October 21, 2025 | 07:52 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cow's milk allergy in children has become a significant health issue because its symptoms often mimic other mild conditions, making it difficult to recognize. Consequently, many children with cow's milk allergy experience delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Globally, it is estimated that around 2–3 percent of children develop a cow's milk allergy in their first year of life. In Indonesia, according to data from the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), the incidence is even higher, reaching 2–7.5 percent of children. This condition can impact a child's growth and development by disrupting the absorption of essential nutrients, which can lead to malnutrition. Therefore, early detection, prevention, and management of the nutritional needs of children with cow's milk allergy are crucial to ensure they continue to receive adequate nutrition and support healthy growth and development.
In response to this issue and in conjunction with World Allergy Awareness Day, which fell on October 16th, Danone Indonesia once again held a Nutrition Talk educational event with the theme "Listen to the Little Signs: It's Time for Parents to AWARE of Cow's Milk Allergy in Children." The goal was to raise parental awareness about the importance of recognizing cow's milk allergy symptoms in children from an early age.
Through the SADAR Allergy (Early Screening and Recommended Intake for Allergies) initiative, Danone Indonesia aims to emphasize the importance of early detection and consultation with a pediatrician to ensure a proper diagnosis, optimal treatment, and nutritional recommendations tailored to the child's needs.
"As a company focused on fulfilling nutritional needs based on scientific research, Danone Indonesia consistently supports parents in supporting their children's optimal growth and development. World Allergy Awareness Day 2025 is an important opportunity for us to raise awareness among parents, encouraging them to recognize the early signs of cow's milk allergy and understand the importance of consulting a pediatrician for appropriate treatment early," said Danone Indonesia Corporate Communications Director Arif Mujahidin in a press release received by Cantika on October 20, 2025.
"Through ongoing educational activities and the development of science-based tools and innovations, we are committed to providing safe and tailored nutritional solutions for children with cow's milk allergy, so that they can continue to grow and develop optimally," added Arif Mujahidin.
Symptoms and Risks of Cow's Milk Allergy in Children
In addition to inhibiting physical growth, cow's milk allergy can also potentially affect a child's cognitive function and quality of life. This condition often causes emotional stress for parents, especially mothers. A 2023 study from the Annals of Medical Research also revealed that mothers with children with cow's milk allergies often worry about their children's nutritional needs, primarily due to suboptimal nutritional intake and limited access to accurate information.
Therefore, children with cow's milk allergies require appropriate nutritional recommendations from a pediatrician to support optimal growth and development while alleviating parental anxiety. According to Pediatrician Dr. Tiara Nien Paramita, SpA, many parents are still unaware that the early symptoms of cow's milk allergy often resemble the flu, colic, skin irritation, or mild digestive problems.
"Signs such as a skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, or a child appearing more fussy can be signs of an allergy that need attention. Currently, more and more parents are seeking health information online. It's important to remember that every child has a different allergic condition, so not all information can be applied universally," she explained.
Therefore, consulting a pediatrician is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, proper nutritional management is crucial for children with suspected allergies, including avoiding dairy products, selecting appropriate milk or formula, and ensuring the child continues to receive optimal nutritional intake to support healthy growth and development.
Children with a family history of allergies are at higher risk of developing a cow's milk allergy. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize even the slightest signs. Given that cow's milk allergy symptoms often mimic other conditions and the diagnosis process can take time and observation, parents who are alert to early signs will help doctors make a quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
Danone Indonesia's Medical & Scientific Affairs Director, Dr. dr. Ray Wagiu Basrowi, explained that children with cow's milk allergies still need complete and balanced nutrition for optimal growth and development. Through the SADAR Allergy (Early Screening and Recommended Intake for Allergies) initiative, Danone Indonesia wants to educate parents to better understand the importance of recognizing early signs of allergies and ensuring proper nutritional management according to doctor's recommendations, so that children get the most appropriate intake for each child's condition. SADAR Allergy also emphasizes that every child has different nutritional needs, so consulting with a doctor is an important step in determining the most appropriate type of nutrition and formula for each child's condition.
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