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Researchers in New Zealand appear to have created a genetically modified cow. Its purpose; to produce low allergenic milk whereby the major whey protein beta-lactoglobulin has been removed to undetectable quantities.
This does not guarantee the milk to be
completely allergen free; however, this is incredibly exciting news for the toddler
who may be diagnosed with cows’ milk protein allergy in the future.
Are we likely to see this milk in the
shops any time soon? The research is
still at infancy but in the meantime, milk allergy is easier to manage today
than even say just five years ago.
Under the expert guidance of a
dietitian, for a mum who would like to breast feed her baby with cows’ milk
protein allergy, you can do so, as long as mum follows a strict milk free diet
and excludes all milk proteins from her diet.
Milk proteins can transfer from maternal blood stream to human milk and
hence the rationales for the strict milk free diet for mum.
For the older child, there is a good
range of calcium fortified milks available in the market. Starting with soy milk, you can also find these
in a variety of flavours. Always select
a brand that has added calcium to help meet these requirements.
For children who may also be battling soy
protein allergy, nut milks such as almond or hazelnut milks are an option. You can also try pea milk, oat milk and rice
milk.
Caution
A word of caution, as per the food
standards authority, it is recommended that rice milk is not offered to
children under 4 ½ years of age. Arsenic
occurs naturally in a wide range of foods at low levels. In rice drinks, the amount of inorganic arsenic
present is too high to be deemed safe for young children between 1 and 4 ½ years.
Consult your dietitian or GP for
advice on suitable alternative drinks for a child requiring cows' milk protein free drinks.
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