Food allergy is a growing problem worldwide


Food allergy is one of the rapidly growing allergic diseases globally, with prevalence estimates in American children (≤5 years) of around 6%.1 In Australia, the Melbourne-based HealthNuts study in more than 2,800 infants has shown increased prevalence, with around 10% of infants shown to have a challenge-proven food allergy to a common allergenic food at one-year of age. In the HealthNuts study, cows’ milk protein allergy was not challenge-proven, but it was estimated at 2.7%.2

In Australia, the estimated incidence of cows’ milk protein allergy in infants is 2.7%.2

Cows’ milk protein is often the first food protein to which formula fed infants are exposed and, in allergic individuals, can induce severe and/or potentially life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis).3

Infants with cows’ milk anaphylaxis

For infants up to 24 months old with cows’ milk anaphylaxis, an amino acid synthetic formula (eg Nutricia Neocate, Abbott EleCare ®, Nestlé Alfamino®) is required. Treatment must be in consultation with a specialist allergist or clinical immunologist, or a specialist paediatric gastroenterologist. Consultation may be by telephone.

Further information is available at NPS MedicineWise.

References


References