Growth and nutritional concerns in children with food allergy

Abstract

Purpose of review To describe the potential effect that avoidance diets for food allergy may have on nutrition and growth in children. Recent Findings We report here findings from previous studies suggesting impairment of growth and nutritional deficiencies due to elimination diets for food allergy. Feeding difficulties have also been reported, particularly in children with eosinophilic esophagitis that may further impact nutrient intake. Summary Food allergies are becoming more prevalent and better recognized. Treatment options typically include strict dietary elimination of major food allergens such as milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Monitoring growth and guiding food allergic patients in choosing appropriate alternatives to supply necessary nutrients becomes crucial to avoid deficiencies and retardation in growth.

Effects of food allergy on the dietary habits and intake of primary schools’ Cypriot children

“…This could be due to the anxiety they experience due to the phosphorous and niacin (19). Elimination diet to dairy without appropriate substitution can lead to insufficient intake of basic nutrients and pronounced delay of growth (20). Significantly lower fiber in allergic children could be relevant to the low intake of whole grain products consumed.…”

“…Among the most common food allergens in the pediatric population are milk, wheat and egg (2), which constitute the main sources of significant nutrients, such as protein, iron and calcium (3). An elimination diet creates an emerging need for alternative sources of all basic macro-and micronutrients, as the diet of food allergic children is in several cases found low in energy, protein, calcium, vitamins D and E, iron and zinc (4), due to inappropriate food exclusions and follow-up after diagnosis of food allergies, but also refusal of food allergic children to try new foods (5), resulting to rickets, kwashiorkor, anaemia and failure to thrive in long-term (6).…”

Milk allergy is associated with decreased growth in US children

“…1 Food allergy is often the first manifestation of allergic disease, arising early in life at a time when adequate nutrition is most important for overall growth, brain development, and bone mineralization. Allergen avoidance is the mainstay of treatment for food allergy, however, many of the most common food allergens are integral parts of the typical Western diet and contain macro- and micronutrients that are essential for normal growth and development.…”

Alergia alimentaria en pediatría: recomendaciones para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Texto completo

“…Si la DE no se diseña adecuadamente, existe riesgo nutricional [76][77][78] (Anexo, . Algunos niños pueden sufrir aversión por alimentos o inapetencia (gastroenteropatías eosinofílicas).…”