Table of contents:
- What are the symptoms or characteristics of an allergy to cow's milk in children?
- A sign that the child is allergic to cow's milk
- What nutrients can be given to your little one that are not suitable for cow's milk?
- 1. Soy protein isolate
- 2. Vitamins and minerals
- 3. Lactose free
- 4. Source of fiber
- 5. Omega 3 and 6
To recognize the health condition of your little one, Moms need to pay close attention to the symptoms that may appear but don't rush into making decisions. Examples of health conditions that should not escape your attention are allergy symptoms. Allergy symptoms, especially food allergies in your little one are quite common. One of the common allergens is cow's milk. Symptoms and characteristics of cow's milk allergy in children can be different.
What are the symptoms or characteristics of an allergy to cow's milk in children?
Keep in mind, cow's milk allergy and lactose intolerance are two different things. Lactose intolerance is a condition that can be experienced by your little one due to a lack of the enzyme lactase, which is an enzyme that breaks down the lactose sugar content in milk.
Meanwhile, cow's milk allergy is a reaction of your little one's immune system due to exposure to cow's milk. The symptoms caused by the two are similar; such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
A sign that the child is allergic to cow's milk
Signs or characteristics that arise when a child is allergic to cow's milk can be seen directly or after several days of consuming cow's milk or its processed products. The severity of symptoms depends on your little one and the amount of cow's milk consumed.
Symptoms that usually arise directly from consuming small amounts of cow's milk include:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the face
- Rash and itching of the skin
- Wheezing or coughing that doesn't go away
- Vomiting, diarrhea
If your little one is prone to severe allergic reactions, some of the characteristics of this cow's milk allergy can also arise. The severity of symptoms varies from child to child and depends on the amount of cow's milk consumed, including:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Has difficulty speaking or a hoarse voice
- Wheezing or coughing that doesn't go away
- Pale
When you find your child experiencing symptoms or features of a severe cow's milk allergy, immediately call or make a doctor's visit.
What nutrients can be given to your little one that are not suitable for cow's milk?
Mothers can consider providing alternative nutrition for cow's milk, such as a soy formula that contains soy protein isolate and which has been fortified with vitamins & minerals needed to support children's growth and development.
What are the nutritional content in the soy formula and its function in helping the little one's growth and development that shows the characteristics of cow's milk allergy? Come see below!
1. Soy protein isolate
The content of soy protein isolate in the soy formula is fortified with the required macros and micronutrients, so that it can be a good source of protein for your little one.
In comparison, 200 grams of fortification formula contains 7 grams of protein, and 8 grams of protein in cow's milk for the same amount.
Therefore, the soy formula can be an alternative source of protein to replace cow's milk. A total of 40 grams of soy formula contains 4 grams of protein which is important for children's growth, such as for the development of the immune system and brain. In one day, your child aged 1-3 years of age need approximately 13 grams of protein.
If you are looking for alternatives to cow's milk due to the fact that your child shows a characteristic cow's milk allergy but still wants to meet the child's protein needs, soy formula can be one of the options.
2. Vitamins and minerals
Fortified soy formula is able to provide a number of vitamins and minerals that your little one needs. Some of the important ingredients such as:
- Calcium: Important for the growth of bones and teeth. The recommended daily intake is 700 mg per day.
- Vitamin B complex: Important for metabolism, energy, heart and nervous system health. The recommended daily intake is 0.5 micrograms per day.
- Vitamin D: Works with calcium in maintaining bone strength and helps fight chronic disease later in life. The recommended daily intake is 400 IU (international units) per day.
- Iron: Helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The recommended daily intake is 7-10 mg per day.
A number of benefits of vitamins and minerals that your little one needs are found in soy milk if you choose the right formula.
3. Lactose free
Although rarely found, your little one can not only experience and exhibit the characteristics of a cow's milk allergy, but may also experience lactose intolerance. Lactose is a type of sugar found in milk and its preparations. If your little one experiences this, fortified soy formulas can be an alternative.
4. Source of fiber
Another advantage of soy formulas is the fiber content in them. Soya or soy milk is a plant-based food source, so it can be a source of fiber at the same time. Fiber is needed by your little one to maintain a healthy digestive system.
5. Omega 3 and 6
There is also a soy formula fortified with omega 3 and 6 which is the key to children's growth and development, such as:
- Promotes brain development
- Heart health
- Immune system
In addition, if your little one shows allergy symptoms such as asthma, research shows that omega 3 essential acids can help relieve these symptoms.
Consuming sufficient soy milk (1 or 2 glasses a day) is a good alternative for children over one year of age. When a child shows a characteristic allergy to cow's milk, it does not mean that he should stop getting the goodness and benefits of milk, Mother.
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