Research abstract:

Aim:
To examine the prevalence, clinical features, and influence on illness severity of cow’s milk protein intolerance in young people with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Methods:
In a 2 year prospective study of 55 adolescents and young adults with chronic fatigue syndrome, we defined intolerance to milk protein if subjects reported (1) no evidence of immediate or anaphylactic reactions to milk, (2) at least 2 of the following 3 chronic symptoms: gastroesophageal reflux, early satiety, and epigastric/abdominal pain, (3) improvement in upper gastrointestinal symptoms on a milk protein elimination diet, and (4) at least 2 recurrences of upper gastrointestinal symptoms >2 hours following open re-exposure to milk protein. Subjects completed three quality of life surveys at baseline and at 6 months.

Results:
The mean (SD) age of the 55 participants was 16.5 (2.1) years.
Seventeen (31%; 95% CI, 19-43%) met study criteria for cow’s milk protein intolerance. Compared to milk-tolerant subjects, milk-sensitive participants had significantly worse health-related quality of life at baseline but not at 6 months (after institution of the milk-free diet).

Conclusion:
Cow’s milk protein intolerance is a common problem in young people with chronic fatigue syndrome, and is a treatable contributor to their symptoms.

Cow’s milk protein intolerance in adolescents and young adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, by Peter C Rowe, Colleen L. Marden, Samantha E. Jasion, Erica M. Cranston, Marissa A.K. Flaherty, Kevin J Kelly in Acta Paediatrica May 13, 2016 [Preprint]

NB

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (or CMPA) is the most common infant food allergy affecting 3% – 7% of infants worldwide.

Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy is an immune system response to one or both of the proteins, Casein & Whey.  It is not to be confused with Lactose Intolerance which is the inability to digest the carbohydrate (milk sugar) found in all mammals’ milk, including human breast milk.         Cows milk allergy support website