Breaking News: Cadbury Chocolate Contains Milk!

I know, I know. This is not a big surprise, especially since the brand name contains the word ‘milk,’ and there is an image of milk on the wrapper. However, to comply with labeling laws, Cadbury announced that it is adding warnings to its Dairy Milk Chocolate wrappers and to its Dairy Milk Whole Nut bars.

If you’re not familiar with the story, check out this clip from foodqualitynews.com.

The company is adding a warning “to inform milk-allergic potential customers” that its products contain milk.

While this might be obvious, we all know food labels can be tricky and I personally think this is a step in the right direction for food allergy labeling. And with the FDA still in the process of developing a long-term labeling strategy, it’s nice to see companies already responding to their food-allergic children and their parents. Click here to read an entry I wrote a few months ago on this topic.

As an allergy parent, how do you feel about Cadbury’s labels? I’d love to know!

- Christine

Your Child is Wheezing: Could it be the Sign of a Milk Allergy?

The signs of a milk protein allergy aren’t always as cut and dry as parents would like. I often receive calls from worried parents about wheezing or respiratory problems in their babies, wondering if it could be a symptom. Unfortunately, these problems may or may not be a sign of a milk protein allergy.

In general, a child with a milk allergy can’t digest the complex protein chains found in regular formula. When a child takes this formula, an allergic reaction can cause multiple gastrointestinal (GI), respiratory and/or dermatological problems. These symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash or wheezing. Also, persistent colic can be a sign of an allergy.

My first bit of advice is to make an appointment with your pediatrician immediately if you suspect your child has a milk protein allergy.

In the meantime, check out some of these other sites that might help you determine whether your child is suffering from a milk allergy:

Click here for an allergy test. Dr. John Moissidis, a Board certified pediatric allergist at The Asthma Allergy Clinic in Shreveport, La., designed this test to help parents of infants identify a potential milk allergy.

And click here for a few tools on how to deal with food allergies. As we have discussed in previous entries, a milk protein allergy can be treated by implementing an elimination diet if your little one is breastfeeding or by replacing your baby’s formula with an amino acid-based formula, like Neocate (the protein in this formula is broken down into its simplest form, making it much easier for babies to digest!).

You can also visit this site for more information on whether or not your child might have a milk allergy.

Do you have any questions? I know this allergy stuff can be tricky!

- Nita

Elimination Diet FYI

So, you find out your child has a milk protein allergy, and you think, “What am I going to feed him? Babies are supposed to drink milk!” I know it can be confusing, and a little overwhelming, at first. However, after taking a look at your options, you will be good to go!

If your child is formula fed, you won’t need to worry about eliminating anything from your diet. As we’ve talked about in previous entries (insert blog entry link), you can just switch your little one to an amino acid-based formula. However, if you choose to breastfeed, you will need to follow an elimination diet and remove all milk and soy protein from your diet.

For your reference, here is a list of the basic foods that may contain dairy or soy protein that you should avoid when on the elimination diet:
• All dairy and soy products
• Meat/processed meats
• Whey or Casein on the label
• Nutrition bars
• Glazes
• Lactose-free products
• Chocolate
• Fortified cereals
• Non-broth (cream) soup
• Cheese/Yogurt
• Salad dressing

Kids With Food Allergies also has another in-depth list you can take a look at. Click here to see the full list.

These are just some things to look out for when implementing an elimination diet. Of course, if you feel the need to supplement your baby’s diet or if the elimination diet is compromised, an amino acid-based formula is always a great option. And, as always, please speak with a registered dietitian or your pediatrician before starting the elimination diet.

- Christine

Food Allergy Videos on YouTube!

As an allergy parent, I’m sure you are always looking for new information on how to keep your allergy prone little ones safe. Here’s a new option: YouTube videos!

Some of you might remember the successful documentary, “I’m Not Nuts: Living with Food Allergies.” Well, the producer of that documentary, Keven Lindenmuth, felt allergy awareness is so important that he began posting additional clips on the Web that didn’t make it into the original film. The topics range from “What is anaphylaxis?” to “Can food allergies be airborne?”

GoDairyFree.org posted links to a bunch of Mr. Lindenmuth’s videos, which are now posted on YouTube. Click here to see the list.

For those of you who don’t know, YouTube is totally free and easy to use! And if you are interested in purchasing Mr. Lindenmuth’s original documentary, it’s available on Amazon.com.

I’d love to know, did you find these allergy awareness videos helpful? And do you know of any other helpful allergy awareness videos?

- Nita

Does Your Little One Need a Few Extra Calories?

Hearing “failure to thrive” (FTT) from a doctor can be disheartening for parents. Unfortunately, when babies and children have food allergies, it can be hard to make sure they are getting all of the nutrients they need to grow. And I often get phone calls from confused parents who are not sure what they can give their child to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients when they are allergic to so many key foods.

Because of this, FTT, a term used to describe the children who have failed to develop and grow as expected, is a common, but extremely fixable, symptom of babies and children with food allergies.

For more information on FTT, click here.

Since FTT often occurs because a child is not receiving adequate calories, a high calorie supplement is needed. This is where Duocal, a high calorie, protein-free nutritional supplement that can be added to foods or beverages, comes in. This milk-free product is great for little ones who have milk protein allergies and are on specialized formulas. However, it can be given to children who are not taking formula as well and is perfect for those children who just require a little catch-up growth.

Do you want to know the best thing about Duocal? It’s an unflavored powder so you can add it to your child’s normal diet! That’s right busy moms — there isn’t any additional cooking on your end and you don’t have to worry about your child not liking it. You can just add it to whatever your child is eating.

If you feel like your child has been missing that one last piece of the nutritional puzzle, a supplement like Duocal, or a similar supplemental medical food, could be right for him or her. And remember, products like this should be taken under medical supervision.

For complete information on Duocal, click here.

Do you have any questions about FTT or Duocal? Please send them my way!

- Christine

The News Is Still Nuts About Allergies

It’s a new year and it seems not much has changed in the news department — it’s still all about allergies! I just came across an article in Time magazine on allergies and Americans.

The article, called “Have Americans Gone Nuts Over Nut Allergies?” is very similar to the article from the US News & World Report that I blogged about a few weeks ago. This article is a bit different, however, because it covers both sides of the allergy argument: doctors that feel people are too worried about allergies and parents who feel there is never enough attention paid to allergies.

To read the entire article, click here.

The way I look at it is the more articles that are written about allergies, the more people that are aware of them. And that is always a good thing!

Have you read any interesting allergy news articles lately?

- Nita

Your Child Is Growing Up and It’s Time To Switch Formulas?

Often, I get calls from curious parents regarding up-age products, which are products for babies that are one year of age and up. Our conversation is very similar to this:

“My little one with an allergy is about to turn one years old. Can I keep him on the same formula or should I switch to a different one? If I have to put him on a new formula, how do I do it?” – Parent

“The answer is simple and only involves two things: New formula and weaning.” – Nutrition Specialist

Of course, it’s not that simple. But it isn’t as hard as many would think. And honestly, the process usually depends on your child.

Depending on what formula your child is on now, you can usually just switch it to the product next in line. Here at Nutricia infants with milk protein allergies are on Neocate Infant. Once a child turns one, parents can then switch their formula to Neocate 1+, Necoate Junior or EO28 Splash.

Since each child is different, my formula suggestions are always on a case-by-case basis and of course depend on a doctor’s recommendation. However, for instance, if your child still has malabsorption issues, I would often recommend Neocate Junior because it contains a higher amount of vitamins and minerals.

After you make the formula choice, you need to begin weaning your little one. Again, the process of weaning is not set in stone; however, you usually start by giving your child a combination of new formula and old formula until he or she is completely comfortable on the new formula. For example, you could start off with 25% new formula and 75% old formula. If that works for your little one, slowly keep increasing the amount of new formula. If your child gives resistance, switch to less of the new formula and more of the old. Basically, you can create your own weaning recipe!

What have your experiences been like switching to up-age formulas? I’d love to know!

And as always, if you have any questions, send them my way!

- Christine