Dear Lactnetters,

I have read quite a few times about the link between one exposure to cow's
milk protein and juvenile onset diabetes mellitus.  I now find myself with a
question from a Mom nursing her 5 week old with a significant family history.
The baby is on the very low end of the curve so is worrying the mother, the
family, though, fortunately, not yet the pediatrician.  I want to give her
good information if she is advised to supplement the baby.  He is growing and
thriving, just slowly.  This link to diabetes has her very interested.   After
doing a search of Lactnet and some other sites, I found this comment from Dr.
Jack:

<<For the child at risk of
developing juvenile diabetes, for example, exposure to cow milk protein
may increase his risk considerably (1-4).>>

Then, I found this report on the Pediatrics website:

<<Infant feeding practices and their possible relationship to the etiology of
diabetes mellitus. American Academy of Pediatrics Work Group on Cow's Milk
Protein and Diabetes Mellitus
Pediatrics 1994 94(5): 752-754. >>

And, I gathered that this study was what set off the statement about one
exposure and the increased rate of Juv. Diabetes:

<<Karjalainen J, Martin JM, Knip M, et al. A bovine albumin peptide as a
possible trigger of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. N Engl J Med.
1992;327:302-307>>

Dr Jack later commented on this study:

<<
<<However, theoretically, even one taste of cow milk protein in the first
few weeks of life could set you up for the cascade of events which lead
to juvenile diabetes or allergies.  I asked this of Dr. Dosch, one of
the authors of the study:
He is in the "et al" part.  According to him, there is nothing in the
theoretical aspects of the way they see this happening that would
require more than a taste of cow milk protein.>>

I also found these two citations with no way to access them, they are not
available on the Pediatrics electronic pages:

<<WC MacLean Jr
Cow's milk and the diabetes debate
Pediatrics 1995 96(3): 541-542.

RB Elliott
Cow's milk and the diabetes debate
Pediatrics 1995 96(3): 541. >>

My question is whether there have been any more studies since that initial one
that support their findings?  Is there any more information or citations that
would be helpful?

Thank you for any information.

Karen Seroussi
LLL Leader in CT