Milk Allergy: Significance, Detection and Management

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 15-19
    By

    ND Chaudhary,

  • SC Parmar,

  • Shaikh AI,

  • AK Jain,

  1. Senior Executive- Quality Assurance Officer, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd, Anand, Gujarat, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Dairy Chemistry, SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Dairy Chemistry, SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Dairy Chemistry, SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Milk allergy is a significant public health issue, particularly among infants and young children, with prevalence rates between 2 and 6% in early childhood, declining to 0.1–0.5% in adulthood. It is an immune-mediated adverse reaction to milk proteins, primarily involving immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated responses. Symptoms range from gastrointestinal distress and respiratory complications to severe anaphylaxis. The etiology of milk allergy involves genetic predisposition, environmental factors, an immature immune system, and early exposure to formula feeding. Detection methods for milk allergens include skin prick tests, double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges, atopy patch tests, and radio allergosorbent tests. Additionally, analytical techniques, like ELISA, LC-MS/MS, and lateral flow assays are employed for precise allergen identification. Management strategies focus on minimizing milk allergenicity through various processing techniques, such as heat treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, glycation, lactic acid fermentation, and high-pressure treatment. These methods alter the protein structure to reduce immunogenicity. For individuals with milk allergies, alternative formulas, like soy-based, extensively hydrolyzed, and amino acid-based formulas provide safe nutrition. Regulatory frameworks, including mandatory allergen labeling in many countries, help protect allergic individuals by ensuring transparency in food products. However, India lacks comprehensive allergen labeling except for infant milk substitutes. In conclusion, milk allergy remains a pressing concern, necessitating advancements in detection, processing, and regulatory measures to ensure consumer safety. Ongoing research in allergenicity reduction and improved diagnostic tools will contribute to better management and quality of life for affected individuals

Keywords: Milk allergy, enzymatic treatment, ELISA, LC-MS, antibody

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
ND Chaudhary, SC Parmar, Shaikh AI, AK Jain. Milk Allergy: Significance, Detection and Management. Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2025; 14(01):15-19.
How to cite this URL:
ND Chaudhary, SC Parmar, Shaikh AI, AK Jain. Milk Allergy: Significance, Detection and Management. Research and Reviews : Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2025; 14(01):15-19. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjodst/article=2025/view=198126


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 01/02/2025
Accepted 04/02/2025
Published 13/02/2025
Publication Time 12 Days
Total Visits: 77


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