Reduced Final Height and Inadequate Nutritional Intake in Cow's Milk-Allergic Young Adults

New insights into dairy management and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: The shift from single nutrient to dairy matrix effects-A review

Dairy is recognized as a good source of calcium, which is important for preventing osteoporosis. However, the relationship between milk and bone health is more complex than just calcium supplementation. It is unwise to focus solely on observing the effects of a single nutrient. Lactose, proteins, and vitamins in milk, as well as fatty acids, oligosaccharides, and exosomes, all work together with calcium to enhance its bioavailability and utilization efficiency through various mechanisms. We evaluate the roles of dairy nutrients and active ingredients in maintaining bone homeostasis from the perspective of the dairy matrix effects. Special attention is given to threshold effects, synergistic effects, and associations with the gut-bone axis. We also summarize the associations between probiotic/prebiotic milk, low-fat/high-fat milk, lactose-free milk, and fortified milk with a reduced risk of osteoporosis and discuss the potential benefits and controversies of these dairy products. Moreover, we examine the role of dairy products in increasing peak bone mass during adolescence and reducing bone loss in old age. It provides a theoretical reference for the use of dairy products in the accurate prevention and management of osteoporosis and related chronic diseases and offers personalized dietary recommendations for bone health in different populations.

Assessing Feeding Difficulties in Children Presenting with Non-IgE-Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Allergies-A Commonly Reported Problem

Many guidelines have been published to help diagnose food allergies, which have included feeding difficulties as a presenting symptom (particularly for non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal allergies). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of feeding difficulties in children with non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal allergies and the association of such difficulties with symptoms and food elimination. An observational study was performed at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. Children aged 4 weeks to 16 years without non-allergic co-morbidities who improved on an elimination diet using a previously published Likert scale symptom score were included. This study recruited 131 children, and 114 (87%) parents completed the questionnaire on feeding difficulties. Feeding difficulties were present in 61 (53.5%) of the 114 children. The most common feeding difficulties were regular meal refusals (26.9%), extended mealtimes (26.7%), and problems with gagging on textured foods (26.5%). Most children (40/61) had ≥2 reported feeding difficulties, and eight had ≥4. Children with feeding difficulties had higher rates of constipation and vomiting: 60.7% (37/61) vs. 35.8% (19/53), p = 0.008 and 63.9% (39/61) vs. 41.5% (22/53), p = 0.017, respectively. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated an association between having feeding difficulties, the age of the child, and the initial symptom score. Gender and the number of foods excluded in the elimination diet were not significantly associated with feeding difficulties. This study found that feeding difficulties are common in children with non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal allergies, but there is a paucity of food allergy specific tools for establishing feeding difficulties, which requires further research in the long-term and consensus in the short term amongst healthcare professions as to which tool is the best for food allergic children.

Consumption of cow's milk formula in the nursery and the development of milk allergy

BACKGROUND

The effect of the amount of transient cow's milk formula (CMF) consumed during the first days of life on IgE-cow's milk allergy (IgE-CMA) is unknown.

METHODS

A cohort of 58 patients with IgE-CMA was identified from a large scale population-based study of 13,019 infants followed from birth. A group of 116 infants matched for sex and breastfeeding only duration (beyond the nursery period), and another random group of 259 healthy infants were used as controls. Parents were interviewed and the infants' medical records were searched to assess CMF consumption in the nursery.

RESULTS

While 96% of the mothers of the 174 infants (58 with Cow's milk allergy and 116 controls) reported on exclusive breastfeeding during the stay in the nursery, CMF consumption was documented in 96 (55%) of the infants. Of those, most (57; 59%) received one to three feedings, 20 (21%) received four to nine feedings, and 19 (20%) received ≥10 feedings. Fewer formula feeds (1-3) were significantly more common in the allergic group than ≥4 feeds (p = 0.0003) and no feeds at all (p = 0.02) compared to controls (n = 116). Of those exclusively breastfed in the nursery, 13/23 allergic infants (57%) introduced CMF at age 105-194 days (the period with highest-risk for IgE-CMA) compared to 33/98 (34%) from the random control group (n = 259) (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Most infants end up receiving few CMF feeds in the nursery. Transient CMF in the nursery is associated with increased risk of IgE-CMA.

Dietary management of IgE and non-IgE-mediated food allergies in pediatric patients

Food allergies (FA) consist of both IgE and non-IgE-mediated entities, with varying phenotypes and overlapping and different considerations for each specific disease presentation. In general, all FAs place children at increased risk for inadequate nutritional intake and negative impacts on their nutritional status, as well as negative impacts on the quality of life for the entire family. To minimize these untoward effects, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken, including consultation and management with a dietitian trained in the varying presentations of FA. Families should be instructed on label reading as a first line of nutritional management. During a nutrition consultation, the age of the child, growth, and nutritional status should be considered. Food refusal should be assessed and addressed. Families should be educated on avoidance and appropriate substitutions. In the case of cow's milk allergy, a suitable specialized formula should be suggested if the infant is not breastfed or if breast milk supply is not sufficient. Other mammalian milk should be avoided and careful consideration should be given before plant-based milk is used in young children. Specific food allergies may differ in terms of advice provided on the level of avoidance required, whether precautionary advisory labels should be avoided, and if a maternal avoidance of the allergen during breastfeeding should be advised. The role of immunonutrition on overall health should be discussed.

Identifying Children at Risk of Growth and Nutrient Deficiencies in the Food Allergy Clinic

BACKGROUND

Food allergies affect growth in children by decreasing the availability of nutrients through decreased dietary intake, increased dietary needs, food-medication interactions, and psychosocial burden. Guidelines on food allergy management frequently recommend nutrition counseling and growth monitoring of children with food allergies.

OBJECTIVE

To provide clear guidance for clinicians to identify children with food allergies who are at nutritional risk and ensure prompt intervention.

METHODS

We provide a narrative review summarizing information from national and international guidelines, retrospective studies, population studies, review articles, case reports, and case series to identify those with food allergy at greatest nutritional risk, determine the impact of nutritional interventions on growth, and develop guidance for risk reduction in children with food allergies.

RESULTS

Children with food allergies are at increased risk of nutritional deficiencies and poor growth. Nutritional assessment and intervention can improve outcomes. Identifying poor growth is an important step in the nutrition assessment. Therefore, growth should be assessed at each allergy evaluation. Interventions to ensure adequate dietary intake for growth include appropriately prescribed elimination diets, breast-feeding support and assessment, supplemental formula, vitamin and/or mineral supplementation, appropriate milk substitutes, and timely introduction of nutrient-dense complementary foods. Access to foods of appropriate nutritional value is an ongoing concern.

CONCLUSION

Nutrition intervention or referral to registered dietitian nutritionists with additional training and/or experience in food allergy may result in improved growth and nutrition outcomes.

An ESPGHAN Position Paper on the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Cow's Milk Allergy

A previous guideline on cow's milk allergy (CMA) developed by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) was published in 2012. This position paper provides an update on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CMA with focus on gastrointestinal manifestations. All systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding prevalence, pathophysiology, symptoms, and diagnosis of CMA published after the previous ESPGHAN document were considered. Medline was searched from inception until May 2022 for topics that were not covered in the previous document. After reaching consensus on the manuscript, statements were formulated and voted on each of them with a score between 0 and 9. A score of ≥6 was arbitrarily considered as agreement. Available evidence on the role of dietary practice in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of CMA was updated and recommendations formulated. CMA in exclusively breastfed infants exists, but is uncommon and suffers from over-diagnosis. CMA is also over-diagnosed in formula and mixed fed infants. Changes in stool characteristics, feeding aversion, or occasional spots of blood in stool are common and in general should not be considered as diagnostic of CMA, irrespective of preceding consumption of cow's milk. Over-diagnosis of CMA occurs much more frequently than under-diagnosis; both have potentially harmful consequences. Therefore, the necessity of a challenge test after a short diagnostic elimination diet of 2-4 weeks is recommended as the cornerstone of the diagnosis. This position paper contains sections on nutrition, growth, cost, and quality of life.

Safety and effectiveness of the Canadian food ladders for children with IgE-mediated food allergies to cow's milk and/or egg

BACKGROUND

Food ladders are tools designed to facilitate home-based dietary advancement in children with food allergies through stepwise exposures to increasingly allergenic forms of milk and egg. Several studies have now documented safety and efficacy of food ladders. In 2021, we published a Canadian adaptation of the previously existing milk and egg ladders originating in Europe using foods more readily available/consumed in Canada. Our study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting food ladder use and provides safety and effectiveness data for our Canadian adaptation of the milk and egg ladders.

METHODS

Surveys were distributed to families of children using the Canadian Milk Ladder and/or the Canadian Egg Ladder at baseline, with follow up surveys at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Data were analyzed using REDCap and descriptive and inferential statistics are presented.

RESULTS

One hundred and nine participants were started on milk/egg ladders between September 2020 and June 2022. 53 participants responded to follow up surveys. Only 2 of 53 (3.8%) participants reported receiving epinephrine during the study. Severe grade 4 reactions (defined according to the modified World Allergy Organization grading system) were not reported by any participants. Minor cutaneous adverse reactions were common, with about 71% (n = 10/14) of respondents reporting cutaneous adverse reactions by 1 year of food ladder use. An increasing proportion of participants could tolerate most foods from steps 2-4 foods after 3, 6, and 12 months of the food ladder compared to baseline.

CONCLUSION

The Canadian food ladders are safe tools for children with cow's milk and/or egg allergies, and participants tolerated a larger range of foods with food ladder use compared to baseline.

A review of food allergy panels and their consequences

Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) assays to food specific IgE (s-IgE) are useful tools for the confirmation of clinical suspicion of food allergy. However, the specificity of these assays is poor given that sensitization is much more common than clinical food allergy. Therefore, the use of broad panels to assess sensitization to multiple foods often leads to overdiagnosis and unnecessary food avoidance. Unintended consequences that may occur as a result include physical harm, psychological harm, financial cost, opportunity cost, and even worsening of existing health care disparities. Although current guidelines recommend against the use of s-IgE food panel testing, these tests are widely available and frequently used. To limit the negative impacts of s-IgE food panel testing, further work is needed to effectively spread the message that these food panels may cause unintended harm to patients and families.

Food allergy-A holistic approach to dietary management. A joint EAACI Research & Outreach Committee and INDANA review

Following a diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy, to secure the best outcome, the patient should receive individualized advice tailored to their specific needs, which considers the type and presentation of the food involved, level of exclusion required, risk of cross-contamination and any variance required for age, ethnicity, financial issues, and lifestyle. Issues such as food labels "may contain" statements, and variation in the threshold of reaction and impact of cofactors should also be considered. Most important is the need to ensure that the diagnosis is robust, especially given the nutritional, psychological, and socioeconomic issues that can affect an individual with a diagnosis of food allergy. Unnecessary exclusion of one or more foods that have not triggered allergic reactions, especially in individuals with allergic comorbidities, can result in severe IgE-mediated reactions on re-exposure. Given that food allergies may change over time, the diagnosis should be reviewed, to determine whether resolution is likely, or new-food triggers are reported. Regular assessment is vital, especially during childhood, to ensure reintroduction occurs at an appropriate time, thus enabling increased diversity of the diet and improvement in the quality of life. For some, an IgE-mediated food allergy may necessitate the life-long exclusion of foods, and for others, a food habitually eaten suddenly triggers an allergic reaction in adult life. People of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds deserve individual advice on the management of their food allergy to support a healthy diet and improve quality of life.

Perinatal Characteristics and the Sensitization to Cow Milk, Egg Whites and Wheat in Children up to 3 Years of Age

Food sensitization in early life identifies children at risk of developing allergic diseases. We investigated the sensitization to cow milk (CM), egg whites, and wheat. Newborns and infants under 3 years of age with available specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) data were identified. A retrospective survey was conducted using data from the Chang Gung Research Database. Perinatal characteristics, such as singleton or multiples in a single pregnancy, parity, meconium staining, maternal age, spontaneous delivery or cesarean section, meconium passage, weeks of gestation, birth length, body weight, head and chest circumferences, and season, were obtained. The data on sIgE were collected, and a logistic regression model was used to determine the odds of sensitization. Positive sIgE for CM and egg whites was more likely to occur in boys than in girls. Early-life egg white and wheat sensitization was associated with increased birth body length and weight. A multivariate analysis indicated an association between egg white sIgE positivity and logarithmic total IgE. Higher total IgE levels and younger age were associated with egg white sensitization, and elevated weight and length at birth were linked to food sensitization, particularly to egg whites and wheat.

‘Early Introduction’ of Cow’s Milk for Children with IgE-Mediated Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy: A Review of Current and Emerging Approaches for CMPA Management

IgE-mediated cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most prevalent food allergies in early childhood. Though the cornerstone of management involves the strict avoidance of milk products while awaiting natural tolerance, research increasingly shows that the rates of resolution are slowing down. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative pathways to promote tolerance to cow’s milk in pediatric populations. This review aims to combine and appraise the scientific literature regarding the three CMPA management methods: avoidance, the milk ladder, and oral immunotherapy (OIT) and their outcomes in terms of efficacy, safety, and immunological effects. Cow’s milk (CM) avoidance virtually protects against allergic reaction until natural tolerance occurs, with hypoallergenic substitutes available in the market, but accidental ingestion represents the main issue for this strategy. Introduction to baked milk using the milk ladder was designed, with most CMPA patients successfully completing the ladder. Similar to baked milk treatment, many OIT protocols also demonstrated decreased IgE and increased IgG4 levels post protocol, as well as a reduction in wheal size diameter. Though these strategies are shown to be safe and effective in CMPA, future clinical trials should compare the safety and effectiveness of these three management strategies.

Cow’s milk-induced gastrointestinal disorders: From infancy to adulthood

Milk is related to many gastrointestinal disorders from the cradle to the grave due to the many milk ingredients that can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and disorders. Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy, especially in infancy and childhood, which may persist into adulthood. There are three main types of CMPA; immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated CMPA, non-IgE-mediated CMPA, and mixed type. CMPA appears before the first birthday in almost all cases. Symptoms may start even during the neonatal period and can be severe enough to simulate neonatal sepsis. CMPA (often non-IgE mediated) can present with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis, hemorrhagic gastritis, food protein-induced protein-losing enteropathy, and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. Most CMPAs are benign and outgrown during childhood. CMPA is not as common in adults as in children, but when present, it is usually severe with a protracted course. Lactose intolerance is a prevalent condition characterized by the development of many symptoms related to the consumption of foods containing lactose. Lactose intolerance has four typical types: Developmental, congenital, primary, and secondary. Lactose intolerance and CMPA may be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms for many functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults. They are also common in inflammatory bowel diseases. Milk consumption may have preventive or promoter effects on cancer development. Milk may also become a source of microbial infection in humans, causing a wide array of diseases, and may help increase the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. This editorial summarizes the common milk-related disorders and their symptoms from childhood to adulthood.

The Cow's Milk Related Symptom Score: The 2022 Update

CoMiSS® was developed 7 years ago to increase the awareness of health care professionals towards the possibility that symptoms presented by infants could be related to cow’s milk. While CoMiSS was conceived mostly on theoretical concepts, data is now available from 25 clinical trials. Based on this extensive research using the tool since 2015, we aim to propose an updated CoMiSS. The evidence was reviewed, debated and discussed by 10 experts, of whom seven were part of the original group. The panel concluded that the cut-off previously proposed to indicate the likelihood that symptoms may be cow’s milk related should be lowered from ≥12 to ≥10. Data in healthy infants > 6 months are missing. Since the Brussels Infant and Toddlers Stool Scale (BITSS) was recently developed for non-toilet trained children, the Bristol Stool Scale was changed to the BITSS without changing the impact of stool characteristics on CoMiSS. Overall, CoMiSS raises awareness that symptoms might be cow’s milk related. New studies are needed to determine if the change in cut-off and other small adaptions improve its sensitivity and specificity. Data for CoMiSS is still needed in presumed healthy infants between 6 and 12 months old. There may also be regional differences in CoMiSS, in healthy infants as well as in those with cow’s milk allergy. Finally, we emphasize that CoMiSS is an awareness tool and not a diagnostic test.

Hypoallergenicity assessment of an extensively hydrolyzed whey-protein formula in cow's milk allergic infants

BACKGROUND

Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are recommended for the dietary management of infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA).

OBJECTIVES

Hypoallergenicity, growth, and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of a new extensively hydrolyzed whey-protein formula (eHWF) in CMA children were assessed.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, international, multi-center study (Trial NL3889), 34 children with confirmed CMA (74% IgE-mediated) underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) with an eHWF developed with non-porcine enzymes, supplemented with prebiotic short-chain galacto- and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (0.8 g/L, ratio 9:1), arachidonic acid (0.35/100 g), and docosahexaenoic acid (0.35/100 g). If tolerant to the eHWF, children participated in a 7-day open food challenge with this eHWF. Anthropometrics and GI tolerability were assessed in an optional 16-weeks follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the 34 children who started the DBPCFC with the eHWF, 25 subjects (19 boys, mean age: 61 weeks, 18 with IgE-mediated CMA) completed the DBPCFC and 7-day open challenge without major protocol deviations and tested negative at both challenges. One child experienced a late moderate eczematous allergic reaction in the optional follow-up period, indicating the need for close monitoring of subjects starting new formula. Weight and length gain followed the World Health Organization growth curves. Changes in frequency and consistency of stools upon test formula intake were transient.

CONCLUSIONS

The newly developed eHWF is a suitable option in CMA treatment as all subjects tolerated the product. This result is in line with the international criteria for hypoallergenicity (American Academy of Pediatrics) that state that more than 90% of CMA children must tolerate the formula. Use of the formula is also associated with normal growth curves and GI tolerability.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial NL3889, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/3889.

Association between Serum Total and Specific Immunoglobulin E Levels and Body Height: A Cross-Sectional Study of Children and Adolescents

Background: The atopy rate in children has increased significantly. Atopy and growth are connected in a multifactorial manner and are important health issues for children around the world. The principal research question in this cross-sectional investigation concerned the association between serum total, specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and body height (BH)/weight (BW)/body mass index (BMI). Methods: A total of 993 subjects were enrolled for analysis retrospectively with allergic diseases and aged from 6 months to 18 years during the years 2015−2016. A complete panel of 36 allergen-specific IgE was taken from each participant using the MAST allergen test as well as their BH, BW, BMI, and total IgE levels. Results: There was a statistically significant positive association between the total IgE levels with BH (N = 348) and BW (N = 623) in the preschool age group (<6 years old, p-values of 0.009 and 0.034, respectively). In the preschool group, the total IgE levels showed a positive association with house dust (p < 0.001), cockroach mix (p < 0.001), Dermatophagoides farina (p < 0.001), and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (p < 0.001). After performing a general linear model followed by a backward selection of variables with age, sex, specific IgE, and total IgE, egg white sensitization demonstrated a significant negative association with BH (p = 0.009), and Dermatophagoides farina sensitization showed a significant positive association with BH (p = 0.006). The analysis showed that, in this model, the level of total IgE was not associated with BH. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the level of total IgE was not associated with BH in the preschool age group. Future studies are needed to replicate the results in outcome with follow-up allergic cohorts.

Polymorphic Variants of Interleukin-13 R130Q and Interleukin-4 T589C in Children with and without Cow's Milk Allergy

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most frequent types of food allergy. The aim of the study was to investigate whether IL-13 R130Q and IL-4 T589C polymorphisms are associated with the risk of CMA in young Ukrainian children. A total of 120 children (age range: 1−3 years) participated in the study and were divided into two groups: CMA (n = 60) and healthy controls (CNT, n = 60). The CMA group had two subgroups: specific oral tolerance induction (SOTI, n = 30) and milk elimination diet (MED, n = 30). The CNT group had two subgroups: positive family history of allergy (+FHA, n = 24) and negative family history of allergy (−FHA, n = 36). In the CMA group, molecular genetic testing of CC, CT, and TT genotypes of single nucleotide IL-4 T589C gene polymorphisms showed significantly higher rates of the CC genotype compared to healthy controls (92.2% vs. 58.8%; p < 0.01). In the CMA group, molecular genetic testing of GG, GA, and AA genotypes of single nucleotide IL-13 R130Q gene polymorphisms showed significantly higher rates of GA and AA polymorphic locus genotypes compared to healthy controls (43.5% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.05 and 8.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.05, respectively). In future studies, the genotypic and allelic distribution of these polymorphic variants will be determined in children with CMA and healthy children.

The US population-level burden of cow's milk allergy

Background

Cow's milk is a food allergen of public health importance both in the United States and globally. Its natural history and epidemiology have been most studied among infants and young children, but the public health burden it places on adults and older pediatric populations remains unclear. This study comprehensively characterizes the US population-level burden of cow's milk allergy (CMA), including its prevalence, severity, health care utilization, psychosocial impact, natural history, and other associated factors-including ability to tolerate extensively heated milk products-within a large, nationally-representative survey sample of US households.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered via web and telephone. Population level inference was based on data collected from participants recruited from National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago's probability-based AmeriSpeak panel. Established dual-sample complex survey calibration methods were used to augment this sample with additional participants recruited through Survey Sampling International to increase the precision of the resulting estimates. In total, surveys were administered to a nationally representative sample of 51 819 US households from October 1, 2015, through September 31, 2016. Self-report responses from 40 453 adults and parent-proxy report for 38 408 children were analyzed.

Results

Analyzing survey responses from 78 851 individuals, an estimated 4.7% (95% CI, 4.4%-4.9%) of the US population reported current CMA, whereas 1.9% (95% CI, 1.8%-2.1%) met symptom-report criteria for convincing IgE-mediated allergy. An estimated 0.9% (95% CI, 0.8%-1.0%) had CMA that met convincing symptom-report criteria and was physician diagnosed. Female and White respondents were more likely to report outgrowing CMA relative to males and those reporting other races and ethnicities. Individuals with CMA who reported tolerance to baked milk products were less likely to report severe reaction histories (33.5% vs 42.7%; p = .03), a lifetime history of food allergy-related emergency department visits (43.4% vs. 55.8%; p = .005), and treating a milk-allergic reaction with epinephrine (10.6 vs. 18.9%; p = .003). These individuals also exhibited less psychosocial burden on the validated Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM) than their counterparts with CMA who were allergic to baked forms of milk.

Conclusion

These data indicate a discrepancy in reported rates of allergy to cow's milk among the US general population ranging from approximately 1 in 20 with reported CMA to fewer than 1 in 50 with physician-confirmed CMA. However, they suggest a substantial population-level burden of CMA, including substantial healthcare utilization, psychosocial burden and nutritional impacts-particularly among the approximately 30% of individuals with CMA who cannot tolerate baked forms of milk.

Beneficial Effects of Bovine Milk Exosomes in Metabolic Interorgan Cross-Talk

Extracellular vesicles are membrane-enclosed secreted vesicles involved in cell-to-cell communication processes, identified in virtually all body fluids. Among extracellular vesicles, exosomes have gained increasing attention in recent years as they have unique biological origins and deliver different cargos, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which might mediate various health processes. In particular, milk-derived exosomes are proposed as bioactive compounds of breast milk, which have been reported to resist gastric digestion and reach systemic circulation, thus being bioavailable after oral intake. In the present manuscript, we critically discuss the available evidence on the health benefits attributed to milk exosomes, and we provide an outlook for the potential future uses of these compounds. The use of milk exosomes as bioactive ingredients represents a novel avenue to explore in the context of human nutrition, and they might exert important beneficial effects at multiple levels, including but not limited to intestinal health, bone and muscle metabolism, immunity, modulation of the microbiota, growth, and development.

Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy: Best Practices and Knowledge Gaps-A Work Group Report from the AAAAI Allergic Skin Diseases Committee and Leadership Institute Project

Allergists are often asked to evaluate children with atopic dermatitis (AD) for allergen triggers to disease. Testing, particularly for food triggers, often leads to elimination diets in an effort to improve AD control. However, the dual exposure hypothesis suggests that oral tolerance to food antigens is promoted through high-dose oral exposure, where sensitization occurs through lower dose cutaneous exposure. This suggests that strict elimination diets may pose some risks in children with AD. In addition, emerging evidence suggests an important role of skin inflammation in further allergic disease and the importance of dietary exposure to maintain oral tolerance. This work group report reviews current guidelines-based management for children with moderate-to-severe AD, the evidence for current recommendations for the evaluation and management of these children, provides a nuanced examination of these studies, and addresses current knowledge gaps in the care of these children.

Oral Immunotherapy for Children with Cow's Milk Allergy

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common IgE-dependent food allergies in children. Some children develop severe and persistent CMA, with near-fatal reactions after exposure to trace amounts of cow's milk (CM). Because milk and dairy products are included in various processed food products, it is difficult to completely remove milk, which negatively affects the quality of life of children with CMA. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) can alleviate food allergen-induced anaphylaxis under continuous ingestion of a little of the causative food. Children with severe CMA may benefit from OIT, but the treatment requires a long time and poses a risk of anaphylaxis. Moreover, in recent years, new therapies, including omalizumab, sublingual immunotherapy, and epicutaneous immunotherapy, have played the role of optional OIT. In this review, we present the current methods of and other attempts at OIT, and discuss OIT for safely treating CMA.

Milk and dairy consumption is positively associated with height in adolescents: results from the Israeli National Youth Health and Nutrition Survey

PURPOSE

Milk consumption is associated with increased height primarily in early childhood. However, in adolescents, data are scarce with inconsistent results. Since height is a proxy for overall health and well-being, this study evaluated the association of dairy intake with height in adolescents.

METHODS

Students in 7th-12th grades, participating in the 2015-2016 Israeli Health and Nutrition Youth Survey, a school-based cross-sectional study, completed self-administered questionnaires, including a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (n = 3529, 48% males, 15.2 ± 1.6 years). Anthropometric measurements were also performed. Dairy servings were calculated as the calcium equivalent of 1 cup of milk, and consumption was divided into four categories from very low (< 1 serving/day) to high (3 + servings/day). BMI- and Height-for-age z scores (HAZs) were calculated according to WHO growth standard; relatively short stature (RSS) was defined as HAZ < - 0.7 SD (< 25th percentile). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of dairy intake with HAZ and prevalence of RSS, respectively.

RESULTS

Median consumption of dairy products was 2 servings/day, 1.4 from unsweetened products (milk, cheese and yogurt). Controlling for age, sex, BMI-z-score and socioeconomic status, each increment of unsweetened dairy intake was associated with on average 0.04 higher HAZ (equivalent to 0.3-0.4 cm, p < 0.05), and with reduced risk for RSS: OR 0.90, 95%CI: 0.84, 0.97, p < 0.01. No such associations were found with sweetened dairy products.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of unsweetened dairy products (3-4 servings/day) appears to contribute to achieving growth potential in adolescents. Intervention studies are necessary to determine the causal relationship between dairy intake and linear growth.

Canadian food ladders for dietary advancement in children with IgE-mediated allergy to milk and/or egg

Food ladders are clinical tools already widely used in Europe for food reintroduction in milk- and egg-allergic children. Previously developed milk and egg ladders have limited applicability to Canadian children due to dietary differences and product availability. Herein we propose a Canadian version of cow’s milk and egg food ladders and discuss the potential role that food ladders may have in the care of children with IgE-mediated allergies to cow’s milk and/or egg, as either a method of accelerating the acquisition of tolerance in those who would outgrow on their own, or as a form of modified oral immunotherapy in those with otherwise persistent allergy.

Mechanism on the Allergenicity Changes of α-Lactalbumin Treated by Sonication-Assisted Glycation during In Vitro Gastroduodenal Digestion

Physical-assisted chemical modification is effective to reduce the allergenicity of α-lactalbumin (ALA). However, there are few in-depth studies on the allergenicity changes of physical-assisted chemical-modified ALA during digestion. The effect of gastroduodenal digestion on the allergenicity changes of ALA treated by sonication-assisted glycation was assessed. Digestion of both ALA and its glycated forms generated peptide fractions, and intact undigested glycated ALA in the hydrolysates still covalently bound to d-galactose. High-resolution mass spectrometry revealed that a higher glycation degree was discovered in sonication-preprocessed ALA compared to native ALA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and basophil degranulation showed that sonication-assisted glycation could significantly reduce ALA allergenicity. The allergenicity of both gastric and gastroduodenal hydrolysates was further increased, and the hydrolysates of sonication-assisted glycated ALA showed the lowest allergenicity. The reason could be the shielding effect of the linear epitope found to be caused by a higher glycation degree; although linear epitopes were exposed, d-galactose covalently bound to intact undigested glycated ALA in the hydrolysates retained its masking role. These results indicated that sonication-assisted glycation could be a promising method to prepare immunotherapeutic agents for allergen immunotherapy to achieve the purpose of allergy desensitization.

Nutritional management of food allergies

Food allergy is a significant public health concern, with a rising prevalence. Elimination diets remain the cornerstone of food allergy management, and they are not without nutritional risk. Children who avoid nutritionally important foods, such as milk or multiple foods allergens, may be at greater risk. Even adults with food allergies may encounter challenges to meet current recommended dietary guidelines for health and reduced risk of chronic disease. The type of food allergy disorder will also impact nutritional risk. A food allergy affects food choices, nutritional intake, and health; therefore, guidance to provide nutritionally appropriate substitutes within the context of the elimination diet is invaluable.

Growth and Development of Preschool Children (12-60 Months): A Review of the Effect of Dairy Intake

Undernutrition in young children is a global health issue. The ability to meet energy and nutrient needs during this critical stage of development is necessary, not only to achieve physical and mental potential but also socio-economic achievement later in life. Given ongoing discussions regarding optimization of dietary patterns to support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations, it is important to identify foods/food groups that have shown efficacy in reducing the negative impacts of undernutrition in young children. This narrative review addresses the impact of dairy intake, with a focus on linear growth, cognitive development and weight gain in early childhood (12-60 months). The impact of country economic status is also examined, to help elucidate regional specific recommendations and/or future research needs. Overall, the body of research addressing this age group is somewhat limited. Based on the data available, there is a positive association between dairy intake and linear growth. The impact of milk or dairy products on cognitive development is less clear due to a lack of evidence and is a gap in the literature that should be addressed. Regarding the impact on body weight, the majority of evidence suggests there is either no association or an inverse association between milk intake by preschool children on overweight and obesity later in life. This evidence is exclusively in high income countries, however, so additional work in lower income countries may be warranted.

Microbial signature in IgE-mediated food allergies

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies suggest a key role for gut microbiota in IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) development, but to date, none has studied it in the persistent state.

METHODS

To characterize the gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) profiles associated with major food allergy groups, we recruited 233 patients with FA including milk (N = 66), sesame (N = 38), peanut (N = 71), and tree nuts (N = 58), and non-allergic controls (N = 58). DNA was isolated from fecal samples, and 16S rRNA gene sequences were analyzed. SCFAs in stool were analyzed from patients with a single allergy (N = 84) and controls (N = 31).

RESULTS

The gut microbiota composition of allergic patients was significantly different compared to age-matched controls both in α-diversity and β-diversity. Distinct microbial signatures were noted for FA to different foods. Prevotella copri (P. copri) was the most overrepresented species in non-allergic controls. SCFAs levels were significantly higher in the non-allergic compared to the FA groups, whereas P. copri significantly correlated with all three SCFAs. We used these microbial differences to distinguish between FA patients and non-allergic healthy controls with an area under the curve of 0.90, and for the classification of FA patients according to their FA types using a supervised learning algorithm. Bacteroides and P. copri were identified as taxa potentially contributing to KEGG acetate-related pathways enriched in non-allergic compared to FA. In addition, overall pathway dissimilarities were found among different FAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a link between IgE-mediated FA and the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota.

Dietary therapy for eosinophilic esophagitis: chances and limitations in the clinical practice

INTRODUCTION

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a non-Immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergy that currently represents the main cause of dysphagia and food impaction in children and young adults. Diet remains the only therapy targeting the cause of the disease. Relevant advances in recent years allow novel approaches to dietary therapy in EoE.

AREAS COVERED

An up-to-date review on dietary therapy for EoE is provided, as a potential first-line anti-inflammatory therapy able to induce and maintain remission in a significant proportion of patients. Unpractical elemental diets and suboptimal food allergy testing-directed food restrictions paved the way for empiric elimination diets, which currently are to be considered as the most effective drug-free treatment for EoE. After largely restrictive empiric six-food elimination diets, most efficient step-up approaches now include four-food and two-food elimination diets. The potential of milk-elimination is also discussed.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

An empiric elimination diet step-up strategy should be currently considered as the initial approach for dietary treatment in EoE patients of all ages. Compared to a top-down strategy, step-up diets reduce the need for endoscopic procedures, shorten diagnostic process times, and avoid unnecessary restrictions. Furthermore, early identification of responders with few food triggers may select best candidates for maintenance dietary therapy.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice 2019 Highlights

This article provides highlights of the clinically impactful original studies and reviews published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice in 2019 on the subjects of anaphylaxis, asthma, dermatitis, drug allergy, food allergy, immunodeficiency, immunotherapy, rhinitis/sinusitis, and urticaria/angioedema/mast cell disorders. Within each topic, practical aspects of diagnosis and management are emphasized. Treatments discussed include lifestyle modifications, allergen avoidance therapy, positive and negative effects of pharmacologic therapy, and various forms of immunologic and desensitization management. We designed this review to help readers consolidate and use this extensive and practical knowledge for the benefit of their patients.

Are avoidance diets still warranted in children with atopic dermatitis?

Nearly 40% of children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) have IgE-mediated food allergy (FA). This clinical observation has been extensively documented by experimental data linking skin inflammation in AD to FA, as well as by food challenges reproducing symptoms and avoidance diets improving AD. Although food avoidance may improve AD, avoidance diets do not cure AD, may even have detrimental effects such as progression to immediate-type allergy including anaphylactic reactions, and may significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient and the family. AD care should focus upon optimal medical management, rather than dietary elimination. Food allergy testing is primarily indicated when immediate-type allergic reactions are a concern. In recalcitrant AD, if food is being considered a possible chronic trigger, a limited panel of foods may be tested. An avoidance diet is only indicated in patients clearly identified as food allergic by an appropriate diagnostic food challenge, and after adequately informing the family of the limited benefits, and possible harms of an elimination diet.

Transporters in the Mammary Gland-Contribution to Presence of Nutrients and Drugs into Milk

A large number of nutrients and bioactive ingredients found in milk play an important role in the nourishment of breast-fed infants and dairy consumers. Some of these ingredients include physiologically relevant compounds such as vitamins, peptides, neuroactive compounds and hormones. Conversely, milk may contain substances-drugs, pesticides, carcinogens, environmental pollutants-which have undesirable effects on health. The transfer of these compounds into milk is unavoidably linked to the function of transport proteins. Expression of transporters belonging to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC-) and Solute Carrier (SLC-) superfamilies varies with the lactation stages of the mammary gland. In particular, Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptides 1A2 (OATP1A2) and 2B1 (OATP2B1), Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCT1), Novel Organic Cation Transporter 1 (OCTN1), Concentrative Nucleoside Transporters 1, 2 and 3 (CNT1, CNT2 and CNT3), Peptide Transporter 2 (PEPT2), Sodium-dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 (SVCT2), Multidrug Resistance-associated Protein 5 (ABCC5) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (ABCG2) are highly induced during lactation. This review will focus on these transporters overexpressed during lactation and their role in the transfer of products into the milk, including both beneficial and harmful compounds. Furthermore, additional factors, such as regulation, polymorphisms or drug-drug interactions will be described.

Epidemiology of Cow's Milk Allergy

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in infants and young children. CMA can result in anaphylactic reactions, and has long term implications on growth and nutrition. There are several studies in diverse populations assessing the epidemiology of CMA. However, assessment is complicated by the presence of other immune-mediated reactions to cow's milk. These include non-IgE and mixed (IgE and non-IgE) reactions and common non-immune mediated reactions, such as lactose intolerance. Estimates of prevalence and population-level patterns are further complicated by the natural history of CMA (given its relatively high rate of resolution) and variation in phenotype (with a large proportion of patients able to tolerate baked cow's milk). Prevalence, natural history, demographic patterns, and long-term outcomes of CMA have been explored in several disparate populations over the past 30 to 40 years, with differences seen based on the method of outcome assessment, study population, time period, and geographic region. The primary aim of this review is to describe the epidemiology of CMA. The review also briefly discusses topics related to prevalence studies and specific implications of CMA, including severity, natural course, nutritional impact, and risk factors.