COW'S MILK PROTEIN ALLERGY: NUTRITIONAL APPROACH AND IMPACT ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants, characterized by immune responses to bovine milk proteins. It presents in various forms, including gastrointestinal, dermatological, and respiratory symptoms, which complicates diagnosis during the early years of life. Proper management is essential to ensure healthy growth and development, preventing nutritional deficits and related complications. Objective: To review the recent literature on CMPA, focusing on nutritional management and its potential impacts on growth, nutritional status, and child development. Studies addressing prevalence, immunological mechanisms, nutritional management strategies, and growth monitoring were analyzed. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted using reliable databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Nutrients, considering articles published in the last five years. The analysis included studies on diagnosis, nutritional intervention, the use of substitute formulas, micronutrient supplementation, and longitudinal follow-up. Development: CMPA prevalence is estimated between 1.5% and 3% in infants and can occur via IgE-mediated, non-IgE-mediated, or mixed mechanisms. Nutritional management includes elimination of cow's milk from the diet, use of extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formulas, guidance on label reading, prevention of cross-contamination, and supplementation of critical nutrients. Children with CMPA may show reduced weight and height gain and possible cognitive development impacts, although evidence is still preliminary. Most children acquire tolerance to cow's milk by the age of three, allowing gradual reintroduction under supervision. Final Considerations: Individualized nutritional follow-up is essential to minimize risks and ensure adequate growth. Longitudinal studies and personalized interventions are recommended to evaluate long-term impacts on the health and development of children with CMPA.