COW'S MILK ALLERGY OR ITS INTOLERANCE IN INFANTS: A MODERN VIEW OF A CURRENT PROBLEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1811-2471.2025.v.i2.15327Keywords:
cow’s milk, early childhood, lactase, intolerance, allergyAbstract
SUMMARY. Cow’s milk is among the first foods introduced into an infant’s diet and can immediately provoke adverse reactions such as lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy. These conditions are often confused or diagnosed late, despite having different pathophysiological mechanisms. The prevalence of lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy in the general population is approximately 1–3%, with the highest incidence occurring in infants, posing a significant challenge to their physiological development.
The aim – to analyze current scientific literature in order to assist clinicians in the timely diagnosis of lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy.
Materials and Methods. This review is based on published findings from recent scientific studies addressing the diagnosis of lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy. It presents a synthesis of the reviewed sources and the expert opinion of the authors.
Results. The gastrointestinal symptoms of lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy are often similar, which frequently leads to misinterpretation or delayed diagnosis. For breastfed infants with either condition, breastfeeding should be encouraged, while the maternal diet should exclude dairy products and soy. In cases of lactose intolerance, supplementation with lactase enzyme may be beneficial. If symptoms persist, the use of extensively hydrolyzed formula should be considered. Formula-fed infants with lactose intolerance should be treated with low-lactose or lactose-free formulas, while those with cow’s milk allergy should receive formulas containing extensively hydrolyzed cow’s milk protein or amino acid-based formulas.
Conclusions. This review aims to support clinicians in better understanding the mechanisms underlying lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy and in distinguishing the overlapping and distinct clinical features of these conditions in early childhood.
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