CMPA occurs when the developing immune system responds negatively to the proteins found in milk or dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt) from all ruminant animals (e.g., cow, sheep or goats), triggering an allergic reaction that causes a range of symptoms.
About Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy
CMPA occurs when the developing immune system responds negatively to the proteins found in milk or dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt) from all ruminant animals (e.g., cow, sheep or goats), triggering an allergic reaction that causes a range of symptoms.
Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in the first year of life. It occurs when an infant’s immune system reacts abnormally to the proteins in cow’s milk, which are either transferred from the mother while breastfeeding or from cow’s milk protein-containing formulas and complementary food.
The immune reaction may be immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or mixed. The reactions can be immediate (early) reactions, occurring from minutes to hours after exposure, and/or delayed (late) reactions, which can manifest 48 hours or even a week following ingestion. Immediate reactions are more likely to involve IgE, but combinations of immediate and delayed reactions can occur in some infants.
Key facts about Cow’s Milk
Protein Allergy.
Prospective cohort studies in Europe suggest a 10-year prevalence of 1.9% to 4.9% for CMPA in infancy. This is supported by a meta-analysis, showing that incidence generally ranges between 2% and 3% in infants less than 1 year old.
Research shows that most children outgrow CMPA – 50% of them by the time they are 1-2 years old. This increases to 80% before the age of 4, and 90% before the age of 6.
Prospective cohort studies in Europe suggest a 10-year prevalence of 1.9% to 4.9% for CMPA in infancy.2 A meta-analysis supports this, with incidence rates of CMPA shown to be between 2% and 3% in infants less than 1 year old.3
The majority of children outgrow CMPA: 50% children outgrow CMPA by 1-2 years, this increases to 80% before the age of 4. 90% of CMPA resolves by 6 years of age.1,.3
Prospective cohort studies in Europe suggest a 10-year prevalence of 1.9% to 4.9% for CMPA in infancy.2 A meta-analysis supports this, with incidence rates of CMPA shown to be between 2% and 3% in infants less than 1 year old.3
The majority of children outgrow CMPA: 50% children outgrow CMPA by 1-2 years, this increases to 80% before the age of 4. 90% of CMPA resolves by 6 years of age.1,.3
Prospective cohort studies in Europe suggest a 10-year prevalence of 1.9% to 4.9% for CMPA in infancy.2 A meta-analysis supports this, with incidence rates of CMPA shown to be between 2% and 3% in infants less than 1 year old.3
The majority of children outgrow CMPA: 50% children outgrow CMPA by 1-2 years, this increases to 80% before the age of 4. 90% of CMPA resolves by 6 years of age.1,.3
Prospective cohort studies in Europe suggest a 10-year prevalence of 1.9% to 4.9% for CMPA in infancy.2 A meta-analysis supports this, with incidence rates of CMPA shown to be between 2% and 3% in infants less than 1 year old.3
The majority of children outgrow CMPA: 50% children outgrow CMPA by 1-2 years, this increases to 80% before the age of 4. 90% of CMPA resolves by 6 years of age.1,.3
CMPA occurs when the developing immune system responds negatively to the proteins found in milk or dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt) from all ruminant animals (e.g., cow, sheep or goats), triggering an allergic reaction that causes a range of symptoms.
CMPA is an immune-mediated reaction and it is broadly split into two types: immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated and non-IgE-mediated. An infant may have an IgE-mediated reaction or a non-IgE-mediated reaction, or a combination of the two.
Learn more about each type
The signs and symptoms linked to CMPA are incredibly diverse, ranging from colic and reflux to constipation, diarrhea and uncontrollable crying. This can make the diagnosis challenging. Every case of CMPA is different, so it helps to be aware of the different symptoms you should be looking out for.
Learn more about CMPA symptoms
Multiple food protein allergies (MFPA) often present as CMPA along with other foods.
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Gastrointestinal food allergies represent a substantial proportion of cow’s milk protein allergies.
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It’s easy to confuse non-IgE-mediated CMPA with lactose intolerance, but they are very different conditions.
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