Nutritional management of infants with food allergies

Good nutrition in early childhood is essential to ensure optimal growth and development and also influences longer term health and wellbeing (WHO, 2009). The first year of life is an important time of rapid growth, cognitive and oro-motor development, and a period when feeding patterns are established (Netting and Makrides, 2017). Children with food allergy often experience their first allergic reaction during infancy and this can have nutritional and developmental implications if not managed appropriately. Many common food allergens contribute essential nutrition increasing the risk of faltering growth and nutrient deficiencies with potential long-term effects. Adverse food reactions may also disrupt feeding development and alter infant parent feeding dynamics which can have long term impacts on dietary patterns. It is essential that a correct diagnosis is made, and that parents and caregivers receive clear education about how to maintain a nutritionally adequate and developmentally appropriate diet while avoiding any food allergens. This article aims to discuss issues to consider in the diagnosis and management of infants with food allergies in the context of normal growth and development, including development of feeding skills.