Casein, The Protein That Causes Excema?

[Spectra]

Through my research, in trying to figure out if the formula I'm using is causing my son's excema, I came across Casein.  Apparently it is one of the milk proteins in milk, formulas and added to MOST soy formulas.  Only a few formulas do not contain it, such as Enfamil ProSoBee and Neocate, and probably a few others I don't know about.  This is what I came across::

Casein: A very few people (less than 3%) are allergic to Casein (the protein found in milk). This is usually detected in babies but can be undiagnosed till later.
Casein: Common allergy symptoms are itchy skin conditions, GI (gastro-intestinal) and respiratory problems.
Casein allergy is often apparent with babies, but can remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Reactions including hives, eczema, vomiting, asthma and diarrhea are common.
Casein: Milk protein allergy is also likely to be an inherited gene.
Casein: Obviously a dairy-free diet is the answer. However for Casein there needs to be more vigilance as Casein is now included in hundreds of processed foods.

Interestingly, too, the molecular structure of casein is similar to that of gluten, and those with celiac disease may also suffer from casein intolerance.

I ask this because my son has a terrible reaction when he eats anything with barley and oats, but for some reason he is fine on wheat.  I thought maybe he is sensitive to these things and they are kind of related?  Anyone else experience this?  My doctors don't "think" it's an allergy, but I think I want him to at least get tested.

Anyone else hear of this?  I think I'm going to try the Enfamil ProSoBee infant formula, just to see if it works.  Everything else is sooo expensive.
This is the website I got this from http://www.foodintol.com/dairy.asp I just copied and pasted because you have to register to view this stuff.

[Mydreamcametrue]

No soy formula's contain casein at all.  All soy formula's are derived from soy protein only. 

Casein is the milk protein that is most likely to cause an allergic reaction.

That is why here in the US, lo's that have a problem with regular milk based formula's such as Enfamil and Similac, can handle Nestle Good Start okay.  They use Whey protein which is more gentle on the tummy.

What formula is your ds on now?  What does his excema look like?  Does it look like little goose bumps or little red bumps?

Tyler (9 mos. old also) reacts very badly to oats and is fine with wheat also.  We have not tried barley. 

We just switched Tyler from Enfamil Alimentum to Enfamil Prosobee and I have only GOOD things to say.  It has worked great.

You could try Similiac Isomil, but the difference I found was: 
Isomil contains corn syrup solids and sucrose as the carbohydrate.  Some lo's react to sucrose like they would lactose.

Enfamil Prosobee only contains corn syrup solids as the carbohydrate.

Very interesting information about casien.  I guess that is why for a child with Autism, they recommend a casien and wheat free diet. 

Milk is found in a lot of products and under all types of names.  If you are avoiding milk/dairy you have to really read labels.

Good Luck with the Prosobee.

P.S:  Nutramigen and Alimentum both contain casein for the protein, but it is so broken down that it is unlikely to cause a reaction.  Some lo's still cannot handle that very small amount, so they have to go on Neocate or there is even Elecare (both are amino acid formula's).

Wendy

[KittysMum]

Hi Spectra

We're using Neocate for top-ups and finding it good. We got ours on prescription - why not ask your doc see if you can get a prescription too?

Isn't researching allergies a minefield? xx

[Spectra]

Hehe, sure is!

Well, my family doctor thought it was allergies, but my pediatrician said it wasn't because he said my son's symptoms aren't as bad as they would be if they were allergies.  But I'm going to my family doctor in two weeks and am going to bring it up again.  I don't see the harm in trying it, and if when we do his excema and congestion go away then that would be great right?  Will have to see.

[momtoandrewandthomas]

My advice would be to keep a food diary and all related symptoms in great detail.   I know that with my Thomas, it is hard to remember day to day and when we see the doctor, it seems things always appear less severe than when living it day to day.  When I started writing down all food and drinks and what his poop looked like and when he went and when and what he was itching and what rashes came and went, a real pattern emerged.  It is so much easier to link things together when you write it down.  It is really hard some hectic days, but it really shows you and then your doctors what is going on.  I got the run around from many a doctor, but now I feel that I can really put some oomph behind my general suspicions.  THomas is MSPI and not "allergic"  but after closely watching him, with even hidden dairy or soy he reacts with allergic symptoms (increased reddness around eczema areas, increased KP and scratching til he bleeds, increased stuffiness and runny nose and sneezing. ) I kept thinking he was reacting to things in the air outside, but now I am convinced otherwise.

Good luck and stick to your instincts, they are usually right!
Jen

[Spectra]

That's an excellent idea, I'm going to do that.  Some days the excema on his cheeks really get terrible, and some days it's not so bad.  Thanks!

[KittysMum]

Me too - great advice. I've found you really need 'ammunition' sometimes to be taken seriously with the medics. They don't seem to think much of hunches...