Analysis of nutritional status and diet in children with cow's milk protein allergy on a milk elimination diet

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the somatic development and nutritional status of children with cow's milk protein allergy on a milk elimination diet. Material and methods: The study enrolled 46 children aged 13-36 months with cow's milk protein allergy diagnosis, following a milk elimination diet for 6 to 30 months. Exclusion criteria were chronic diseases. The control group included 30 healthy children of the same age. Somatic development was evaluated on the basis of anthropometric parameters, while nutritional status was based on Cole's index. Nutrition was analysed on the basis of a 3-day food record using the Dieta 5 programme. Results: 10.87% of children with cow's milk protein allergy and 16.67% of children in the control group were found to be underweight; 8.7% of children with cow's milk protein allergy and 10% of children in the control group were identified as overweight, and 6.52% of children with cow's milk protein allergy as obese. The evaluation of the examined children's nutritional status based on body mass index indicated that there were 13% of malnourished children in the study group and 20% in the control group. An analysis of the examined children's diets proved an excessive intake of protein, carbohydrates, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A and C in both of the groups, and vitamins D and E in the study group. The intake of fats, iron, vitamins C, E, D and fibre was higher in the study group than in the control group. Conclusions: The somatic development and nutritional status in the study group of children aged up to 3 years with cow's milk protein allergy on an elimination diet did not significantly differ from the respective parameters obtained in the control group of children. A thorough evaluation of the nutritional status and nutrition should be carried out in the course of check-ups in all children.