by Eliana Lakritz MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital
Eliana Lakritz MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian, Baystate Noble Hospital (WNG file photo)
The number of cases of food allergies has increased over the last 20 years. The Center for Disease Control reported that food allergies in children under 18 years increased by 18% from 1997 to 2007. For this reason, many new and expecting parents are seeking ways to reduce the potential development of food allergies in their children.
What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy occurs when the immune system perceives a normally harmless food protein as a threat to the body. Symptoms of food allergies range in severity. They may manifest as swelling of the throat, mouth or neck, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or can be as severe as anaphylaxis, which is life threatening. The best way to prevent these reactions is to avoid the allergen or any ingredients that contain it. About 90% of food-related allergic reactions occur from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
How can we reduce the risk of food allergies in children?
While there are no foolproof ways of preventing food allergies, especially if a biological relative has the allergy, special feeding practices may reduce the risk.
Breast feeding exclusively for the first six months of life has been shown to reduce the risk of cows-milk allergies. Exclusively feeding infant formula has not been shown to prevent this allergy. Research does not support avoiding particular common allergens (egg, nuts, milk) while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Recommendations on introducing the most common food allergens have changed drastically over the years. For decades, allergists recommended that young infants avoid common food allergens, especially peanuts. Allergists were afraid that early exposure would increase the likelihood of food allergies. However, delaying food introduction has not been shown to prevent food allergies. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases does recommend that infants 4-6 months of age be exposed to peanut-containing foods. One study did find that early introduction of peanuts significantly reduced the risk of developing a peanut allergy in children at high risk for the allergy. That being said, call your pediatrician immediately if your child experiences any of the aforementioned symptoms.
How can we keep children with food allergies safe?
After being diagnosed with a food allergy by a pediatrician or allergist, it is very important to avoid the allergen and any ingredients that may contain it. Reading food labels is a must in order to be aware of the allergens the product may contain or may have come in contact with. It is also important to educate family, friends, caregivers, and educators on the nature of the child’s allergy. If you are unsure of whether a food contains an allergen, you can call the manufacturer of the product. When in doubt, refrain from eating the food. If you feel that avoidance of an allergen(s) is affecting the nutritional status of your child, a registered dietitian can find substitutes to ensure proper nutrition for growth and development.
If you are interested in learning more about nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietitian at Baystate Noble Hospital, please call 413-568-2811 ex: 5671 for more information.
