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PLAYING: Breast Milk Proteins - Allergy Risk

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Breast Milk Proteins - Allergy Risk

Our immune system is responsible for filtering everything we come into contact with – from food, to dust particles, to bacteria. In some people, the immune system can trigger a reaction against harmless substances, such as a food protein.  If it does, this is known as an allergic reaction or allergy.

2 mins to read Jun 16, 2023

One of the many benefits of breast milk is that it has a low allergenic potential. This means that babies have a natural ability to recognise breast milk protein as harmless and as such avoids triggering an allergic reaction against it. However, some babies may react to small amounts of protein from the mother’s diet that pass through into breastmilk. In rare cases, modification of the mother’s diet may be necessary, and advice should be sought from a healthcare professional.


It has been long recognised that proteins found in foods may cause allergic reactions in some people. From the introduction of solid foods until about three years of age, the most common allergenic foods are: cow’s milk (dairy), egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish and other seafood.


If you suspect your child may have an allergy to something, you should always seek your doctor’s advice as soon as possible. Some allergies can be easier to manage, and you won’t need to change too much, but others may need a lot more attention and medical intervention. It’s important to get on top of allergy management as early as possible.