exposure to foods blood testing

I’m going to try to answer a few of your questions as best I can.

First, yes – someone needs to be exposed to a food before antibodies will be produced in response to that food. But keep in mind, sometimes just being exposed to that food while you were pregnant with her might be enough. Science isn’t completely sure about that.

Also, allergy testing isn’t completely reliable in children under the age of 2-3 years old. They might not be producing antibodies in a level high enough to be detected by testing. Also, children can sometimes outgrow allergies as they get older.

In reading a couple of your GI/MSPI posts, it seems to me like your daughter may very well be reacting to milk. Now keep in mind, it may not be a true allergy – it could be an intolerance. In that case, traditional allergy tests might not even pick it up. As well, with her young age the allergy testing might not even be completely reliable. If her reflux got worse after you added milk, that could be a sign. Has she had a history of infections (chest, sinuses, ears)?? If yes, this can also lead me to believe she has a problem with milk.

My best advice would be to remove all possible sources of milk, for at least a month, and see if she improves. Remember, if it does nothing, you can always add it back. But check everything – bread, baked goods, soups, sauces, snack foods – these can all contain dairy. The only way to know for sure if milk is a culprit is to remove it ALL.

Also, is she on probiotics? From the sound of it, she could likely benefit from them. If she’s already taking them, I would try increasing the dose.

Hope that helps!