Most people outgrow cow's milk allergy
Cow's milk allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts inappropriately to ordinarily harmless protein in milk.
Unlike other allergies, milk allergy is predominantly a childhood allergy, and most children outgrow the condition.
Approximately 2 per cent of infants, and children, in the UK are affected by cow's milk allergy, with 80-90 per cent of them outgrowing the condition by 5 years of age, and only 0.1-0.5 per cent of adults being affected.

Symptoms vary from person to person
The symptoms of milk allergy can range in severity from eczema to life threatening anaphylactic shock.
Diagnosis must only be made by a medically qualified doctor and a State Registered Dietitian should be involved in the management of the condition.

Goat's milk, sheep's milk, and soya-based drinks often cause symptoms too
Many people believe that milk from animals such as goats and sheep can be used as a suitable replacement for cow's milk in people with cow's milk allergy.
However, in many cases, those with an allergy to cow's milk protein also react inappropriately to the proteins in the milk from other animals.
They may also react badly to soya protein. It is essential that people with this condition are closely monitored by medical professionals.

Lactose intolerance is completely different from cow's milk allergy
Lactose intolerance is very different to cow's milk allergy. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down milk sugar, or when it does not produce it in sufficient amounts.
Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, constipation, and flatulence. They can be unpleasant but are not life threatening.
Cow's milk allergy, on the other hand, is caused by a reaction to the proteins in milk, and extreme reactions can result in life threatening anaphylactic shock.

People with lactose intolerance can still eat dairy foods
Studies have found that many people with lactose intolerance can have up to 240ml of milk (a large glass) without experiencing symptoms, as long as it is consumed with other foods and spread throughout the day.
Foods such as hard cheese (e.g. cheddar) and yogurt are also well tolerated.

People often wrongly diagnose themselves with milk allergy or lactose intolerance
Many more people believe they have lactose intolerance, or milk allergy, than actually have these conditions.
Symptoms can be very similar to other conditions and many people exclude cow's milk and dairy foods from the diet without being diagnosed by a qualified medical practitioner. Anyone who feels they may have an allergy or intolerance to any food should visit their GP.

Excluding milk and dairy foods from the diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies
Milk and dairy foods are packed with nutrients essential to good health such as calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, protein, vitamin B12 and iodine.
Without dairy, our diets can become low in these nutrients unless suitable replacements are consumed.
At present the only treatment for cow's milk allergy is complete avoidance of cow's milk, as well as foods containing cow's milk.
If you are diagnosed with milk allergy, your GP or dietitian should also advise you on how to replace the nutrients you need to help keep you fit and healthy.

*For further information relating to dairy research or for nutrition advice relating to dairy, visit www.milk.co.uk, or contact The Dairy Council at info@dairycouncil.org.uk or on 020 7395 4030.