Study of prevalance of possible cow's milk protein allergy among infants receving raw cow's milk

ABSTRACT

Objectives: although medical experts and legislation in many countries are prohibiting or strongly discouraging raw milk consumption, here in Egypt certain areas and as a result to cultural and financial reasons, raw cow's milk is introduced to infants very early from the age of two months or even and acceptability of the products, traditionally used, are further motivations for their use. This study aimed to verify the prevalence of possible cow's milk protein allergy [CMPA] among infants receiving raw cow's milk. Study design: One hundred healthy full term infants from two to six months were included in this study. They were divided into two groups; group I [cases group] which included fifty infants who were raw cow's milk consumers besides being breast fed infants. Special forms describing history and clinical examination and clinical examination were completed for each infant. Complete blood count was done in both groups while total iron binding capacity [TIBC], serum ferrtin stool analysis and occult blood in stool was requested for group I. Oral food challenge [OFC] was done to confirm the diagnosis in infants with suspected CMPA. Result: Out of 13 infants [26%] who were suspected to have CMPA in group I [raw milk consumers], only 4 infants [8%] were diagnosed as CMPA after OFC, and while none of group II [exclusively breast fed] was suspected to have CMPA three out of the four infants diagnosed as CMPA in group I were breast fed. Hence breast feeding is only protective if it's excusive. Conclusion: CMPA prevalence is much greater in the public's belief than it has ever been reported by OFC studies. OFC is the gold st and ard in diagnosis of CMPA. It is recommended to be done in infants with suspected CMPA before subjecting those infants to unnecessary dietary restrictions which may provoke nutritional unbalances, especially in the first year of life.