University of Helsinki study finds heated milk may be tolerated by children with milk allergies

A doctoral study from the University of Helsinki and HUS Skin and Allergy Hospital suggests that over half of children with milk allergies may tolerate strongly heated milk. The research, conducted by Otso Nieminen, involved exposing children who reacted to regular milk to increasing amounts of baked rice porridge made with milk.

Heating milk changes some of its proteins, making them less easily recognized by the immune system. The study indicates that using heated milk may even accelerate the resolution of the allergy.

Additionally, the research found that blood tests measuring antibody levels for milk and its proteins are the most effective way to identify milk allergies without the need for physical milk exposure. This method can help families and healthcare providers avoid unnecessary hospital visits and the risk of severe allergic reactions during testing.