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Cow Milk Allergy (CMA) happens when the immune system mistakenly reacts to one or more proteins found in cow milk. Learn more about how the body reacts to CMA and why.
Like many allergic disorders, doctors don’t know why CMA develops in some infants. Research is ongoing to try to better understand the factors that may contribute to the development of CMA.
Which factors can increase a baby’s risk of CMA?
Family history: Babies can be at increased risk of developing CMA if they have a parent or a sibling with a history of a food allergy or another type of allergic disease such as eczema, hay fever, asthma or hives.
Nonetheless, even babies with no family history of allergic disease can develop CMA.
Cow milk allergy affects about 3% of young children but is much less common in adults. (The Association of Allergists and Immunologists of Québec)
There are two types of protein that can cause a CMA reaction. Individuals can be allergic to one of those proteins or both.
Casein makes up about 80% of cow milk protein and digests slowly.
Whey makes up about 20% of cow milk protein and digests much quicker.
Cow milk-based formulas are the most common infant formula found on the market. They are not suitable for infants with CMA as they contain cow milk protein. If your child has CMA, discuss with a healthcare professional whether Neocate®, an amino-based formula, is right for your infant.
Soy-based formulas are made with soy protein. Often, when avoiding cow milk products, parents opt for a soy-based formula. However, up to 35% of children with CMA also react to soy protein.
Hydrolyzed formulas are made with milk proteins that have been hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller pieces. There are two types of formula:
Amino acid-based formulas, like Neocate®, are hypoallergenic and made from free amino acids. These formulas are designed specifically to help with the dietary management of CMA and other food-related allergies and conditions. Amino acids are the simplest unit the body can digest and absorb so, the immune system does not get triggered thus avoiding an allergic reaction.
Neocate® is a family of hypoallergenic, amino acid-based specialized formulas for use under medical supervision and is indicated for cow milk allergy, multiple food allergies and related GI and allergic conditions. Talk to your healthcare provider about product recommendations.
Neocate Nutra is suitable for use in children and infants older than 6 months of age (not suitable as sole source of nutrition). Neocate Nutra is not intended for bottle or tube feeding.
I was so thankful for sticking with the Neocate. He was drinking more than ever, was happy as could be and all the blood in the stool had Improved! He is now about to turn one and continues to do so great!*
*Individual results may vary.
**A patient’s story from the US
**Ryder’s Mom is an employee at Nutricia North America
Reagan was always fussy when she ate and had reflux. She would cry throughout the day, and for hours every evening. When the doctor suggested to use a hypoallergenic formula, I thought of Neocate. Within few days her colic improved and her reflux didn’t seem to bother her. I was finally able to bond with her and gained my confidence back.*
*Individual results may vary.
**A patient’s story from the US
**Reagan’s Mom is an employee at Nutricia North America
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