SUS gives food formula to children allergic to milk

The Ministry of Health will offer free of charge to users of the Unified Health System (SUS) three new food formulas for children with Allergy to Cow’s Milk Protein (APLV). The measure goes into effect in 2019, within 180 days.

Nutritional solutions based on soy, extensively hydrolyzed protein (with or without lactose) and available amino acids will serve around 38.5 thousand children up to 2 years old.

The inclusion of these new solutions came at the request of the Ministry of Health itself.

The agency recommends that the soy-derived formula be the first option for children aged 6 to 24 months, with APLV. On the other hand, hydrolyzed proteins and amino acids are indicated for those who cannot use the soy formula, that is, who do not respond to this treatment, or who do not have an allergy caused by IgE antibodies.

In the case of children who are still receiving breast milk, it is necessary for the mother to avoid eating foods that come from cow’s milk.

As well as offering new food formulas, the Ministry of Health has prioritized actions to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, which must be exclusive until the baby’s 6th month of life.

Read more: Medicines for rare genetic disease will be offered by SUS

Know the signs of milk allergy

Common in children in the food transition phase, APLV is a reaction of the immune system to proteins present in milk. The condition causes a release of antibodies (cells of the defense system) into the bloodstream.

Contact with food or derivatives leads to gastrointestinal reactions, such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and gas . Other common signs in children include refusal to eat and wheezing (high-pitched sound or wheezing from the airways).

In severe cases, the condition can progress to Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), causing intense intestinal inflammation.

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