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Soy & Cow’s Milk Intolerance

Question

What do I give a child who’s allergic to both cow’s milk and soy?

Dr. Greene's Answer

Unfortunately, some children are soy protein intolerant. As it happens, this is more common in kids who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.

You might try using a protein hydrolysate infant formula such as Alimentum or Nutramigen for the next 2 weeks, because children are much less likely to be allergic to the protein in them. If they work, you can then experiment with other sources of calcium, protein, and fat for the future (perhaps rice milk). If they don’t work, your child may need an amino acid-based formula, such as EleCare or Neocate.

Additional Info:
 * DrGreene.com teamed up with Silk Soy Milk in September of 2009 to help teach families about important issues concerning nutrition and soy.
Last medical review on: August 27, 2011
About the Author

Alan Greene MD

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Dr. Greene is a practicing physician, author, national and international TEDx speaker, and global health advocate. He is a graduate of Princeton University and University of California San Francisco.
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