CMPA is a type of milk allergy found in babies and young children. Their developing immune systems respond negatively to the proteins found in cow’s milk, which can cause a range of symptoms, from skin rashes to upset tummies.
About Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy Condition
CMPA is a type of milk allergy found in babies and young children. Their developing immune systems respond negatively to the proteins found in cow’s milk, which can cause a range of symptoms, from skin rashes to upset tummies.
Cow’s milk protein allergy occurs when an infant’s immune system reacts abnormally to the proteins in cow’s milk. These proteins may be present in formulas or foods they have ingested directly, or ingested by the mother and then transferred to them through breastfeeding. CMPA is one of the most common food allergies in the first year of life.
There are two different types of immune reaction. An infant may have immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated reaction or a non-IgE-mediated (or a combination of the two). These reactions can occur immediately (‘early reactions’), in just a few minutes or hours after exposure, and/or they can be delayed (‘late reactions’), manifesting 48 hours or even a week after ingestion. Immediate reactions are more likely to be related to IgE, but combinations of immediate and delayed reactions can occur.
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.
Learn more about CMPA Causes
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
It’s easy to confuse non-IgE-mediated CMPA with lactose intolerance, but they are very different conditions.
Learn more about the difference
Some people are unlucky enough to have more than one food allergy, as their immune system becomes increasingly confused about what is and what isn’t a threat.
Learn more
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