Just thought this was interesting. Apparently, a new study has found that constipation can be the sole symptom of a cow's milk intolerance. I had always thought that only diarrhea can be a sign of an allergy/intolerance, but apparently, so can constipation! (New to me!)

Here is some info:
http://www.drgreene.com/21_106.html

I was trying to find out why Nathan is having so many poop problems since going to whole milk.

Sheila,
Maggie got me curious a few posts ago when she asked if Emma was MSPI. I originally thought "no". However, I checked her form from the GI...the "receipt" paper they give you. And, he had MSPI circled. So, I guess she has it. I didn't know.

So, Maggie...if you read this. Emma is MSPI.

We'll never go to whole milk! :(

Nice that they told you, Amanda, huh? Guess I'll have to double check my receipt next time. LOL. Oh, and thank for the thanks - that feature is the cutest!

Nice that they told you, Amanda, huh? Guess I'll have to double check my receipt next time. LOL. Oh, and thank for the thanks - that feature is the cutest!

Yeah! All he said was, (to Emma as he was holding her), "now, tell your Mommy and Daddy no milk products because diary is not constipation's friend".

Apparently, that means MSPI in GI language. :confused:

And, you're welcome to the "thanks". I love that feature too! :-D

I thought that MSPI would require testing or elimination to determine. Maybe Emma's GI is being proactive at avoidence of potential problems? Hmmm.

With any luck, it is temporary, wee Emma.

I will have to look that up! Thanks for the article!

I agree, Leigh. I thought testing had to be done. I asked our ped this morning, (I thought Emma had an ear infection..see Updates), and he said that Emma is MSPI. He also said that MSPI is not an allergy to milk and/or soy. It is an Intolerance to the milk and soy proteins, (thus the "I" in MSPI). Allergies cause diarrea and rashes. Intolerances cause slighter things like constipation, stomach upset, and gas.

He could be wrong, though.

So, what is MSPI?? Is that an intolerance of milk?
Very interesting article Sheila.. thanks for posting!

Yes, Sarah. :-D It is an intolerance of the proteins in milk and/or soy. Basically, the child has difficulty breaking the large proteins down.

Interesting stuff. Thanks for the info., ladies! Now I'll be able to explain why I'm allergic to dairy and not just dairy intolerant. Until now I've had absolutely no clue what the difference is.

Amanda... Lauren is also MSPI, as per her GI. He explained it as not an allergy, but an intollerance, as you stated. He informed us that she will grow out of it, it just takes some time for her body to get used to it. He told us to challenge her with whole milk at one year of age, so maybe Emma will be allowed milk later on. It sucks though... our Neocate is expensive and I'm praying she can take to milk.

Luckily though, the MSPI hasn't really caused any constipation.:-?

The way my allergist explained it is that a milk allergy affects the histamine in the body, and involves the bodys immune system. Food intolerance is different because it doesnt affect the bodys immune system, but more the digestive system. (Exmp. Lactose intolerance) She also said usually intolerances arnt so much from the protein in the milk, but other ingredients. ALso intolerances are almost always grown out of....so hang in there amanda;)

Just wanted to add another, "thanks, Amy". It's hard to buy a gallon of whole milk for $2.79...64 oz., and then walk over and buy Emma's formula for $7.00...32 oz.

Gives me hope! :holly: