Living with a milk allergy

If you have a milk allergy, strictly avoiding milk and food containing milk and milk products is the only way to prevent a reaction, which can include immediate wheezing, vomiting and hives. It is not always easy to avoid these foods because many unsuspecting products contain milk or milk products.

Some people confuse food allergies with food intolerance. Someone with intolerance to milk may have symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramps, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation.

Always check the ingredients on the label before you use a product, even if you have previously used the product. Manufacturers occasionally change recipes, and a trigger food may be added to the new recipe. Here are some examples of milk products and foods that may contain milk along with a list of milk substitutes.

*Although soya milk is a popular alternative to cow's milk, it may also cause allergies.

Dairy products are an important source of calcium and vitamin D, so it's important that you eat other foods rich in these nutrients such as broccoli, spinach and soya products.

To ensure that you eat a well-balanced, healthy diet talk to your GP or a registered dietician.