About This Site

This site is for families of children with milk and soy protein intolerance (MSPI). You will find support and information about breastfeeding, hypoallergenic formulas, safe products, recipes, resources and stories from families dealing with MSPI. If you have anything to say or ask, contact us or leave a comment. Please visit our forum, where you can discuss anything related to MSPI. Your input, stories, recipes and suggestions will make this site better. Check out our blog, and don’t forget to subscribe to our RSS feed and newsletter.

What is Milk Soy Protein Intolerance?

Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) is an immune responce to proteins found primarily in beef, dairy and soy products. In rare cases, the immune responce can be triggered by proteins found in legumes, nuts, fish, seafood, eggs, cocoa and some other foods.

Ingestion of minute quantities of the offending foods can cause a reaction for as many as 10-14 days. The quantities are so small, that breastfed infants who suffer from MSPI can be affected by foods consumed by their mother.

The only treatment for MSPI is complete avoidance of the offending foods.   MSPI infants can still be breastfed as long as their mother follows a strict elimination diet.  Hypoallergenic forumla may also be considered in some cases.  MSPI is considered a Type-4 (non IgE-mediated) allergy, and is often referred to as an intolerance. This is not to be confused with Type-1 allergies (IgE-mediated) which give cause anaphylaxis or hives, etc.

Type-4 allergies like MSPI are often due immaturity of the immune system, and most children will eventually outgrow the condition by 12 months. In some rare cases the symptoms persist until age 2.

The main symptoms of MSPI are irritability (colic) and blood in the stool. Other common manifestations are diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, acid reflux, gas and failure to thrive.

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms and you are concerned that they may be suffering from MSPI, please consult your pediatrician.

We decided to start this site because we have three children who have (or had) MSPI found that there were only limited resourcesonline. Check out our story here.