Toddlers with Allergies

INTRODUCTION

• Who is considered a toddler?
• Development of food allergies
• Eating behaviors
• Allergies as a risk factor for health
• Genetics as a risk factor for allergies

COMMON NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN TODDLERS

• Calcium
• Iron
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

• Definition: immune response to food substance
• Allergy is NOT an intolerance or sensitivity
• Symptoms vary: mild to severe
• Please have your child tested!

TOP 8 FOOD ALLERGIES

• Wheat
• Eggs
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts
• Soy
• Finned Fish
• Shellfish

ONCE ALLERGIC, ALWAYS ALLERGIC?

• Outgrowing an allergy
• Introducing Allergenic Foods

identifying ALLERGENS IN FOODS

• FDA regulations on food labeling
• Presence of allergens in common foods
• Watch out for hidden ingredients

NUTRIENT COMPONENTS OF ALLERGENIC FOODS

• Protein
• Fat
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Antioxidants

FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS FOR ALLERGENIC FOODS

• Whole foods = healthy substitutions
• Specific allergy = many choices in same food group
• Fortified food

CULTURE, COOKING & WHOLE FOODS

• Culture & cuisine
• Cook at home
• A varied, whole foods diet should provide all nutrient needs
• Avoid pro-inflammatory foods (processed, refined foods)

SUPPLEMENTS

• Iron (supplements optional)
• Calcium (supplements NOT recommended)
• Vitamin D3 (600 IU/day, oil form)
• Zinc (ideally food sources)
• Vitamin E (ideally food sources)
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (supplements optional)

WORKING WITH A NUTRITIONIST

• Provide support & guidance
• Modifying & planning meals
• Monitor growth & development
• Consider feeding behavior & environment
• Socializing the allergy
• Keeping it simple!

RESOURCES - 1

• How to avoid the top 8 allergenic foods:http://www.foodallergy.org/file/tips-avoid-allergen.pdf
• Food Allergy Fact Sheet (overview): http://www.nfsmi.org/DocumentDownload.aspx?id=3716
• Podcast - introducing allergenic foods to toddlers: http://radiomd.com/player/item/11753-introducing-solid-food?-watch-out-for-...
• Feeding behaviors: http://www.childfeedingguide.co.uk/home
• Simplifying a child’s enviromnent: http://www.simplicityparenting.com/
• Managing food allergies in various settings: http://www.foodallergy.org/managing-food-allergies

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