Protein intolerance is the body’s inability to digest proteins found in milk, soy, meats, and grains. It is often mistaken for an allergy but is caused by certain proteins damaging the digestive tract. There are four known protein intolerances: cow’s milk, soy, celiac disease, and lysinuric intolerance. Cow’s milk and soy intolerance can develop from birth, while celiac disease is genetic and incurable, and lysinuric intolerance is extremely rare. A restricted diet is required for all protein intolerances.
Protein intolerance, or the body’s inability to digest the proteins found in milk, soy products, meats, and grains, usually presents early in life, although many patients are not diagnosed until they reach Adulthood. While protein intolerance is often mistaken for an allergy, because many symptoms present as an allergic reaction, it is actually the result of certain proteins causing damage in the digestive tract. There are four known protein intolerances: cow’s milk intolerance, soy intolerance, celiac disease, and lysinuric intolerance.
From birth, almost all humans are intolerant of cow’s milk protein, which is why doctors and medical organizations advise against introducing cow’s milk to children under 1 year of age. Human babies are not meant to process the high levels of the two proteins present in cow’s milk, whey and casein. Rather, they are born needing only the trace amounts of protein found in human breast milk. While most children outgrow this intolerance as their digestive tracts mature, many do not, requiring a lifelong diet of restricted consumption of cow’s milk products.
Soy intolerance, although it can develop on its own, is usually caused by an intolerance to cow’s milk. Most infant formulas are based on cow’s milk. When cow’s milk intolerance is diagnosed in infancy, soy-based formula is often used instead. Recent research has found that an early introduction of soy products, typically before 6 months of age, can cause soy intolerance. This type of protein intolerance causes damage to the digestive tract when soy protein is ingested, making it difficult for the body to absorb the amount of vitamins.
Celiac disease, which is becoming increasingly common, is the body’s inability to digest the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. The introduction of these proteins into the digestive tract causes permanent damage to the small intestine, leading to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Celiac disease is genetic and incurable, and treatment includes a restricted diet for life.
Lysinuric intolerance is an extremely rare genetic problem that leaves the body unable to digest any type of protein, regardless of type. Like all protein intolerances, lysinuric intolerance causes damage to the small intestine and requires a protein-restricted diet. If left untreated, lysinuric intolerance can lead to a coma.
Protein intolerance affects people all over the world and can be present from birth. While protein is an essential nutrient for the human body, too much of the wrong kind can lead a child or adult of normal health to develop an intolerance, causing various digestive and general health problems. While cow’s milk, soy products, and gluten are the most common culprits, the body can have a hard time digesting any type of protein.
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