Protein allergy and children's diet

Protein allergy, often referred to as protein diathesis, typically appears during childhood. Most often, it is a reaction to cow's milk proteins, but eggs, certain meats, fish, or seafood can also trigger symptoms. Early signs include red, shiny cheeks, dry or flaky skin on the neck, behind the ears, and in skin folds, as well as digestive problems such as colic, vomiting, regurgitation, or blood in the stool. Fortunately, most children outgrow these allergies by the age of 2 to 3.

Allergic dermatitis, infantile diathesis, and milk allergy are all forms of atopy, a chronic and recurrent condition caused by an abnormal immune response. Managing protein allergy requires careful attention to diet.

Dietary guidelines for protein allergy

Exclusion of allergens: Children with protein allergy need an elimination diet, temporarily or permanently removing allergenic foods from their diet.

Replacement foods: Eliminating certain foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so it is important to replace allergenic foods with alternatives of equivalent nutritional value.

Careful dietary expansion: Children with protein allergy are at higher risk of developing other food allergies. Introduce new foods slowly, one at a time, in small quantities, and monitor for reactions. Foods to introduce cautiously include gluten, citrus fruits, strawberries, soy, cocoa, peanuts, almonds, tomatoes, celery, bell peppers, pickles, and sauerkraut.

Allergy testing and follow-up

Children with protein allergy should be regularly monitored by a pediatrician or allergist. After 6 to 12 months of elimination, an allergy or provocation test can determine if the child has outgrown the allergy. It is essential to read labels carefully, as small amounts of allergens can be hidden in processed foods.

Common allergens

The most frequent triggers in infants include: • Cow's milk and dairy products • Milk from other animals (goat, sheep) • Eggs, especially egg white • Beef, veal, pork

Permitted foods

Non-allergenic foods typically include: • Oatmeal and pasta • Rabbit or turkey meat • Vegetables: carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, beets, zucchini • Fruits: apples, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, peaches Note: Even theoretically non-allergenic foods can cause reactions in some children.

Protein allergy and breastfeeding

For breastfed infants, the mother may need to modify her diet: • Consult a doctor before removing certain foods to ensure nutritional balance. • Continue breastfeeding; the baby reacts to proteins in the mother's diet, not to breast milk itself. Breast milk promotes immune system development and digestive maturation.

Formula-fed babies

For infants with cow's milk allergy, hydrolyzed formulas can be used as a safe alternative. It is essential to follow a pediatrician's advice when introducing new foods.

Expanding the diet

Introduce one food at a time, in small quantities, while observing the child for a few days. Special caution is needed for highly allergenic foods to avoid triggering reactions.

Older children

Although protein allergy is more common in young children, it can persist longer, even for life. Proper management includes avoiding allergenic foods and caring for skin symptoms.