Interactions

"Got Milk Anyway?" [Sept. 19] failed to list that exposure to the allergen, milk protein, can lead to anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction). When my son drank cow's milk, his face swelled, he had difficulty breathing, he broke out in hives and he vomited. When he came into contact with spilled milk or milk products, he developed hives at the point of skin contact.

In the graphic accompanying the article, I really wish you had done a better job emphasizing this difference between milk allergy and lactose intolerance.

Beth Gellene

Arlington

As a registered dietitian and mother of a 1-year-old, I am appalled that the American Academy of Pediatrics would recommend that parents give their children a food that makes them sick -- in any amount.

The so-called "calcium crisis" argument does not support the consumption of a food that leads to illness. Calcium is found naturally in many health-supporting foods such as nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. It is also added to many healthful foods, such as breakfast cereals, soy milk and orange juice.

Furthermore, whether one is lactose intolerant or not, there is absolutely no human need for the milk of a cow. This is evidenced by thousands of years of human history, as well as millions of people worldwide who shun cow's milk yet enjoy superb bone health because they exercise, are not overweight, consume little or no processed junk food, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.