Child Allergic to Cow's Milk? Recognise the Symptoms and Nutritional Solutions

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (APSS) is a condition frequently experienced by young children. A study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025) states the global prevalence of APSS ranges from 2% to 7.5%. In Indonesia, the Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has also recorded a similar incidence rate, up to 7.5%. Unfortunately, APSS symptoms such as skin rashes, digestive disorders, and behavioural changes often resemble other common illnesses, leading to delayed recognition. Improper management can have serious consequences. Medical and Scientific Affairs Director of Sarihusada, Dr. dr. Ray Wagiu Basrowi, MKK, FRSPH, warned, “Inappropriate management of cow’s milk allergy can affect the adequacy of intake needed for a child’s optimal growth and development. In the long term, this can lead to stunting. Studies have found the risk of stunting reaches up to 24% in the group of children allergic to cow’s milk protein. Additionally, the impact of cow’s milk allergy can also be felt on the child’s overall quality of life, including psychological, social, and financial aspects, and presents particular challenges for families in the daily management process.” In conjunction with World Allergy Week 2026, themed “Allergy Care is Essential Care”, Sarihusada is strengthening its SADAR Alergi (Allergy Early Screening and Recommended Intake) initiative. Healthcare Nutrition Director of Sarihusada, Vera Saw, emphasised the importance of science-based education to avoid self-diagnosis without medical consultation. Paediatric Specialist and Allergy Immunology Consultant, Molly Dumakuri Oktarina, explained that management must be targeted and based on medical evaluation. “Every child has a different condition, so the management approach cannot be generalised. Breast milk is the best nutrition for children, including those with cow’s milk protein allergy, but the mother needs to avoid consuming cow’s milk and its derivative products as part of the management,” she explained. For children who require additional intake due to specific medical indications, the choice of nutrition must be adjusted based on the paediatrician’s recommendation and monitoring, such as extensively hydrolysed formula (EHF) for mild to moderate allergies. Amino acid formula (AAF) is given for more severe conditions or when the allergy cannot be managed with EHF, and soya formula is an alternative for mild to moderate allergies if there are cost or availability constraints for EHF. Partially hydrolysed formula (PHF) is not a therapeutic option for cow’s milk allergy. “Because not all formulas are suitable for every child, the entire process from diagnosis to nutritional selection must be carried out under the supervision of a paediatrician so that the child’s nutritional needs and growth and development are maintained,” Molly explained. A real-life experience was also shared by Sandra Devita, a momfluencer with a child suffering from APSS. She admitted to feeling anxious and making repeated visits to the doctor. “From this experience, I learned that being a parent is not enough just to be aware of allergies, but also requires taking real steps such as consulting a paediatric specialist to get the right diagnosis and management according to the child’s condition, rather than immediately drawing your own conclusions. Because every child has a different condition, the management process also needs to be monitored regularly and is not sufficient with just one consultation,” she revealed.