Mediterranean Milk Ladder: Integrating a Healthy Eating Plan While Reintroducing Cow's Milk

Evaluation of the Cow's Milk and Hen's Egg Ladder in Daily Practice: A Parent Perspective

Evaluation of the cow's milk (CM) and hen's egg (HE) ladder to improve medical care of children with CM and/or HE allergy. Through an anonymous retrospective online questionnaire, we investigated parent perspectives regarding the therapy option of a CM and HE ladder in children with CM and/or HE allergy. Of the 54 families contacted, 29 took part in the study. 19/29 children had already completed the ladders when the survey took place. 19/29 children showed an allergic reaction during the treatment of whom 17 presented skin rashes. 16/29 parents were anxious to rise to the next step in the protocol. 15/29 had difficulties with the implementation of the therapy due to the child refusing the offered food and organizational issues. Medical support as well as the ladder as a therapy option were scored satisfactory. The participating parents were satisfied with the therapy option and medical care. We identified two main areas for improvement: First, the suggested food for every step should be more diverse, according to the families' culture background and nutritional needs/demands. Second, to reduce anxiety regarding the therapy, parents must be informed that although allergic reactions are common, they remain mild. Furthermore, we will suggest step changes under medical supervision, especially in families with a slow progression of the food ladder. With these improvements, the duration of therapy could be shortened, thus reducing the risk of an allergic reaction, the need for medical care by an allergist and therefore reducing healthcare costs.

The future of cow's milk allergy - milk ladders in IgE-mediated food allergy

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common and complex presentations of allergy in early childhood. CMA can present as IgE and non-IgE mediated forms of food allergy. Non-IgE mediated CMA includes food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs), and food protein-induced proctocolitis (FPIAP). There are recent guidelines addressing CMA diagnosis, management, and treatment. Each of these guidelines have their own strengths and limitations. To best manage CMA, individualized avoidance advice should be given. Cow's milk (CM) can be replaced in the diet by using hypoallergenic formulas or plant-based milk, depending on factors such as the child's age and their current food intake. Oral and epicutaneous immunotherapy is used to increase tolerance in children with CMA but is not without risk, and the long-term outcome of sustained unresponsiveness is still unclear. The allergenicity of CM proteins are affected differently by different forms of heating, leading to the use of baked milk or milk ladders in the management of CMA, most likely the most promising option for future management and treatment of CMA. Future management of children with CMA will also include discussion around the immunomodulatory potential of the child's dietary intake.

The Need for Culturally Appropriate Food Allergy Management Strategies: The Indian Milk Ladder

BACKGROUND

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common and complex food allergies affecting children worldwide and, with a few exceptions, presents in the first few months of life. Baked-milk-containing diets are well tolerated in the majority of milk-allergic children and allow dietary restrictions to be relaxed. In addition, the early introduction of tolerated forms of allergenic foods to an infant's diet in small amounts may enhance the outgrowth of their milk allergy through oral tolerance induction. The methods of milk introduction vary widely across the globe.

METHODS

We convened an expert group to develop a comprehensive milk ladder based on the calculated milk protein content of Indian foods. To validate the milk ladder, the foods chosen for the ladder were analyzed and the ladder was re-evaluated based on the cooked milk protein content.

RESULTS

Combining expert consensus and validation of milk protein content, we created the world's first milk ladder containing Indian foods. This is the first ladder that provides information on the timing and temperature of cooking, with validated milk protein content.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first milk ladder based on the unique features of Indian food habits built by the consensus of Indian experts along with international collaboration with laboratory quantification of milk protein in each step. We believe the "The Indian Milk Ladder" will be a very helpful tool for pediatricians helping manage CMA in children as well as their parents and caregivers, not only in India, but in countries world-wide where these foods are commonly consumed.