COW’S MILK allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in early childhood, often persisting for years and affecting quality of life. Recent research suggests that baked milk (BM) may play an important role in promoting tolerance, particularly for children who can safely consume it.
Study on Baked Milk and CMA
A prospective study of 50 children aged 12–72 months with confirmed CMA examined whether regular baked milk intake could accelerate allergy resolution. Children were divided into two groups depending on their response to an oral food challenge: baked milk tolerant (BMT) or baked milk allergic (BMA).
BMT children were randomised either to daily baked milk consumption or strict avoidance. After 12 months, 77% of those consuming baked milk achieved tolerance to cow’s milk, compared with 40% in the avoidance group. These children also showed improvements in allergy markers, including lower specific IgE levels and smaller skin prick test reactions. Notably, their reactivity thresholds increased ninefold, meaning they could tolerate significantly higher amounts of milk protein.
In contrast, children in the BMA group did not demonstrate significant improvements, even with low-dose baked milk introduction. Mild reactions at home were reported in around 9% of participants, but overall safety was good.
Implications for Allergy Management
The study highlights the potential benefits of introducing baked milk early, particularly for BMT children under the age of two. Factors such as absence of asthma, lower IgE levels, and favourable immunological profiles were associated with better outcomes. These findings suggest that baked milk may not only encourage faster resolution of cow’s milk allergy but also reduce the risk of severe reactions over time.
For clinicians, this evidence supports the careful use of baked milk challenges to identify candidates for dietary introduction. For families, regular consumption under medical supervision could represent a step towards long-term tolerance and improved quality of life for children living with CMA.
Reference
Domínguez O et al. Baked milk modulates cow’s milk allergy in children: impact of phenotype, age, and intake. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2025;13(9):2437-48.e3.
