Milk Soy Protein Intolerance Diet

Milk soy protein intolerance (MSPI), also known as bovine protein intolerance, is the inability to digest proteins found in cow's milk and soy foods. Many doctors think this condition is more a metabolic reaction than a response from the immune system. It can occur in children and adults. But it can be particularly troubling for mothers with infants, since milk is a baby's primary food source. Treatment for MSPI will vary among the different age groups.

MSPI Diet for Infants

Infants with milk soy protein intolerance can have numerous symptoms, including bloody, watery or mucosal stools, weight loss, chronic congestion, asthma, repeated vomiting, skin rashes, irritability and colic-like symptoms. Doctors sometimes diagnose this condition as anemia. They may refer the mother to a gastroenterologist or GI doctor for tests. If soy and milk are the culprits, mothers will need to find substitute milks or start breast-feeding their babies.

Rice milk is one alternative. It is gluten-free, but it has considerably less protein than cow's milk. You can also try goat's milk. Some GI doctors recommend alimentum, progestamil or nutramigen as substitutes. Alimentum can even help alleviate diarrhea and inflammation in a baby's digestive tract. But these substitutes are expensive at $7-$8 a can. If a mother chooses to breast-feed her baby, she will need to stop eating milk and soy products, too. Infants often outgrow their milk soy protein intolerance by the time they reach their first birthday.

MSPI Diet for Children

Children with MSPI can also have various symptoms such as bloody stools. Rice milk can be used in lieu of milk. Some children even drink goat's milk. But unlike infants, children eat a variety of foods. The key with children is to watch food labels and not purchase anything that contains soy or milk. Also do not buy products that contain whey. Some children with MSPI can tolerate soy oil or lecithin. It is best to feed these kids gluten-free foods so they do not develop additional allergies.

Children sensitive to milk protein may also develop sensitivities to the glutens in wheat. Gluten-free foods include all brown rice substitutes, meats, vegetables, fruits, potatoes, yams, beans, lentils, most nuts and oats. Some gluten-free grains are quinoa, kamut, millet, buckwheat, amaranth and basmati rice.

MSPI Diet for Adults

Adults have a lot more flexibility with regard to this condition. First, they do not need milk for growth as do infants and children. And if they use it, rice and almond milk are adequate for their needs. Adults can get vitamin D and calcium from other foods. Tuna, salmon and egg yolk contain vitamin D; and beans, almonds, broccoli, kale and orange juice can provide calcium.

Affected adults, like children, should also eat gluten-free products. They should also consider probiotics and enzymes. Probiotics can add "friendly" bacteria to your digestive tract, which can boost your immunity. Raw vegetables contain a lot of enzymes, which can better help you digest and process food.