The Role of Nutritional Aspects in Food Allergy: Prevention and Management

Abstract

The prevalence of food allergy in childhood appears to be increasing in both developed and transitional countries. The aim of this paper is to review and summarise key findings in the prevention and management of food allergy, focusing on the role of dietary components and nutritional habits in the development and optimal functioning of the immune system. Essential fatty acids, zinc and vitamin D are likely to enhance the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative barrier and promote immunologic tolerance. Additionally, nutritional components such as pre- and probiotics represent a novel research approach in the attempt to induce a tolerogenic immune environment. For all these reasons, the traditional avoidance diet has been, in recent years, completely reconsidered. New findings on the protective effect of an increased diversity of food introduced in the first year of life on allergic diseases are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to a variety of food antigens during early life might play a role in the development of immune tolerance. Accordingly, therapeutic (and even preventive) interventions should be planned on an individual basis.

Examining Differences in Parent Knowledge About Pediatric Food Allergies

“…Therefore, children are now advised to regularly consume baked-forms of allergens (if tolerated) to increase their dietary intake (Abrams & Sicherer, 2016;Mazzocchi, Venter, Maslin, & Agostoni, 2017). Similarly, it is now not advised to eliminate all nuts, only those that provoke a reaction (Mazzocchi et al, 2017). The changes in our understanding of FA development and the resulting guideline shifts mean parents and/or legal guardians (henceforth referred to as parents) must remain informed and up-to-date on FA management.…”

Role of early life immune regulation in asthma development

“…To maintain the balance between oxidants and antioxidants, the intake of zinc as a co-factor for enzymes to cope with oxidative stress is important. By effects on certain immune cells including epithelial cells, T cells, B cells, macrophages, and DCs and stimulatory effects on macrophage recruitment and anti-microbial protein production, vitamin D beneficially modulates immunological processes [113]. In addition, the consumption of PUFAs that are converted to eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid contributes to asthma protection by conversion of anti-inflammatory lipid mediators like resolvins and protectins.…”

The Role of Lipids in Human Milk and Infant Formulae

“…Since food allergy results when there is a breakdown or the oral “tolerance” mechanisms, which leads to inappropriate immune responses to ordinary food allergens, it has been hypothesized that some nutrients, such as EFAs (and even the offending allergens), could positively influence this process [35]. …”