink is milk, and he eats his share of tomato
    products (though he definitely prefers cheeseburgers - with no
    ketchup!).  If you'd lived through it, you would be 100% convinced that
    he was allergic/sensitive/intolerable (or whatever word you care to
    use) of milk and tomatoes when he was younger.  You'd also agree that
    he's outgrown that now (he's 3).  Thank Goodness!!  It was agreed by
    his ENT, his parents and his Pedi that he had (at the time) a milk
    protein (NOT lactose!!!!) and tomato intolerance.
    
    In summary, if you suspect something, stop giving it to him and see
    what happens.  That's how they do a lot of this with the really little
    kids anyway.  It's your child, and you know them and what they
    are/aren't eating better than you can convey to a Dr.  Trust your gut!
                           
    Patty
    

    re .56
    
    Yesterday (after my initial note) I caught "Ask the Pediatrician" on
    the Health Network.  She said milk protein allergy is more common
    than lactose intollerance.  LI is rare.  This is what she said.  I
    agreed with your statement from everything else I had read.  This is
    why I get so confused!!!!!
    
    re: .65
    
    The Dr. tells us to try to reintroduce milk every few months to see
    how she does.  She only takes a sip anyway because she hates the taste.
    The peanut butter we have been giving her for quite a while.  So like
    normal I gave her toast with peanut butter, when I noticed blotches!
    
    She eats products with whey in them without any problem.  
    
    
    	

>>    The Dr. tells us to try to reintroduce milk every few months to see
>>    how she does.  She only takes a sip anyway because she hates the taste.
>>    The peanut butter we have been giving her for quite a while.  So like
>>    normal I gave her toast with peanut butter, when I noticed blotches!

This is very scary.  Please talk to an allergist.  A bad allergic reaction can
be fatal.  Please don't take chances.  A series of mild reactions does not
guarantee that all reactions will be mild.  A reaction can occur from smelling
peanuts, or eating a small amount of peanut butter, or eating a piece of
peanut.  Please, talk to a specialist.

Please also bear in mind that "avoiding milk" for a severely allergic person
means a lot more than not drinking milk or eating things with obvious milk
products in them.  "Avoiding peanuts" is easier, but not trivial.  Any
avoidance involves reading of all ingredient labels for everything, and extreme
care when eating out (some people just plain can't eat at restaurants at all).

This is a serious issue.  My son is peanut-allergic, and the biggest hurdle we
have to handle is other people not understanding the seriousness of the
situation.

						Brian

    I'd like to emphasize one thing that Brian mentioned in passing... 
    Even if you can't CONFIRM what your child is allergic with allergy
    tests, one thing that IS helpful is finding out what your child is NOT
    allergic to.
    
    My son had a lot of, what seemed like random, rashes when he was
    younger.  He'd had the blood allergy tests at 6 months, and the "prick"
    tests at two years.  None of them conclusively told us what was causing
    the rashes, and we never found a consistent reaction to any one food. 
    
    But... they DID tell us what he was definitely NOT allergic to.  So, at
    least when he was excessively rashy, we knew what we COULD safely feed
    him (although I had no plans to keep him on a constant diet of rice and
    water!).
    
    Peggy 

    just my 2 cents....
    
    
    My daughter has a sensivity to lactose.  When she was a baby just a
    mouthful of milk would cause "severe" reactions.  Now she can drink
    about 4 ounces a day without problems.  BUT, she can not have cheese
    and milk together...We found out the hard way that she is alergic to
    wheat.  She has severe breathing problems from wheat...
    
    We have found that she can better tolerate cheese(s) made from Goat's
    milk than cows milk.  More expensive/stronger taste....
    
    Kathi