How to Tell If You are Allergic to Casein or Milk Protein

Millions of people worldwide face a dairy intolerance; thousands more are unaware of their intolerance. While there is no definitive test to determine if you are allergic to a food, there are clinical blood and urine tests that can determine if your body is allergic to a food source. The most effective test, however, is to observe your symptoms and observe what happens during a dairy elimination diet. If your symptoms remain during a period of elimination, you are more than likely allergic to dairy.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if you are dairy protein intolerant, or dairy lactose intolerant. There are two different forms of milk allergies: lactose and protein. It is possible to be allergic to one and not the other, or to both at the same time. For those with singular lactose intolerance, lactose-free products, such as lactose free milk or lactaid pills, can aid in treatment. However, for those allergic to casein (a milk protein), lactose-free products and pills are ineffective, and all dairy products must be avoided. Blood and urine tests can be done to determine possible allergy presence in the body, however, there is no definitive test to determine any food allergy. The best way to determine if you have a food allergy is to compile and compare your symptoms and try an elimination diet to test if your symptoms subside.

• 2

  Observe your symptoms. The symptoms of casein intolerance include skin rashes such as eczema, and hives, digestive and gastrointestinal discomfort and asthma attacks. It is possible for an individual with a casein allergy to go into anaphylactic shock, which is when the immune system overreacts and sends the body into a (possible) seizure. Individuals with severe casein allergies are usually diagnosed at infancy. If you experience any of the above symptoms, proceed to a casein-elimination diet to test if you are allergic to casein.

• 3

  Eliminate all milk and casein-containing products for 35 days (some health care providers suggest two weeks, however, to fully delete all the casein from your system, it is best to give as large a testing time as possible.) Products you must avoid include all casein and lactose containing foods -- dairy products of cow's milk, yogurts, cheeses, ice creams, etc. You also must pay attention to ingredient labels for milk or milk-protein ingredients, which are present in many dry commercial goods. If your symptoms subside after the elimination of these products for the period, you are most likely allergic to dairy products. After 35 days, introduce lactose-free products (such as lactaid milk) to determine whether your allergy is lactose or casein. If you can take the lactose-free milk without a return to your old symptoms, you are lactose intolerant. If you return to your old symptoms, you are casein intolerant.

• 4

  See an allergen specialist. While self diagnosis through food elimination is often the most effective way at identifying a food allergy, you are advised to contact an allergen specialist who may suggest an allergy with overlapping symptoms that you may have overlooked. Talk to your family doctor for referrals.