ICDSUPL4-H014

Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT

Abstract number: H014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.H014

Published online: 9 April 2025

ICDSUPL, 4, H014 (2025)

A fresh perspective on cow’s milk protein intolerance

Bartosz Niemiec¹*, Zuzanna Guzowicz¹, Monika Cendrowska-Pinkosz²

¹ Student Scientific Group, Department of Human, Clinical, and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-900 Lublin, Poland

² Department of Human, Clinical, and Imaging Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090 Lublin, Poland

^{* Corresponding author: bartoszn1999@gmail.com}

Abstract

Back in ancient Greece food hypersensitivities were mentioned when Hippocrates described digestive issues related to the consumption of milk. In the 17th–19th centuries negative reactions to food were observed but without distinction between oversensitivity, intolerance and allergy. The term allergy was introduced in 1906, followed by lactose intolerance classification about 50 years later. Since then, research has advanced significantly. Today, “food oversensitivity” refers to a broad spectrum of conditions, divided into immunological (IgE and non-IgE mediated) and non-immunological types. Non-immunological hypersensitivity refers to food intolerances, including metabolic and pharmacological issues, whereas immunological reactions range from food allergies to autoimmune conditions like celiac disease. Although lactose intolerance is well known, cow’s milk allergy (CMA) and cow’s milk protein hypersensitivity are clinically underestimated, despite their potential severity. A systematic review of scientific literature from 1990 to 2024 in pediatrics, allergology, and gastroenterology was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to cover food hypersensitivity and intolerance. Non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity seems to be a diagnostic challenge. The absence of IgE antibodies often leads to misdiagnosing, overlooking conditions like Food Protein-Induced Proctocolitis (FPIP), which presents mild symptoms, or Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), a severe disorder triggered by cow’s milk, eggs, or soy. FPIES can cause significant weight loss, dehydration and hypovolemic shock due to vomiting and diarrhea. Untreated it may progress to Food Protein-Induced Enteropathy (FPIE), leading to malnutrition. Previously, a maternal elimination diet was recommended for CMA in infants. However, recent findings show minimal allergen transfer to breast milk, reducing the need for dietary restrictions. Cow’s milk hypersensitivity requires more critical diagnosis and treatment. Non-IgE mediated reactions are still underestimated and underdiagnosed, which leads to potential health risks. The role of elimination diets in managing CMA is now reconsidered, with recommendations favoring a more individualized approach.

Keywords: allergy, food allergy, milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance

How to cite

B. Niemiec, Z. Guzowicz, M. Cendrowska-Pinkosz, 2025. A fresh perspective on cow’s milk protein intolerance. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.H014