Elimination diet in food allergy: friend or foe?

Abstract

Objectives: To review and discuss the role of an elimination diet in food-allergic children, emphasizing nutritional aspects for a better practical approach.

Sources: Non-systematic review of the literature.

Findings: Under an elimination diet, food-allergic patients may suffer from growth impairment or obesity and compromised quality of life. Disease phenotype, age, type, number of foods excluded, comorbidities, eating difficulties, economic status, and food availability must be considered for an appropriate diet prescription. Diet quality encompasses diversity and degree of food processing, which may alter immune regulation.

Conclusions: A friendly food elimination diet prescription depends on a multidisciplinary approach beyond macro and micronutrients.

Keywords: Adolescents; Advanced glycation end products; Children; Dietary intake; Food hypersensitivity; Immune system.