Update on management of cow´s milk protein allergy: Available milk formulas and other juices

Abstract

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common disease with a prevalence of 2-7%, increasingly so. It is characterized by an allergic reaction to one or more cow’s milk proteins. There are not pathognomonic clinical symptoms, and these will depend on the type of immune reaction involved. A good diagnostic approach avoids under and over diagnosis and, therefore, under and over treatment. The CMPA treatment is the elimination of cow’s milk protein from the diet. A restricted diet in a child does not require it or who has developed tolerance can alter growth, quality of life, including unnecessary costs. The objective of this review is to present the different milk formulas available in Chile to treat CMPA in those cases where breastfeeding with exclusion diet is not possible. For this purpose, nutritional composition, ingredients and other relevant characteristics of all the milk formulas and juices marketed in Chile as CMPA treatment were reviewed. The information was obtained from the official distributors or sellers or failing that, from the official websites. There are multiple milk formulas and beverages used for the treatment of CMPA, and not all of them are nutritionally or immunologically secure. Knowing them in detail will help the pediatrician to indicate them in a more informed way according to their benefits and their deficiencies for the proper management of this pathology