Sensitization to substances in breast milk: recognition, management and significance.

Details are given of the presenting symptoms in 73 breast fed babies sensitive to traces of food in breast milk, most commonly cow's milk, taken by their mothers. They are contrasted with the findings in formula fed babies with cow's milk allergy whose symptoms are precipitated by large amounts of antigen. It is concluded that there are at least two types of food allergy. One is IgE-mediated and is triggered by trace amounts of antigen. The other is not IgE-mediated and is triggered by large amounts of antigen.