Can baked milk products be eaten? Common questions for people with cow's milk allergy

Why there can be a difference

High-temperature baking changes the spatial structure of some milk proteins, making them less likely to cause sensitisation. So some people can tolerate well-baked foods containing milk, but react to unheated milk. This difference is related to how sensitive a person is to different protein components. It does not apply to everyone, especially people who have had a severe reaction.

Why you cannot try it on your own

Trying it at home makes it hard to control the dose and the degree of processing, and it is not possible to treat a reaction promptly. Whether you can tolerate it, what dose to start with, and in what form should be decided by a doctor in the allergy department after assessment in a setting with the right facilities. If the assessment is passed, the doctor will usually give advice on the form and amount to eat day to day, and arrange follow-up.

The part of daily avoidance that does not change

Until the doctor clearly says it can be introduced, you still need to strictly avoid milk and milk products. Watch for ingredients such as whey and casein on ingredient lists, and explain your needs when eating out. If itching around the mouth, a rash, vomiting, or difficulty breathing occurs, stop eating at once and seek medical care as needed. If breathing difficulty or a whole-body reaction occurs, call 120 (the emergency number in China).

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.