Low allergen diet
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
As the etiology of infant colic remains unclear, a wide variety of treatments and interventions have been studied (pharmacologic, nutritional, naturopathic, behavioral, etc.) One belief is that food proteins ingested by breastfeeding mothers illicit a reaction in children (Hill, 2005). Some antigens have been detected in human milk which could potentially evoke a gastrointestinal mucosal immune response. These antigens include cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, and wheat. Another theory stems around the belief that infants with colic have been shown to have somewhat greater macromolecular gut permeability, which may predispose these infants to food sensitization and gastrointestinal manifestation of food allergies during childhood (Hill, 2005).
Based on limited data, hypoallergenic diet in breastfeeding mothers may have beneficial effects in infant colic. There is currently no consensus on which ingredients should be avoided in the maternal diet of a breastfeeding mother of
an infant with infant colic. However, some trials have shown some benefit with the elimination of cow's milk, soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish (Hill, 2005). It is to be noted, that a trial of hypoallergenic diet in breastfeeding mothers should only be done for a short-period of time as there have been no long-term studies. Further, due to the importance of maternal diet in terms of nutrients and energy, a dietician should be involved in the management of such a diet to ensure safety in the mother and infant.
References:
1. Hill D, et al. A low allergen diet is a significant intervention in infantile colic: Results of a community-based study.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1995; 96:886-92.
2. Hill D, et al. Effect of a Low-Allergen Maternal Diet on Colic Amont Breastfed Infants: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
3. Iacovou M et al. Dietary Management of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review. Matern Child Health J. 2012.
16:1319-1331.
4. Critch JN. Infantil colic: Is there a role for dietary interventions? Paediatr Child Health.Jan 2011. 18:1;46-49.
5. Dattani S. Infant Colic. In: Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2nd Edition. Patient Self-Care. Ottawa, ON:
Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: Chapter 36.
As the etiology of infant colic remains unclear, a wide variety of treatments and interventions have been studied (pharmacologic, nutritional, naturopathic, behavioral, etc.) One belief is that food proteins ingested by breastfeeding mothers illicit a reaction in children (Hill, 2005). Some antigens have been detected in human milk which could potentially evoke a gastrointestinal mucosal immune response. These antigens include cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, and wheat. Another theory stems around the belief that infants with colic have been shown to have somewhat greater macromolecular gut permeability, which may predispose these infants to food sensitization and gastrointestinal manifestation of food allergies during childhood (Hill, 2005).
Based on limited data, hypoallergenic diet in breastfeeding mothers may have beneficial effects in infant colic. There is currently no consensus on which ingredients should be avoided in the maternal diet of a breastfeeding mother of
an infant with infant colic. However, some trials have shown some benefit with the elimination of cow's milk, soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and fish (Hill, 2005). It is to be noted, that a trial of hypoallergenic diet in breastfeeding mothers should only be done for a short-period of time as there have been no long-term studies. Further, due to the importance of maternal diet in terms of nutrients and energy, a dietician should be involved in the management of such a diet to ensure safety in the mother and infant.
References:
1. Hill D, et al. A low allergen diet is a significant intervention in infantile colic: Results of a community-based study.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1995; 96:886-92.
2. Hill D, et al. Effect of a Low-Allergen Maternal Diet on Colic Amont Breastfed Infants: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
3. Iacovou M et al. Dietary Management of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review. Matern Child Health J. 2012.
16:1319-1331.
4. Critch JN. Infantil colic: Is there a role for dietary interventions? Paediatr Child Health.Jan 2011. 18:1;46-49.
5. Dattani S. Infant Colic. In: Canadian Pharmacists Association, 2nd Edition. Patient Self-Care. Ottawa, ON:
Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010: Chapter 36.