IntroductionSelenium and zinc are indispensable microelements for normal functioning and development of the human body. They are cofactors of many enzymes of the antioxidative barrier (selenium – glutathione peroxidase; zinc – superoxide dismutase). The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of selenium and zinc in the pathogenesis of food allergy in small children.Material and methodsThe study was performed in 134 children with food allergy, aged 1 to 36 months. The control group was composed of 36 children at the same age, without clinical symptoms of food intolerance. Each child had estimated serum levels of zinc and selenium. Furthermore, the authors evaluated activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in erythrocyte lysates and serum. Tests were performed twice, before and after 6-month administration of elimination diet.ResultsThe obtained results showed that children with food allergy had significantly lower concentrations of selenium, zinc and examined enzymes in comparison to children from the control group. Concentration of selenium and zinc as well as activity of examined enzymes increased after application of eliminative diet.ConclusionsIn children with allergy decreased concentrations of selenium and zinc, and lower values of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which increased after elimination diet were affirmed. These observations suggest their role in pathogenesis of food allergy. Conducted observations indicate the need to monitor trace elements content in the diet in children with food allergy. The results showed that children with food allergy had a weakened antioxidative barrier.

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Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and food allergy are conditions occurring most often in young children. Many authors emphasize the relationship between them. Aim: To evaluate 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring in children with food allergy. Material and methods: The retrospective analysis included 84 children with food allergy aged from 4 months to 24 months. The control group consisted of 15 children at the same age diagnosed with GER but without features of allergy. All children underwent 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring. Results: Gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed among children with allergy in 29 patients (34.5%). A gradual increase of the number and duration of reflux episodes in the period between meals compared to the postprandial period in both groups with GER was observed. The number of reflux episodes was higher in children with coexistent allergy. Analysis of graphic record of oesophageal pH monitoring revealed a primary reflux in 12 children with GER and allergy as well as in 9 children from the control group. In the remaining children from both groups the record showed features of secondary reflux, but the phases were not fully presented. The incidence of GER with features of secondary reflux was similar in both groups. Conclusions: Twenty-four-hour oesophageal pH monitoring is helpful, but it cannot be the sole diagnostic criterion in the diagnosis of GER dependent on food allergy. Such a diagnosis should be based on the results of oesophageal pH monitoring as well as allergological and immunological tests.

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