The Alpha S1 Casein Test provides valuable information on the casein gene located in goat milk, which is vital for cheese production. The presence of polymorphisms in the alpha s1 casein gene (CSN1S1) are indicative of the higher amount of casein and fat, which are made with greater quantities associated with top quality cheese. In case of casein, the use of high quality milk can improve the casein yield by as much as thirty percent. The higher the casein content, the better the taste and consistency of the cheese.
The higher levels of casein, the higher the melting point of dairy products and hence the higher the melting points of ice-cream, ice-baths and cream sauces. This feature makes it a hugely popular milk substitute which is also suitable for the manufacture of protein-rich yogurts like child’s milk or lactose-free ice-cream. It is devoid of any casein proteins and is therefore not suitable as a primary source of nutrition for infants. Casein substitutes therefore include animal casein. They may have a lower protein content than animal casein but are free of casein and milk related allergens.
The Casein Test at the very first stages can be conducted on human neonatal milk to determine the level of casein in the milk. In this process, the level of casein in human milk will be determined by giving a blood sample. The blood sample will then be processed through a process of solid phase dye separation. The results of this test can be compared with results obtained from casein containing diets in order to identify the difference in casein acceptor proteins between the two sets of samples. If the results are positive, the goat milk is considered a suitable substitute.
Many children are diagnosed with a milk allergy at an early age. However, this does not mean that the condition is confirmed just yet. For this reason, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before starting on a casein replacement program. In addition to this, the doctor would also suggest the best food allergy food replacement for you to avoid. This can either be cow’s milk or sheep’s milk depending on your case.
The blood tests that are carried out in case of a casein-specific allergy involve a series of laboratory tests. These tests would include direct test of a raised blood count, enzyme activity and a panel of allergy-reacting substances. A negative result implies that there is no intolerance to casein and that the individual is not allergic to milk. These results can however, be sensitive to repeated testing and therefore one must consider prolonged milk allergy tests as well.
Allergic reactions are classified into two main categories; direct and indirect. Direct allergic reactions are brought about by direct contact or the ingestion of the allergen, which causes the skin to swell and in extreme cases, cause anaphylaxis. Indirect allergic reactions occur through indirect exposure to substances that your body is intolerant to and which consequently causes an increased level of antibody formation. Such reactions are less common and are often referred to by terms such as autoimmune, mast cell, food or drink allergies.
