Fussy eating and feeding difficulties in infants and toddlers consuming a cows' milk exclusion diet

Growth in healthy infants with cow's milk protein allergy fed extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formulas

BACKGROUND

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in the first year of life. Special formulas for infants with CMPA include extensively hydrolyzed (EHFs) and amino acid-based (AAFs) formulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of infants fed with these special formulas.

METHODS

This was a prospective chart review study that evaluated the growth criteria of infants with CMPA fed with EHFs or AAFs until one year of age. These infants were referred to the gastroenterology clinic of Bahrami Children's Hospital from April 2021 to April 2022. These infants were divided into two groups, the group fed with EHFs and AAFs. Then growth criteria were evaluated in both groups.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight children were enrolled in the study, of which 51.7% were girls. Forty were consuming the EHFs formulas. The median time of both diagnosis and treatment was 60 days. The most common clinical manifestations were gastroesophageal reflux, dysentery, eczema, vomiting, and cough, respectively. The diagnosis of the disease in the AAFs group was significantly earlier than in the other group. The growth of children in both groups was completely proportional to their age and growth criteria at birth. Comparing the groups, all growth parameters were higher in the EHFs group.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the growth criteria (weight, length, and head circumference) were suitable for each group and were in accordance with the WHO growth charts compared to the birth criteria. But in the group fed with EHFs, compared to AAFs, the growth rate was higher.

Nutritional status and feeding difficulties in children up to 2 years of age with cow's milk allergy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To assess the nutritional status and incidence of feeding difficulties in Polish children up to 2 years of age with cow's milk allergy (CMA) on cow's milk proteins-free diet.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, multi-center study included children aged 6 months to 2 years with confirmed or suspected (without oral food challenge) diagnosis of CMA on the elimination diet for at least 1 month. The primary outcomes were an assessment of proportion of children with impaired nutritional status (with the weight for length and body mass index (BMI) z-score > 1 and <-1), and feeding difficulties according to the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale. Children with confirmed and suspected CMA were assessed separately.

RESULTS

A 144 children with confirmed CMA and 88 with suspected CMA were included (57 and 78% with multiple food allergies, respectively). Among children with confirmed CMA, one-third (35.5%) of participants had any nutritional status impairment regardless of definition. Among those, most of children had mild malnutrition (10.4 vs. 9%) and possible risk of overweight (11.1 vs. 9.7%; following respectively BMI for age and weight for length z-scores). Only 16.0% of children had feeding difficulties. Feeding difficulties was identified to be a risk factor for moderate malnutrition compared to children without feeding difficulties (odds ratio 10, 95% confidence interval: 4-27).

CONCLUSIONS

Mild malnutrition and possible risk of overweight are concern in children up to 2 years of age on cow's milk proteins-free diet. Feeding difficulties are less common, however, may affect the nutritional status.

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.

Feeding difficulties in children with food allergies: An EAACI Task Force Report

The term "feeding difficulties" refers to a spectrum of phenotypes characterized by suboptimal intake of food and/or lack of age-appropriate eating habits. While it is evident that feeding difficulties are prevalent within healthy children, no consensus has been reached for those with food allergies. The aim of this study was to systematically review all the available literature reporting the prevalence of feeding difficulties within food allergic children. We searched eight international electronic databases for all published studies until June 2022. International experts in the field were also contacted for unpublished and ongoing studies. All publications were screened against pre-defined eligibility criteria and critically appraised by established instruments. The substantial heterogeneity of included studies precluded meta-analyses, so narrative synthesis of quantitative data was performed. A total of 2059 abstracts were assessed, out of which 21 underwent full-text screening and 10 studies met the study criteria. In these, 12 different terms to define feeding difficulties and 11 diagnostic tools were used. Five papers included data of feeding difficulty prevalence in children with food allergies, ranging from 13.6% to 40%. Higher prevalence was associated with multiple food allergies. The current literature suggests that feeding difficulties are prevalent within food allergic children, particularly those with multiple food allergies. However, the heterogeneity of terminologies and diagnostic tools makes drawing conclusions challenging. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of feeding difficulties within food allergic children and further research on the development and perpetuation of feeding difficulties are needed to appropriately manage such patients.

Feeding Characteristics in Children With Food Allergies: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Food allergy (FA) affects approximately 8% of children and may be immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated or non-IgE-mediated. It is recognized clinically that children with both subtypes of FA may present with features of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD); however, there is currently a limited detail of presenting characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to synthesize the current evidence regarding the feeding characteristics of children with FA, with a focus on the feeding skills and psychosocial domains of PFD.

METHOD

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Papers published between 2001 and 2022 describing feeding characteristics in the feeding skills and psychosocial domains in children with FA/history of FA were included. Papers that focused solely on characteristics from the medical or nutritional domains were excluded. Descriptive information regarding demographics, methodology, allergy profile and history, and the characteristics of PFD observed was extracted using a preconceived data extraction form.

RESULTS

Overall, 40 papers contained descriptions of feeding characteristics of children with non-IgE-mediated FA (n = 22) and IgE-mediated FA (n = 11), while four were nonspecific. In the psychosocial domain, food refusal/aversion, anxiety with eating, and poor intake were the most frequently reported, regardless of FA subtype. Less information was reported regarding feeding skills, although slowness in eating, immature diet, and delays in oral sensory-motor skills were described.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with FA/history of FA may present with a range of characteristics that map across the feeding skill and psychosocial domains of PFD. Systematic research is needed to fully describe the feeding characteristics of children with FA.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24562732.

Feeding Difficulties and Feeding Behaviors of Thai Children with Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

Background

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common food allergy in infants and young children and may be a risk factor for feeding difficulties. Studies exploring feeding difficulties and feeding behaviors in Thai children with CMPA are scarce.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of feeding difficulties and feeding behaviors in Thai children with CMPA compared to healthy controls.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed comparing children aged 1-6 years old diagnosed with CMPA and had eliminated cow's milk for at least 4 months with age-matched healthy children. Feeding difficulties were evaluated using the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale questionnaire, and feeding behaviors were measured using the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ).

Results

One hundred and twenty-two participants were recruited (30 children with CMPA and 92 controls). The median age of the CMPA and control groups was 31.0 (14.0, 43.3) and 40.0 (28.0, 53.8) months, respectively (p value = 0.01). The CMPA group had lower calcium, phosphorus, and zinc intake than the healthy controls. The prevalence of feeding difficulties between the two groups did not show a significant difference (36.7 vs. 43.5%, p value = 0.70). The slowness in the eating subscale of feeding behaviors exhibited a lower score in the CMPA group than in the healthy group. Feeding difficulties was positively correlated with the desire to drink (β 3.079, p value = 0.011) but negatively correlated with the enjoyment of food subscale of CEBQ among the CMPA children (β -10.684, p value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite a similar prevalence of feeding difficulties between CMPA and healthy children, the CMPA group demonstrated some differences in feeding behaviors. The lower score of enjoyment of food and a higher score of desire to drink correlated with a higher degree of feeding difficulties in the CMPA children. The provision of appropriate nutrition for this group of children should be prioritized.

The Remaining Challenge to Diagnose and Manage Cow's Milk Allergy: An Opinion Paper to Daily Clinical Practice

Guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of cow's milk allergy (CMA) in childhood are based on scientific review of the available evidence. While this approach is the most rigorous, guidelines may not fully address all scenarios encountered by clinicians. Many symptoms of CMA overlap with other common childhood illnesses and are subjectively reported by the caregivers of the infant, as is the interpretation of the dietary interventions. Additionally, many healthcare professionals and caregivers do not follow the recommendations to perform an oral food challenge or reintroduction of cow's milk after a diagnostic elimination diet because (1) the infant is doing well and (2) the carer's fear of symptoms relapsing with this procedure. As a result, CMA in infants may be either under-diagnosed leading to reduced quality of life for families or over-diagnosed, resulting in unnecessary long-term elimination diets and increasing the risk for nutritional deficiencies. This paper discusses some of these controversial topics, focusing on misdiagnosis and mismanagement in clinical practice. The lack of objective diagnostic criteria can hamper the diagnosis and management of CMA in daily practice.

Effectiveness of nutrition education in enhancing knowledge and attitude of pupils on choice of school mid-day meal in Ibadan, Nigeria

Children's food choices affect their nutritional health, development, and well-being. In Nigeria, school lunch is generally unregulated; the food menu is usually at the discretion of individual vendors forcing pupils to make unsupervised food choices. This study examined the effectiveness of 6-week nutrition education in enhancing pupils' knowledge and attitude on the school mid-day meal choices in Ibadan, Nigeria. A pre-test/post-test, quasi-experimental study was conducted with 100 pupils in 4th and 5th grades in public primary schools. Multistage sampling was used to select the participants. A nutrition education module and a questionnaire were used to collect the data. Frequency counts and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Findings revealed the following dietary pattern: 44 of the pupils preferred junk food (mean 41.5, SD = 12.9), 37 were inclined toward protein-rich food (mean 37.7, SD = 12.5), 32 favored food items dense in carbohydrates (mean 34.4, SD = 9.5), and 11 showed a preference toward food with high vitamins and minerals (mean 28.4, SD = 7.5). Nutrition knowledge (t = 6.4, df = 99, p < .05); (pre-test: X¯ = 20.9 and SD = 1.0; post-test: X¯ = 22.8, SD = 2.8) and attitude toward choice of meal showed statistically significant differences (t = 4.9, df = 99, p < .05; pre-test: X¯ = 13.5 and SD = 6.8; post-test: X¯ = 18.2, SD = 7.2). We recommend that the Ministry of Education should prepare a standard lunch menu for all schools and the school authorities should enforce it through the schools' food vendors.

Impact of diet on sensory processing in early childhood: summary of an interactive webconference / expert roundtable discussion

Pediatric feeding disorders can be seen in up to 45% of normally developing children aged under 5 years old, mainly during the first three years of life when the child has inadequate food intake and/or difficulty maintaining adequate growth, and/or lack of age-appropriate eating habit. This article describes the opinion of a group of experts on children eating patterns and how to manage pediatric feeding disorders, with the aim to improve the quality of life of children and their caregivers.

Factors associated with the early emergence of atypical feeding behaviours in infants and young children: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Atypical feeding behaviours such as significantly limited food preferences, hypersensitivity to food textures or temperatures and pocketing food without swallowing are common concerns in child health. Current reports indicate an inter-relationship between early growth, feeding problems and developmental disorders, yet little is known about how these behaviours develop in early childhood. There is also a lack of consensus about clinical definitions for atypical feeding behaviours, diagnostic thresholds and the associated precursors. To date, there has been no synthesis of the extant literature about factors associated with the early onset of atypical feeding behaviours in young children.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aimed to characterize the factors associated with the early emergence of atypical feeding behaviours in typically developing young children.

METHODS

CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched. Studies published in the last 5 years were included if they examined factors associated with the development of atypical eating behaviours in infants and young children. Of the 2137 records obtained after the search strategy was applied, 202 full-text articles were retrieved for a more detailed examination and to ensure they met the inclusion criteria. This resulted in 54 studies being included in this scoping review.

RESULTS

Of the 54 studies, three studies analysed precursors responsible for atypical feeding behaviours, and 51 studies discussed the factors associated with the early emergence of feeding difficulties. Multiple factors, including genetic factors, breastfeeding, late introduction of solids and lumpy foods, complementary feeding techniques, parental mental health, prematurity and child factors including temperament, were identified. There is inconsistent evidence for the associations between breastfeeding exposure and feeding difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified multiple factors potentially associated with the early onset of atypical feeding behaviours in young children; however, there is insufficient evidence at this time to support specific recommendations for early feeding practices in young children. More methodologically rigorous studies are needed to extend these findings.

Body growth assessment in children with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy fed with a new amino acid-based formula

Background

Amino acid-based formula (AAF) is a relevant dietary option for non-breastfed children. The present study was designed to evaluate the body growth pattern in cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) children treated for 6 months with a new AAF.

Methods

This was an open-label, single arm study evaluating body growth pattern in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated CMPA infants receiving a new AAF for 6 months. The outcomes were anthropometry (weight, length, head circumference), adherence to the study formula and occurrence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

Fifteen children [all Caucasian and born at term; 53.3% born with spontaneous delivery; 80% male; 80% with familial allergy risk; mean age (±SD) 3 ± 2.5 months at IgE-mediated CMPA diagnosis; mean age (±SD) 16.7 ± 5.9 months at enrolment, mean total serum IgE (±SD) 298.2 ± 200.4 kU/L] were included and completed the 6-month study. Data from fifteen age- and sex-matched healthy controls were also adopted as comparison. At baseline, all CMPA patients were weaned and were receiving the new AAF. All 15 patients completed the 6-month study period. For the entire CMPA pediatric patients’ cohort, from baseline to the end of the study period, the body growth pattern resulted within the normal range of World Health Organization (WHO) growth references and resulted similar to healthy controls anthropometric values. The formula was well tolerated. The adherence was optimal and no AEs related to AAF use were reported.

Conclusions

The new AAF ensured normal growth in subjects affected by IgE-mediated CMPA. This formula constitutes another suitable safe option for the management of pediatric patients affected by CMPA.

Evaluation of the complementary feeding practices, dietary intake, and nutritional status of infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the complementary feeding practices, food intake, and nutritional status of infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet.

METHODS

A cross-sectional and observational study was conducted to compare infants aged 4-18 months who were on a cow's milk protein elimination diet with a control group of healthy infants without any dietary restrictions. General information on the child's health, demographic data, and food consumption were collected.

RESULTS

The study included 96 infants in the elimination diet group and 99 in the control group. In the elimination diet group, the median age (in months) of introduction of solid foods (5.0 × 4.0; p < 0.001) and water (5.5 × 4.0; p < 0.05) was later, consumption of soft drinks and industrialized cookies was less frequent (p < 0.05), and a lower index of complementary feeding inadequacies (2.75 × 3.50; p < 0.001) was observed. The elimination diet group presented lower individual values of Z scores for weight/age, weight/height, and body mass index/age, although they were fed with higher amounts of energy (117.4 × 81.3 kcal/kg of weight; p < 0.001) and macro-and micronutrients, except for vitamin A. In the elimination diet group, breast milk and its substitutes contributed to more than 67% of energy intake. Although calcium consumption was a deficit in 31.5% of the infants, none received supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Infants on an elimination diet presented more adequate complementary feeding practices and higher nutritional intake, despite lower body weight values.

Feeding difficulties in children fed a cows' milk elimination diet

A cross-sectional study compared feeding difficulties in children aged 2-5 years fed a cows' milk elimination diet due to food allergy with a control group on an unrestricted diet. All data were obtained online. Specific questionnaires evaluated three types of feeding difficulties: avoidant eating, picky eating and feeding problems. The median scores of feeding difficulties in the elimination diet (n 146) and control (n 109) groups were, respectively: picky eating (31 v. 27; P = 0·148), avoidant eating (3 v. 3; P = 0·508) and feeding problems (38 v. 34, P = 0·032). Picky eating was more frequent in the elimination diet (35·4 %) than in the controls (23·3 %; P = 0·042), but no difference was observed for avoidant eating (23·9 % v. 20·4 %, P = 0·508) and feeding problems (32·1 % v. 28·4 %, P = 0·541). Picky eating was associated with lower values of weight-for-age z-scores in both groups. Multivariate analyses identified associations of the three feeding difficulties with previous food refusal and/or inappetence in the elimination diet group. Current constipation and anticipatory gagging were associated with feeding difficulties in both groups. In conclusion, children on an elimination diet presented higher frequency of picky eating and higher scores of feeding problems. Picky eating was associated with lower values of weight-for-age z-scores. Food refusal and/or inappetence as clinical manifestations of food allergy were associated with feeding difficulties at the moment of the survey. Current constipation and anticipatory gagging were associated with picky eating, avoidant eating and feeding problems.

The Influence of Common Noncommunicable Diseases on Chemosensory Perception and Clinical Implications in Children and Adolescents

An increased incidence of noninfectious chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and allergies, has been noted in the last century, especially in the last 2 to 3 generations. Evidence suggested that the interrelation among these chronic conditions in pediatric age (e.g., children and adolescents aged 4-16 y) is complex and still unknown, reinforcing the interest of pediatricians in these diseases. Of interest is the need to better understand the link between these pathologies and sensory perception, since the chemical senses of taste and smell, together with chemesthesis, are reported to have a role in food choices and may provide a novel target for intervention in the treatment of these pathologies. This review aims to explore the current evidence on the link between these chronic conditions and chemosensory perception (i.e., taste and smell). In addition, the putative role that chemosensory perception may have on food choices and eating behavior of children and adolescents affected by these diseases are highlighted. Furthermore, the review addresses the unexplored issues that need to be investigated in this area. The literature data search suggested that no clear relation between taste and smell perception and the aforementioned diseases in young population yet exists. However, some possible trends have been highlighted in the adult population, in whom the duration of disease might have affected the relation. There is a need for further, high-quality, hypothesis-led research, with robust measures of taste and smell functions as the primary outcomes, to strengthen or deny this evidence.

Effect of early childhood cow's milk elimination diet on eating behaviours, nutrition and growth status at age 2-6 years

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to investigate the eating behaviour, nutritional status and growth of Caucasian children in ages 2-6 years who had a diet because of cow's milk protein allergy (CMA) [immunoglobulin (Ig)E-mediated and/or non-IgE-mediated] in early childhood.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional, case-control study, the cow's milk elimination (CME) group comprised children aged 0-2 years who were receiving a CME diet because of CMA, as confirmed by an oral food challenge test, and had reintroduced cow's milk for at least ≥ 3 months. The control group never had a restricted diet. Eating behaviour and children's growth was assessed. A 3-day food record was taken to determine the macronutrient and micronutrient intake of the children. Data on the children's socio-demographic, infant nutrition and family allergy history were collected from their medical records and face-to-face interviews with mothers.

RESULTS

In total, 62 children with a median age of 32 months were recruited for the study. The total scores of food avoidance and satiety responsiveness in the CME group (n:31) were higher than in the controls (n = 31) (p = 0.036 and 0.006, respectively). Weight-for-age and height-for-age are statistically lower in the CME group than in the control group (p < 0.001). A significant difference between groups in terms of dairy intake was recorded (p = 0.011). In the CME group, the current frequency of adequate energy, vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin C and calcium intake was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary interventions because of CMA at age 0-2 years can affect children's nutritional habits and parental-reported assessment of children's eating behaviours, resulting in growth restriction with insufficient micro/macronutrients and/or dairy products at the age of 2-6 years.

Dietary Management of Food Allergy

Worldwide food allergy prevalence is increasing, especially in children. Food allergy management strategies include appropriate avoidance measures and identifying suitable alternatives for a nutritionally sound diet. Individualized dietary intervention begins teaching label reading, which differs among countries or regions. Dietary intervention must result in a nutritionally sound plan including alternatives to support optimal growth and development. Inappropriate or incomplete dietary advice may increase the risk of adverse reactions, growth faltering, and nutrient deficiencies. Evidence indicates input from a registered dietitian improves nutritional outcomes. Nutritional input plays a critical role managing nutritional disorders related to food allergy.

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.

Fatores associados aos tipos de dificuldades alimentares em crianças entre 0 e 10 anos de idade: um estudo retrospectivo em um centro de referência brasileiro

Objetivo: identificar fatores associados à prevalência dos diferentes tipos de dificuldades alimentares em crianças com idade entre 0 e 10 anos.Métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional retrospectivo com dados de crianças de 0 a 10 anos diagnosticadas com alguma dificuldade alimentar, atendidas em um centro de referência localizado no município de São Paulo, SP, Brasil. A presença da dificuldade alimentar foi analisada de acordo com o diagnóstico multidisciplinar, o aparecimento da queixa, os dados sobre a gestação e a amamentação, o estilo parental, a presença de causas orgânicas e as complicações associadas. Os dados foram tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel e as análises estatísticas foram realizadas no programa IBM SPSS Statistics 21 através de frequências absolutas e relativas, média, desvio padrão, teste do qui-quadrado e Kruskall-Wallis com o teste de post-hoc de Dunn.Resultados: foram avaliados 166 pacientes com um predomínio do sexo masculino, em idade pré-escolar e nascidos a termo. O diagnóstico mais prevalente foi de seletividade alimentar, sem doenças orgânicas ou reações associadas. Os diagnósticos de dificuldade alimentar apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa com idade, idade gestacional de nascimento, idade e fase da alimentação de aparecimento da queixa.Conclusões: os fatores que apresentaram associação com os diferentes tipos de dificuldade alimentar foram a idade, a idade gestacional de nascimento e a idade e fase da alimentação de aparecimento da queixa. O presente estudo permite iniciar um direcionamento mais específico de ações de orientação e de prevenção de dificuldade alimentar. Dessa forma, destaca-se a importância da realização de estudos desse cunho.

A well-tolerated new amino acid-based formula for cow's milk allergy

Objectives

Infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) are in need of a substitute formula up to 2 years. The are three requisites for a substitute of milk in CMA: tolerability, nutritional adequacy, and cost‐effectiveness. We evaluate here the tolerability of a new amino acid–based infant formula for the management of CMA.

Methods

In a phase III/IV prospective, multicentre, open‐label, international study, infants and children with immunoglobulin E‐mediated CMA were exposed to a diagnostic double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled food challenge with a new amino acid formula by Blemil Plus Elemental using Neocate as the placebo. If tolerant to it, the study formula was integrated into the patients’ usual daily diet for 7 days. Efficacy on day 7 was assessed in terms of symptoms associated with CMA, amount of formula consumed, nutritional and energy intake, and anthropometric data.

Results

Thirty children (17 M and 13 F; median age, 1.58; range, 0.08‐12.83 years) completed the open challenge and were able to consume the study formula for at least 7 days. No signs or symptoms of allergic reactions were recorded among children assuming either the test or the control formula, with a lower 95% one‐sided confidence interval for the proportion of subjects who did not experience allergic reactions above 90%. Sixteen patient under the age of two continued with the optional extension phase.

Conclusions

The study formula meets the American Academy of Pediatric criteria for hypoallergenicity and is well tolerated in short‐term use. During optional phase, growth of the patients was not hindered by the study formula.

Personalized Nutrition in Food Allergy: Tips for Clinical Practice

Nowadays, food allergies are considered as a wide spectrum of disorders that need different approaches. The "one size fits all" approach is giving way to a "targeted approach," based on the identification of the patient's phenotype. Thus, the approach of nutritional management of food allergy has moved on from simply being "yes or no" to "how much?", "in which form?" and "for which patients?" Different factors should be considered in order to make a patient-tailored nutritional plan in clinical practice. Tailored nutritional plans may help to reduce the nutritional, social and economic burden of food allergy.

Home-based cow's milk reintroduction using a milk ladder in children less than 3 years old with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy

BACKGROUND

The development of tolerance to cow's milk in allergic children is best determined by supervised baked milk exposure. Widely recommended hospital-based challenges can potentially delay contact because of resource limitations.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of our low-dose home-based reintroduction programme.

METHODS

In our allergy service, children with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy who met set criteria (presenting with skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms only and skin prick test < 8 mm) are considered for home-based milk reintroduction (HMR). Early contact is low-dose ingestion of a commercial baked milk biscuit with slow gradual further exposure followed by increasing milk contact using a milk ladder. We retrospectively reviewed 4-6 monthly attendance records assessing allergic symptoms, evolving milk tolerance, and compliance. Tolerance was determined using a 7 scale scoring system based on the milk ladder.

RESULTS

The clinic attendance and dietetic contact records of 86 children (49 girls) who underwent HMR were reviewed. HMR was started at a median of 13 months with 49% 8-12 months, 40% 13-18 months and 11% 19-33 months. Allergic symptoms were reported in 81 (43%) of 189 dietetic reviews, 65 (80%) of which were from the milk ladder; no patient experienced anaphylaxis requiring treatment with intramuscular adrenaline. After four reviews, only eight patients were not tolerating almost all dairy products, and there was a high rate of completion with only a further seven patients lost to the programme.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Cow's milk can be successfully and safely reintroduced in a cautious low-dose exclusively home-based programme in the appropriate clinical and family setting.

Growth of children with food allergies in Singapore

Background

Although it is known that children with food allergies are at risk of impaired growth, this has not been well studied in South-East Asia.

Objective

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to survey the growth of children with food allergies in Singapore and the factors impacting it.

Methods

Anthropometric data, demographic data, type of food allergy, foods eliminated, and atopic comorbidities were recorded. Malnutrition was defined using World Health Organization standards (≤-2 z-score for weight-for-height [WH], weight-for-age [WA], and height-for-age [HA]).

Results

Seventy-four patients (51% male) were recruited over 1 month, with median age at diagnosis of 8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 4–13 months) and at data collection of 25 months (IQR, 14–48 months). Sixty-two (84%) had IgE-mediated allergy, 8 (11%) mixed IgE and non-IgE, and 4 (5%) non-IgE-mediated allergy. Food exclusions: 55% one food, 27% two foods, 8% three to four foods, and 10% ≥5 foods. Only 1% were underweight (WA ≤ -2 z-score) and 3% had WA ≥ +2 z-score. Having a mixed type food allergy significantly reduced WA (p = 0.023). WA was significantly lower for those referred to the dietitian (p = 0.027). 5.4% were stunted (HA ≤ -2 z-score). Factors significantly associated with stunting were underlying eczema (p = 0.03) and having an IgE-mediated (p = 0.03) or mixed type food allergy (p = 0.002). One point four percent (1.4%) were undernourished (WH ≤ -2 z-score) and 1.4% were overweight (WH ≥ +2 z-score). Multivariate regression analysis found that children with mixed type food allergies were significantly shorter (z-score -1 lower). Children had a lower WA if they had skin involvement as part of their symptom presentation.

Conclusion

This is the first survey documenting growth in children with food allergy in Singapore. Eczema, IgE-mediated and mixed type allergies are associated with poorer growth rates in these children. Early, individualised nutritional intervention is recommended for all children with food allergy.

Nutritional disorders resulting from food allergy in children

The elimination of food allergens that contribute essential nutrients in paediatrics may lead to the development of nutritional disorders. The most common nutritional disorders include poor growth, micronutrient deficiencies and feeding difficulties. Of the aforementioned, growth faltering has been well studied and is seen as a common presenting factor in paediatric food allergy. However, the use of different criteria and cut-off values makes it difficult to establish the overall effect. The impact of number and type of foods eliminated and comorbidities has yielded varying results, although there seems to be a trend towards worsening growth with atopic dermatitis and the avoidance of cow's milk. Low micronutrient intake is common in paediatric food allergy; however, a low intake does not necessarily translate into a deficiency as measured by biomarkers. Vitamin D and calcium have been well studied, and a long-lasting impact on bone mineral density has been found. However, other micronutrient deficiencies have also been found and should also be considered. Feeding difficulties is a common complaint in clinical practice, but limited data have been published in food allergy. Poor growth and reflux/vomiting have been shown to be associated with feeding difficulties, in particular in non-IgE-mediated food allergies. There seems to be a long-lasting effect on feeding, in particular in cow's milk allergy, which needs to be taken into account with dietary input. The interplay between growth, feeding difficulties and micronutrient deficiencies has been implied in some studies, but cause and effect is not well established and requires further research.

Picky eating - A risk factor for underweight in Finnish preadolescents

BACKGROUND

Picky eating (PE) is the most common cause of early-life feeding problems. However, the consequences of PE on food intake and weight development in general populations have not been established.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the associations of PE and food neophobia (FN) with weight status in 5700 Finnish preadolescents. In addition, we described food consumption by PE/FN status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We utilised the Finnish Health in Teens (Fin-HIT) cohort of 9-12-year-old preadolescents, who were categorised as having PE and FN based on answers from parental questionnaires. Weight was categorised as underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obesity based on body mass index (BMI) according to IOTF age- and sex-specific cut-offs. Eating patterns were obtained with a 16-item food frequency questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of PE and FN were 34% and 14%, respectively. PE was inversely associated with overweight/obesity (OR = 0.7; 95% CI 0.6-0.8) and led to a higher risk of underweight (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.7-2.4), while this was not observed with FN. Compared with preadolescents without PE/FN, those with PE/FN reported consuming unhealthy foods such as pizza, hamburgers/hot dogs, and salty snacks more frequently (p < 0.0038). By the same token, these preadolescents reported consuming healthy foods such as cooked vegetables, fresh vegetables/salad, fruit/berries, milk/soured milk, and dark bread less frequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Among Finnish preadolescents, only PE was associated with a higher risk for underweight and inversely with overweight/obesity. PE and FN were accompanied with unhealthy eating patterns. Management of PE in children may be explored as a potential strategy for improving healthy eating and avoiding underweight in preadolescents.

Factors Influencing Children's Eating Behaviours

Relevant factors involved in the creation of some children’s food preferences and eating behaviours have been examined in order to highlight the topic and give paediatricians practical instruments to understand the background behind eating behaviour and to manage children’s nutrition for preventive purposes. Electronic databases were searched to locate and appraise relevant studies. We carried out a search to identify papers published in English on factors that influence children’s feeding behaviours. The family system that surrounds a child’s domestic life will have an active role in establishing and promoting behaviours that will persist throughout his or her life. Early-life experiences with various tastes and flavours have a role in promoting healthy eating in future life. The nature of a narrative review makes it difficult to integrate complex interactions when large sets of studies are involved. In the current analysis, parental food habits and feeding strategies are the most dominant determinants of a child’s eating behaviour and food choices. Parents should expose their offspring to a range of good food choices while acting as positive role models. Prevention programmes should be addressed to them, taking into account socioeconomic aspects and education.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Food Challenge-proven Non-IgE Cow's Milk Allergy Are Dissipated by Early School Age

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current well-being and dietary restrictions in children 6 years after food challenge-confirmed diagnosis of non-IgE cow's milk protein allergy, compared to peers with gastrointestinal symptoms but negative food challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic process retrospectively.

METHODS

This is an Internet-based survey for mothers whose children underwent 6 years ago the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge for cow's milk (CM) because of gastrointestinal symptoms causing suspicion of non-IgE CM protein allergy. Concurrent dietary restrictions, overall well-being, medical history, and retrospective views on the food challenge were queried using a study-specific questionnaire, the Quality of life using PedsQL general score and parental stress with the Parenting Stress Index questionnaire.

RESULT

Mothers of 42 children (23 girls), median age of 6.7 years (range 5.7-8.6), participated in the survey, the response rate was 70%. All children now consumed cow's milk protein. The only food restrictions reported were empirical lactose-free diets in 7 children (17%). One-third of the children in both groups were presently reported to have eating-related issues such as picky eating. Quality of life was good and present parenting stress was average in both groups. The majority of the mothers (87%) felt positive or neutral about the food challenge performed in infancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The non-IgE CM allergy with gastrointestinal symptoms diagnosed in infancy was a transient condition with good outcome. At an early school age, nearly all children have a good quality of life and a regular diet. The use of the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge was well-endorsed.

Nutritional management of cow's milk allergy in children: An update

Cow's milk is one of the most common foods responsible for allergic reactions in children. Cow's milk allergy (CMA) involves immunoglobulin E (IgE)- and non-IgE-mediated reactions, the latter being both variable and nonspecific. Guidelines thus emphasize the need for physicians to recognize the specific syndromes of CMA and to respect strict diagnostic modalities. Whatever the clinical pattern of CMA, the mainstay of treatment is the elimination from the diet of cow's milk proteins. The challenge is that both the disease and the elimination diet may result in insufficient height and weight gain and bone mineralization. If, during CMA, the mother is not able or willing to breastfeed, the child must be fed a formula adapted to CMA dietary management, during infancy and later, if the disease persists. This type of formula must be adequate in terms of allergic efficacy and nutritional safety. In older children, when CMA persists, the use of cow's milk baked or heated at a sufficient temperature, frequently tolerated by children with CMA, may help alleviate the stringency of the elimination diet. Guidance on the implementation of the elimination diet by qualified healthcare professionals is always necessary. This guidance should also include advice to ensure adequate bone growth, especially relating to calcium intake. Specific attention should be given to children presenting with several risk factors for weak bone mineral density, i.e., multiple food allergies, vitamin D deficiency, poor sun exposure, steroid use, or severe eczema. When CMA is outgrown, a prolonged elimination diet may negatively impact the quality of the diet over the long term.

Better recognition, diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in infancy: iMAP-an international interpretation of the MAP (Milk Allergy in Primary Care) guideline

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common presentations of food allergy seen in early childhood. It is also one of the most complex food allergies, being implicated in IgE-mediated food allergy as well as diverse manifestations of non-IgE-mediated food allergy. For example, gastrointestinal CMA may present as food protein induced enteropathy, enterocolitis or proctocolitis. Concerns regarding the early and timely diagnosis of CMA have been highlighted over the years. In response to these, guideline papers from the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Europe, the Americas and the World Allergy Organisation have been published. The UK guideline, 'Diagnosis and management of non-IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in infancy-a UK primary care practical guide' was published in this journal in 2013. This Milk Allergy in Primary Care (MAP) guideline outlines in simple algorithmic form, both the varying presentations of cow's milk allergy and also focuses on the practical management of the most common presentation, namely mild-to-moderate non-IgE-mediated allergy. Based on the international uptake of the MAP guideline, it became clear that there was a need for practical guidance beyond the UK. Consequently, this paper presents an international interpretation of the MAP guideline to help practitioners in primary care settings around the world. It incorporates further published UK guidance, feedback from UK healthcare professionals and affected families and, importantly, also international guidance and expertise.

Iodine Status and Growth In 0-2-Year-Old Infants With Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present article was to investigate iodine status and growth in cow's milk protein allergic infants and to identify potential predictors of iodine status and growth.

METHODS

Fifty-seven infants under 2 years of age were included in an observational cross-sectional study. Two spot urine samples were collected and analyzed for iodine, together with a 3-day food record and a food frequency questionnaire. Urine iodine concentrations were compared with the WHO cut-off values for iodine deficiency. Measurements of weight, length, and head circumference at birth and study inclusion were converted to standard deviation scores. Subgroup analyses were performed on different feeding patterns, according to weaning status.

RESULTS

Median age was 9 months. Median urinary iodine concentration was 159 ug/L. One third of the children had urine iodine concentrations indicating iodine deficiency. Infants who were mainly breastfed were at highest risk and 58% were classified as deficient. Dietary factors positively associated with iodine excretion were intake of enriched baby cereals and meeting the dietary requirement for iodine. Stunting was present in 5%. Underweight and wasting was frequent at 11% and this was associated with food refusal and poor appetite, but not with iodine status. Growth failure was detected among boys.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that cow's milk protein allergy children have high prevalence of iodine deficiency and poor growth, however the 2 conditions were not associated. The subgroup of mainly breastfed infants was at higher risk of iodine deficiency compared to weaned infants. Subjects with feeding problems had increased risk of malnutrition.

Mealtime behavior among parents and their young children with food allergy

BACKGROUND

Food allergies are increasingly prevalent in the pediatric population. Balancing allergen avoidance with the promotion of healthy eating behaviors can be challenging for families.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize mealtime behaviors among parents of young children with food allergy.

METHODS

Seventy-four parents of young children with food allergies (≤7 years of age) completed measures of mealtime behavior, perceptions of food allergy risk and severity, pediatric parenting stress, and food allergy-related quality of life. Mealtime behavior reports were compared with published data regarding typically developing children, young children with type 1 diabetes, and children with diagnosed feeding disorders (with or without related medical factors).

RESULTS

Parents of young children with food allergies reported frequent mealtime concerns. Specifically, they reported significantly more mealtime behavioral concerns than typically developing peers, comparable mealtime behavioral concerns to young children with type 1 diabetes, and significantly fewer mealtime behavioral concerns than children with diagnosed feeding disorders. Parental mealtime concerns were positively correlated with other parent perceptions of food allergy, such as risk of allergen exposure, illness-related parenting stress, and food allergy-related quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Young children with food allergy and their parents are more likely to exhibit mealtime behavioral concerns than typically developing peers and their parents. Future research should investigate the effect of food allergies and maladaptive mealtime behaviors on children's nutrition to provide clinical guidelines for parents who may benefit from psychosocial and/or nutritional support.

Treatment of allergic children - Where is the progress (for the practicing allergist)?

For any kind of therapeutic intervention in allergic diseases such as environmental control, pharmacological, or immunomodulating treatment including educational programs, children are addressed separately from adults. Health authorities like the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America or the European Medicine Agency in Europe request a specific 'Pediatric investigational plan' with studies addressing dose-response relationship, safety, and efficacy for infants, children, and adolescents. During the last 2 years, promising advances have been reported for the treatment of a variety of allergic and immunologic disorders. This review summarizes the progress in the treatment of pediatric asthma and allergic diseases, based on publications of approximately the last 2.5 years (end of 2013 until May 2016) in and beyond this journal. Meanwhile, it highlights areas with promising novel therapeutic approaches, which are likely to change treatment for allergic children in the near future.

Dietary variety and food group consumption in children consuming a cows' milk exclusion diet

BACKGROUND

Dietary variety is defined as the number of different foods or food groups consumed over a given reference period, the consensus being that dietary variety and dietary quality are positively correlated. Recently there has been considerable interest in the association between infant dietary variety and atopic disease.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 8- to 27-month-old children from the Isle of Wight, UK, including two groups: a group of children consuming a cows' milk exclusion (CME) diet and a control group of children consuming an unrestricted diet. Parents completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, from which dietary variety and consumption of food groups were calculated. Growth measurements were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 126 participants of mean age 13.0 months were recruited. In addition to the expected differences in dairy and soya consumption, the CME group consumed sweet foods 1.6 times less frequently, non-water drinks seven times less frequently (p < 0.05) and ready-made baby foods 15 times more frequently (p < 0.01) than the control group. Overall dietary variety was significantly lower in the CME group (p < 0.01) as was variety of meat and sweet foods consumed. There was a greater concern with healthy eating in the CME group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Children consuming an exclusion diet for cows' milk allergy have an overall less varied diet, including a less varied consumption of meat and sweet foods. Efforts should be made to ensure exclusion diets are as varied as possible to optimize nutritional intake.

Taste preference, food neophobia and nutritional intake in children consuming a cows' milk exclusion diet: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Taste exposure in infancy is known to predict food preferences later in childhood. This is particularly relevant in children with cows' milk allergy who consume a substitute formula and/or a cows' milk exclusion (CME) diet early in life. This prospective study aimed to show whether there is a long-term effect of consuming a substitute formula and CME diet on taste preferences and dietary intake.

METHODS

Children were predominantly recruited from two large birth cohort studies in the UK. Two groups were recruited: an experimental group of children who had consumed a CME diet during infancy and a control group who had consumed an unrestricted diet during infancy. Parents completed a food neophobia questionnaire and an estimated prospective food diary. Children completed a taste preference test and their growth was assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and one children with a mean age of 11.5 years were recruited (28 CME and 73 controls). Children in the CME group had a significantly higher preference for bitter taste than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups with respect to the intake of some micronutrients, including riboflavin, iodine, sodium and selenium. Food neophobia did not differ between groups. Some 28% of the CME group were overweight/obese compared to 15% of the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Consuming a substitute formula and/or a CME diet in infancy has a long-term effect on the preference for bitter taste. Differences exist with respect to the intake of some micronutrients, but not macronutrients. There was a nonsignificant trend towards being overweight and obese in children in the CME group.

Cows' milk exclusion diet during infancy: Is there a long-term effect on children's eating behaviour and food preferences?

BACKGROUND

Dietary restriction during infancy may influence later eating behaviour. The aim of this study was to determine whether consuming a cows' milk exclusion (CME) diet during infancy affects eating habits in later childhood, once cows' milk has been reintroduced into the diet.

METHODS

Children were recruited from two large birth cohort studies in the UK. A small number of participants were recruited from allergy clinic. Two groups were recruited: an experimental group of children who had consumed a CME diet during infancy and a control group, who had consumed an unrestricted diet during infancy. Parents and children completed questionnaires regarding eating behaviour and food preferences.

RESULTS

In total, 101 children of mean age 11.5 years were recruited (28 CME and 73 controls). The CME group scored significantly higher on 'slowness of eating' and on the combined 'avoidant eating behaviour' construct (p < 0.01). The number of foods avoided and symptoms was associated with higher levels of avoidant eating behaviour (p < 0.05). The CME group rated liking for several dairy foods (butter, cream, chocolate, full fat milk and ice cream) significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05), although there were no significant differences seen for any other category of food.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that consuming a CME diet during infancy has persistent and long-term effects on eating habits and food preferences. To reduce future negative eating behaviours, children's exclusion diets need to be as varied as possible and reintroduction of cows' milk products closely monitored.