Food allergies are increasing day by day around the world. Food allergy; It can be defined as hypersensitivity reactions that occur through specific Ig E antibodies developed by the immune system against food proteins. Its difference from food intolerance is that it directly affects the immune system.
If one of the parents or siblings has an allergic condition, it increases the risk of allergies in babies. Environmental factors, geography, and eating habits affect the incidence of allergies.
Food allergy is more common in the first 1-2 years of infancy. Cow's milk, eggs, fish, oily seeds such as walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, wheat and shellfish can be defined as the most common allergy-causing foods. In addition, soy, sesame, food additives and sweeteners may also cause allergies.
Usually, food allergies in babies do not continue throughout life. However, if there is a family member with atopic dermatitis, the incidence of food allergy increases and precautions must be taken. As a precaution, babies with a family history of allergies should be breastfed for at least 6 months, and complementary foods should not be started early. It is important in this process to be cautious against risky foods and to observe them carefully after consumption.
Food allergy symptoms; It can take many forms, such as watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, gas, itchy skin rashes, runny nose or congestion, acute asthma symptoms, anaphylaxis, Heiner syndrome, severe colic and constant restlessness. Colic, in particular, can be an early sign of food allergies.
Skin prick test (DPT), serum IgE measurement and food provocation test are effective methods for diagnosis.
The basic medical treatment of allergies in babies is the elimination of allergenic foods. (removing it from the diet). Single food elimination or multiple food elimination is performed depending on the patient's history and the variety of allergenic foods. The elimination diet performed for 2-6 weeks is also decisive in the diagnosis phase. In babies breastfed by their mothers, It is essential to remove these nutrients from the body.
In order for the mother and the baby to follow an elimination diet and manage the process healthily without nutritional deficiencies; It is important to learn about nutritional changes, gain the habit of reading labels, evaluate ingredients and scientific terms, and consider the risk of cross-contamination. It would be very useful to work with a dietician on this issue.
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If the newborn baby has cow's milk protein allergy, the priority is always breast milk. Otherwise, amino acid-based formula and soy-based formula can be used instead of hydrolyzed protein-based formula. Hydrolyzed milk-based formulas contain all cow's milk allergens and continue to cause allergic reactions in the child. However, it is essential to stay away from foods containing milk and dairy products. Foods such as yoghurt, cheese, cottage cheese, clotted cream, butter, buttermilk, cream and pudding; It is necessary to stay away from foods with trade names such as casein, lactalbumin, lactoglobulin and lactulose.
Other animal milks, such as goat milk, are not alternatives to cow milk due to cross-reactivity. It would be a better choice to use formula until the child starts drinking milk again. In order for foods to be added back into the diet, the Oral Food Challenge (OFC) test must be applied.
As an alternative, fruit juice, rice milk or soy milk can be used in recipes containing milk. For nutritional balance, various vitamins and minerals can be provided from foods such as grains, legumes and hazelnuts, taking into account other allergies.
Calcium and serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels should be monitored and supplemented when necessary, and the risk of Rickets should be reduced.
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If there is an allergy to an important protein source such as egg, it must be eliminated. Bread, pasta and sauces should be taken under the spotlight and alternatives should be produced.
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If there is an allergy to wheat and wheat products, it should be completely eliminated from the diet. It is quite difficult to remove. Bread, cereal, crackers, processed meat, pasta, noodles etc. bsp; Many foods containing wheat flour are eliminated from the diet. Alternatively; buckwheat, rice, oats, quinoa, potatoes, corn, amaranth, rye can be used.
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Allergy to any of the nuts If this is the case, all nuts are eliminated first to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. However, it is found in many commercial products, cereal products, some breads and pastries, and ice creams. The label should be read and questioned carefully. Nutrients such as vitamin E, manganese and niacin should be supplemented from other legumes, meats and vegetables. Additionally, a specific nut can be added to the diet if it has been tried before and tolerated.
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Individuals who are allergic to fish and seafood are completely should be eliminated from the diet. Even if there is only one fish species, it is necessary to remove them all for a while. The risk of cross contamination is 50% higher. Among the shellfish, crab, shrimp and lobster are the most allergenic seafood. Nutrients such as B6, B12, phosphorus and selenium found in fish can be obtained from other meat group foods, grains and oil group foods.
Babies with a high risk of allergy When starting supplementary food; It is important to try foods one by one, include only one food type per week, not try new foods while you are sick, and if there is a food that is not tolerated, take a 2-3 day break for a new food.
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