Photo Caption Milk contains alpha S1 casein protein, a common food allergen in children. Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Alpha S1 casein protein is one of the four casein proteins found in dairy products. When people report an allergy or intolerance to milk, they are experiencing a reaction to a specific milk protein. Although symptoms of milk allergy often involve gastrointestinal upset, an allergic reaction can also induce inflammation and cause joint pain.
The milk from cows, goats and sheep contain alpha S1 casein protein. The amount of this protein depends on the breed and the stage of lactation. A study published in 2010 in “Biomedical Informatics” analyzed casein proteins in the different types of milk. Researchers found that the alpha S1 casein was a major allergen in cow’s milk. Although both goat's and sheep's milk contain this protein, goat's milk appears to be hypoallergenic. Researchers point to previous studies that found milk allergy symptoms improve with goat’s milk.
Various conditions can cause joint pain, including arthritis, infectious diseases, bursitis and muscle pain. Food allergies can also cause inflammation and joint pain, according to the Center for Food Allergies. Consuming alpha SI casein may trigger joint pain or arthritic symptoms if you are allergic to the protein. These reactions can occur hours or even a day after consuming the casein protein, which can make it difficult to diagnose a milk allergy as the cause.
Although an allergy or intolerance to alpha S1 casein protein can cause joint pain, other symptoms are more common. The Mayo Clinic reports that immediately after consuming milk, a person with a milk allergy may notice hives, wheezing and vomiting. Other symptoms take longer to appear and include diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramps, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, skin rash or colic. A milk allergy can also cause anaphylaxis, or a life-threatening reaction that constricts the airway.
Consult your physician if you notice joint pain after consuming milk. Your doctor can test to see if you are allergic to alpha S1 casein protein. He can also rule out other possible causes of joint pain. If you are allergic, you can change your diet to avoid the proteins. You can also try an elimination diet to see if your joint pain improves when you do not consume the alpha S1 casein proteins.
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