Besin Alerjisi Olan Çocukların Beslenme Durumunun Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

The only treatment of food allergy is the removal of causative food from diet. Foods that cause allergy in childhood include the essential nutrients necessary for the growth of the child. The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional and growth status of children who can not consume these important nutrients. Children were included if they had a proven food allergy treated by an elimination diet for at least 3 months, were more than 6 months and <8 years old, and were following a elimination diet at the time of the study ( from October 2017 to April 2018) and controls included if they were more than 6 months and <8 years old, and they had no food allergies. Patients’ Z scores for weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and body mass index were calculated. Nutrient intakes assessment was based on a 3-day diet record. Laboratory results were recorded to evaluate the micronutrient status. A total of 143 children with food allergies and 61 children without food allergies were included in the study. Patients were grouped as under 2 years old and over 2 years old. In both groups children with food allergies and controls had similar weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and body mass index Z scores. In over 2 years old group; energy, protein and carbohydrate intakes were similar in both children with food allergies and control. In under 2 years old group, fat intakes were similar in both children with food allergies and control. In over 2 years old group; polyunsaturated fatty acid and fiber intakes were higher but fat and saturated fatty acid intakes were lower in children with food allergies than controls. In under 2 years old group; energy, carbohydrate, polyunsaturated fatty acid and fiber intakes were higher but protein, saturated fatty acid and cholesterol intakes were lower in children with food allergies than controls. In both age groups, iron intakes were higher but calcium and riboflavin intakes were lower in children with food allergies than controls. In both age groups; vitamin B6, vitamin E and vitamin C intakes were higher in children with food allergies than controls. In over 2 years old group, laboratory results showed that ferritin levels were higher in children with food allergies than controls. In order to overcome long term food elimination related deficiencies, evaluation of nutritional status with dietician, close follow up of growth and supplementation of deficient macro and micronutrients are crucial.