Cow’s whey
Cow’s whey Scientific Information
Type: Whole Allergen
Display Name: Cow's whey
Allergen code: f236
Latin Name: Bos taurus
Other Names: Cow's whey
Route Of Exposure
Main
Processed cheese
Unexpected exposure
Bread and pastry, Ice cream, dry mixes, milk formulas for infants
Clinical Relevance
IgE-mediated reactions
Whey is milk depleted of most of the casein but otherwise equivalent to intact milk. a-lactalbumin and b-lactoglobulin are major allergens.
Milk proteins contain about 20% whey components. These are denatured in varying degrees by heating. a-lactalbumin, b-lactoglobulin and bovine serum albumin (BSA) are major allergens of whey.
Other topics
A study reported anaphylaxis after ingestion of a hydrolyzed whey protein formula in an infant. They urged caution when introducing such formulae to highly sensitive children.
References
- Kilshaw, PJ; Effects of heat treatment of cow’s milk and whey on the nutritional quality and antigenic properties. Arch Dis Child; 1982; 57: 842- 847.
- Ellis, MH; Short, J; Heiner, DC. Anaphylaxis after ingestion of a recently introduced hydrolyzed whey protein formula. J Pediatr; 1991; 118: 74-77.