Casein Allergy

Casein allergy is caused by the immune system’s perception towards casein  as a foreign entity, thus mounting an immune response towards it in a bid to destroy it from the body. In the process of doing so, the individual is afflicted with symptoms ranging in severity from rashes, stomach cramps, bloating, breathing difficulties, dizziness and hives to rare unfortunate cases where death may eventuate. The reason for its crippling consequences is that the immune response is classified as “anaphylactic” which is of the most destructive type involving multiple organ systems, even though the actual response may only last for several minutes. Due to the destruction of functional tissue, the individual may also experience significant unintentional weight loss.

As casein constitutes 4% of milk composition (learn more about casein here), anyone reminiscent of casein allergy, should exclude milk derived products from their diet, including but not limited to liquid milk, milk powder, butter, margarine, yoghurt, ice-cream, solid milk components in products like cheese or bodybuilder’s powder mixes and in some types of cakes, chocolate, biscuits and puddings. It can make life less pleasurable for those affected with a casein allergy, although fortunately, most products in the supermarket are specifically labelled with casein in the ingredient list on the packaging. Furthermore, there are milk-derived products that are devoid of casein that will also indicate so.

For bodybuilders with a casein allergy, there are various related substitutes such as  whey protein (learn more here) that likewise possess established muscle enhancing properties. For infants with such allergies, nursing mothers should opt for whey protein or hydrolysed casein milk formulas if breastfeeding is not possible. Whilst on the topic of infants, casein allergies actually comprise 2 to 3% of infants in the developed world although around 85 to 90% resolve this condition by 3 years of age. The incidence of casein allergies is only 0.1 to 0.5% amongst adults.

Anyone with a casein allergy is susceptible to acquiring calcium deficiency which can be manifested in the form of weak and brittle bones, osteoporosis and/or nerve and muscle impairments. This is due to the difficulties of obtaining an adequate calcium level in the diet. Therefore, for these individuals, it is essential to frequently consume fish, nuts, shellfish, milk containing hydrolysed casein, eggs or calcium supplements in order to attain the recommended daily intake of 1500 mg of calcium.

To produce an anaphylactic response towards casein (casein allergy) is very rare and a stomach upset after consuming milk, may merely be an one-off sensitivity towards milk and will repair itself with the progression of time. Although ongoing anaphylactic responses to milk gives rise to the possibility of a casein allergy.

Discovering that you have a casein allergy may come as a shock to you and you may not find the idea of checking every food for casein, as appealing. Unfortunately, the best form of treatment is total prevention of milk containing products, although to look on the bright side, delicious foods like Chinese, Mexican or Indian takeaway need not be devoided!

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