Milk allergies and milk related intolerance seems to be on the rise like all food allergies, but a new study gives hope to those with children who have a milk allergy.
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center studying powdered milk and its relationship to milk found sound results that may help many children in the future.
The researchers conducted a double blind placebo controlled study, some children were given milk powder and others just a placebo powder.
Over a four month period those children who were given milk powder increased their tolerance to milk products, while those who received the placebo did not.
Their tolerance increased for 40mg to 2,540 mg and although the study was small it provides hope for those with milk allergies.
Further questions need to be answered as to long term impact and what would happen if milk powder intake was stopped.
Its is believed that the slow intake and increase of milk powder allows the immune system to retrain itself till it becomes more tolerant of milk.
The studies found more research on a larger scale is needed but its a key break through that suggest not just milk but all food allergies could in the future be treated with oral immunotherapy.
In the future this treatment could come in a form similar to allergy drops which are not yet approved by the FDA.
The results give new hope to the every increasing number of children who suffer food allergies.
While many children will out grow their food allergies many will not and need to constantly avoid the triggers.
A cure or a method of reducing reactions would have great benefits to their lifestyle as well as economic benefits from reduced healthcare costs.