Milk allergy is a minor cause of milk avoidance due to perceived hypersensitivity among schoolchildren in Northern Sweden

• AIM: We investigated phenotypes of milk hypersensitivity among schoolchildren aged 11-12 in Northern Sweden.METHODS: In a population-based cohort, 1,824 (98%) children aged 11-12 participated in a questionnaire survey, skin prick testing, interviews on food hypersensitivity and assessment of body mass index (BMI). Of the 265 children reporting milk hypersensitivity, milk avoidance and no celiac disease, 236 (89%) participated in a structured interview and blood samples for analyses of milk-specific Immunoglobulin E. The children were then categorised into milk hypersensitivity phenotypes according to preset criteria.RESULTS: In all, 14.5% reported milk hypersensitivity. Of these, 3% were categorised as current milk allergy, 23% as outgrown milk allergy, 40% as probable lactose intolerance and 11% were non-definable. Furthermore, 23% had discontinued their elimination diet. Milk allergy was associated with other atopic disorders and lower BMI, with an odds Ratio of 0.82 and 95% confidence interval of 0.80-0.98. Only 2% had previously undergone an oral challenge.CONCLUSION: The most common symptom phenotypes among Swedish children aged 11-12 with self-reported milk hypersensitivity and milk avoidance, were lactose intolerance and outgrown milk allergy while current milk allergy was uncommon. Children with milk allergy had a lower BMI and most lacked a challenge proven diagnosis. 

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

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reference equations

reference sample

Z-scores

percentiles

linear regression

spline functions

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