Milk allergy is a minor cause of milk avoidance due to perceived hypersensitivity among schoolchildren in Northern Sweden

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica
• Main Authors: Winberg, Anna, West, Christina E., Strinnholm, Åsa, Nordström, Lisbeth, Hedman, Linnea, Rönmark, Eva
• Other Authors: Vetenskapsrådet, Umeå Universitet, Västerbotten Läns Landsting
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2015
• Subjects: Northern Sweden
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.13253; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fapa.13253; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/apa.13253

Abstract Aim We investigated phenotypes of milk hypersensitivity among schoolchildren aged 11–12 in Northern Sweden. Methods In a population‐based cohort, 1824 (98%) children aged 11–12 participated in a questionnaire survey, skin prick testing, interviews on food hypersensitivity and assessment of body mass index ( BMI ). Of the 265 children reporting milk hypersensitivity, milk avoidance and no coeliac disease, 236 (89%) participated in a structured interview and blood samples for analyses of milk‐specific Immunoglobulin E. The children were then categorised into milk hypersensitivity phenotypes according to preset criteria. Results In all, 14.5% reported milk hypersensitivity. Of these, 3% were categorised as current milk allergy, 23% as outgrown milk allergy, 40% as probable lactose intolerance and 11% as nondefinable. Furthermore, 23% had discontinued their elimination diet. Milk allergy was associated with other atopic disorders and lower BMI , with an odds ratio of 0.82 and 95% confidence interval of 0.80–0.98. Only 2% had previously undergone an oral challenge. Conclusion The most common symptom phenotypes among Swedish children aged 11–12 with self‐reported milk hypersensitivity and milk avoidance were probable intolerance and outgrown milk allergy, while current milk allergy was uncommon. Children with milk allergy had a lower BMI and most lacked a challenge‐proven diagnosis.