When cow's milk becomes harmful…

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a difficulty digesting lactose (the sugar found in milk and dairy products). It results from a deficiency in "lactase", the enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. There is no such thing as a lactose allergy.
 

The likelihood of developing lactose intolerance is relatively low in early childhood, but increases over time. Lactose intolerance rarely affects infants and children under 3 years of age. It becomes slightly more common from the age of 5.
 

What are the symptoms?
 

Digestive issues: bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain… The severity of symptoms varies from one person to another.
 

What can you eat?
 

The management of lactose intolerance is based on limiting — very rarely eliminating — foods containing milk. The extent of this limitation varies from person to person.
 

Cow's milk protein allergy
 

Cow's milk protein allergy is the first food allergy to appear in children. It affects approximately 7.5% of children.
 

The overall prognosis is good, with recovery achieved in 90% of children by an average age of 3 years.
 

This is an allergic reaction involving the immune system, which responds to the presence of a food it perceives as harmful.
 

What are the symptoms?

Digestive issues (bloating, diarrhoea, stomach aches…), skin reactions, sleep disturbances, weight loss, respiratory problems. In some rare cases, symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as angioedema (Quincke's oedema) may also occur.
 

What can you eat?
 

It is necessary to completely exclude cow's milk-based products, and in some cases also beef. Milk from other animal species is contraindicated in cases of proven cow's milk allergy.
 

It is essential to eliminate milk from the diet, as well as yoghurts, cheeses and creams.
Care should also be taken with all processed products (brioches, cakes, charcuterie, sauces, ready meals) which may contain cow's milk proteins (CMP).
 

For children under one year of age, speak to your doctor, who will prescribe suitable products. The best prevention remains breastfeeding for as long as possible.
 

When should you seek medical advice?
 

When one of the symptoms described above appears and persists over a prolonged period, it is important to seek medical advice. Certain tests may be prescribed by your doctor, but in most cases, improvement on a diet excluding cow's milk proteins (CMP) will confirm the diagnosis.

All our breastfeeding snacks are free from CMP, refined sugars, and allow you to enjoy a wealth of goodness while treating yourself. Enjoy 10% off your discovery bundle when you sign up to our newsletter.

- Replace cow's milk with plant-based drinks (rice, almond, oat, soya, coconut… and alternate!). Our range of collagen food supplement in powder form pairs beautifully with plant-based drinks!
- Replace butter with vegetable oils (olive, rapeseed, walnut…) or margarine.
- Replace crème fraîche with rice, soya, coconut, or oat cream.
- Replace cheese with vegan cheese, which can be found in health food shops.

Not necessarily! A gradual reintroduction may be possible on medical advice and following a precise protocol, which in some cases may take place in a hospital setting.

All Jolly Mama products are of course dairy-free (no lactose, no cow's milk protein, nothing)!