CMPA – also known as Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy – is a type of milk allergy most commonly diagnosed in babies and young children. This is where their developing immune system responds negatively to the proteins found in cow’s milk, which can cause a range of symptoms, from skin rashes to upset tummies.
We can help break it down for you.
There are more than 120 foods known to cause food allergies. The majority involved in children's allergy come from 9 different food types. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common, especially in babies under one year old.
Food allergy is an adverse response to an ingested food or to one of its components that involves the immune system. Food allergens are almost always proteins, but not all food proteins are allergens.
Cows’ milk allergy (CMA) is defined as a reproducible adverse reaction to one or more cows’ milk proteins. CMA is an abnormal response by the body’s immune system in which the proteins in cow’s milk are recognised as a potential threat. This can cause the immune system to be ‘sensitised’. When this happens, there is the potential that when cow’s milk is consumed the immune system remembers this protein and may react to it by producing allergic symptoms.
CMPA is caused by the immune system mistaking one or more of the proteins found in dairy products - especially cow’s milk - for a harmful substance, and then triggering an allergic response.
CMPA causes explained
There are two main types of immune reactions. Babies and infants can have either, or a combination of both.
Learn more about each type
It is important to know the difference between lactose intolerance and CMPA, as they have different causes, symptoms and onsets.
Learn more about the difference
Some children can have more than one food allergy, as their immune system becomes increasingly confused about what is and what isn’t a threat.
Learn more
Still need more information?
We’ve got answers to frequently asked questions and a collection of support materials and tools to help you through your family’s CMPA journey.
Here are the most common FAQs asked by parents, but you can read the full list below.
Some experts suggest CMPA is increasing in children: 3 out of every 100 babies are diagnosed with CMPA worldwide.
No. There is currently no research to indicate that CMPA is caused by genetics.
CMPA can make life a bit more complicated, both for children who are diagnosed and their parents. But millions of children grow up with CMPA. With the right medical support and an imaginative approach to mealtimes, you can find a balance that works for you and your family.
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CMPA Causes
