Hi there.  Don, I found something interesting in a book I am reading
called Food and Food Additive Intolerance in Childhood, by T J David,
Blackwell Scientic Publications.  You might possibly be reacting to soy
in the chocolate.  Apparently the symptoms of soy protein intolerance
are very similar to the symptoms of milk protein intolerance (as opposed
to lactose intolerance which is a sugar intolerance).  The author states
that "soya protein intolerance is most commonly discovered in patients
with cow's milk protein intolerance, and the reverse sometimes occurs
(Whitington & Gibson 1997 Soy Protein intolerance: four patients with
concomitant cow's milk intolerance. Pediatrics 59:730-732)."

I have yet to find a sweetened chocolate without any soy in it.  I react
to milk, soy, gluten, and corn.  I found that candy bars without milk,
corn, or gluten still gave me reactions--I assume it is the soy.  When I
started using soya based acidolphilus tablets, I was symptomic.   Once I
removed soy from my diet entirely, I felt much better overall.  In fact,
for you women out there--my perpetual PMS disappeared!

The book mentions that Milk protein intolerance can cause nausea,
frequent loose stools, gastro-oesophageal reflux, malabsorption, poor
weight gain, abdominal pain, crying, irritability, and even vomiting.
Since the book also states that soy has similar symptoms, one would
think that it would be easy to confuse a milk reaction for a soy
reaction and visa versa.

It might be good to do a soy challenge to see if soy gives you symptoms
similar to milk products.

By the way, gluten intolerance can also cause the above symptoms too.
(Wheat, oats, rye, barley)

When I have milk or soy products, my lips swell up, above my upper lip
the skin turns all red, and my lips peel.  I know longer eat or drink
any milk or soy.  I do not have a lactose intolerance, per se. I do take
two medications which have lactose in them.  The lactose does not give
me diarrhea or give me a belly ache; however, the minute amount of milk
protein which the lactose is contaminated with, causes this lip trouble
and greatly aggrevates my Restless Leg Syndrome.  Please note, that milk
products are known to aggrevate Restless Leg Syndrome.  RLS symptoms are
extreme pain in the feet after periods of rest.  Especially first thing
in the morning.  It can also cause a feeling like there is water rushing
through your legs, or bugs crawling in them.  There is a good website on
Restless Leg Syndrome at:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/somno/rls.htm
Check it out.  I think there is perhaps a direct connection between milk
protein intolerance and RLS.  I am currently trying to find substitutes
for my lactose containing medications so that I can reduce my RLS even
further.

Just some thoughts.  Take Care.  Abigail

*****************************************************
Warning:  Rice Dream is not gluten free.
For Celiac chat instructions, and to read about my struggle
for a diagnosis, and to see a copy of my HMO appeal--see my
homepage: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/4003/


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com