Cow’s milk

Cow’s milk intolerance involves digestive issues due to difficulty processing cow’s milk, whereas an allergy triggers an immune response, potentially causing more serious reactions.

Common Symptoms of Cow’s Milk Intolerance:

• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Nausea
• Headaches

Common Symptoms of Cow’s Milk Allergy:

• Hives or skin rash
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Anaphylaxis (in severe cases)

In the UK, lactose intolerance is relatively common, affecting about 5% of the population, primarily adults. This contrasts with cow’s milk allergy, which is less common and mostly seen in children, with most outgrowing it by age five. Food intolerances in general, including lactose intolerance, are more prevalent than food allergies.

Milk allergy involves an immune response to proteins in milk, intolerance is difficulty digesting milk without an immune reaction, and lactose intolerance specifically relates to difficulty processing lactose in milk.