Casein allergy may result in flatulence and diarrhea. What else?

Casein is not a homogeneous protein. There are as many as 20 factions. The most allergenic is alpha s1 casein, which constitutes as much as 40 percent of cow’s milk protein. Casein is found in cow’s milk and dairy products such as butter, cream, yogurt, kefir, buttermilk, cottage cheese and ripening cheese, as well as in protein products, such as those intended for athletes. Additionally, casein is contained in goat and sheep milk. Casein intolerance is associated with an immune reaction to dairy protein. People with casein intolerance may experience digestive symptoms after consuming even small amounts of milk or other foods containing dairy.

Symptoms of casein allergy

The most common symptoms of casein allergy include symptoms related to the digestive system. These include: abdominal bloating and diarrhea. Some people also experience abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting. They appear after eating dairy foods. A casein allergy may also be visible on the skin. Revealed:

• rash,

• hives,

• atopic dermatitis,

• persistent itching of the skin.

It also happens that hypersensitivity to casein protein causes respiratory symptoms. The most common symptoms are:

• runny nose,

• cough,

• sneezing,

• chronic hoarseness,

• breathing disorders,

• pharyngitis.

How to confirm casein allergy?

Casein allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor who, based on an interview with the patient, sends him to perform appropriate blood tests. The test involves determining the concentration of the so-called specific IgE antibodies in blood serum, which are produced against food allergens. Analysis of the results and symptoms allows the specialist to diagnose the problem.

What to do if you are allergic to casein?

If you are allergic to casein, it is recommended to eliminate milk and dairy products from your diet. It is necessary to compose a proper diet so that it does not lack vitamins and minerals. Milk and dairy products contain calcium, so excluding these products from the diet may result in difficulties in meeting the demand for this ingredient.

Therefore, you should include products that do not contain milk proteins and are at the same time a good source of calcium. These include soy milk and tofu enriched with calcium. A large amount of calcium is also found in canned fish, legumes, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as oatmeal and wheat germ. Buffalo milk and its products are also recommended in the diet of people allergic to casein. The protein contained in the milk of these animals is casein A2 (identical to that in human milk) and therefore does not cause allergies.

Sources:

• Wąsik M., Nazimek K., Bryniarski K.: Allergic reactions to cow’s milk: pathomechanism, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, possibilities of inducing food tolerance,

• health WPROST.pl