Resolution of recurrent aphthous ulcers after discontinuation of cow's milk protein intake

Authors of published studies have reported elevated levels of circulating antibodies to cow's milk protein (CMP) in patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs), and authors of case reports have described resolution of RAU after dairy elimination.

A 10-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy, both with 5-year histories of frequent RAU episodes, with multiple ulcerations, underwent dairy elimination trials. Both were free of oral ulcers within 2 weeks of discontinuing CMP and remained so with a CMP-free diet. In addition, the first patient had recurrence of ulcerations after occasional ingestion of CMP-containing foods. She showed elevated blood levels of immunoglobulin E in reaction to CMP and soy. Soy intake did not trigger the ulcerations.

The proportion of patients with RAU in whom CMP acts as a trigger is unknown. However, CMP elimination trials are safe and feasible and, therefore, should be considered, particularly before use of medications with potential side effects.