Food Allergy Flashcards
Name each classification of adverse reactions to food
What is food intolerance?
Reproducible, adverse reaction to a specific food (not psychological)
What is a food allergy?
Evidence of abnormal immunological reaction to food
Characteristics of food allergies
Rare - before age 5
Antibody response to allergen
e.g. peanuts, eggs, protein
Rapid reaction after ingestion - min to hrs
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea
Discuss Infants + cows milk allergy (lactose intolerance)
2-7% are allergic to cows milk
Allergic reaction = formula containing cow’s milk protein or from mother’s milk (cow’s milk protein from diet)
Soya-based formula: soya can also cause allergic reaction
Nutramigen - used for children allergic to both cow’s milk + soy (cow’s ,ilk free)
What is coeliac disease?
Classified as allergy due to abnormal immune response to food
IgE antibodies not produced (not a classic allergic reaction)
Autoimmune disease - body produces antibodies against tissue proteins - triggered by gluten
What are people with coeliac disease at risk of?
Increased risk of lymphoma and small bowel cancer
Still a risk even if symptomless or is tolerated
Important to adhere to gluten-free diet
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
Weight loss
Flatulence
Abdominal distension
Diarrhoea with large amount of fat - steatorrhoea
Micronutrient deficiency’s
Abdominal distension
Avoid:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Barley
- Oats
- Processed food
What happens when a patient ingest product with gluten?
What is non-immune mediated reactions?
Defects in enzymes / pharmacological reaction to substances in food
E.g. lactose intolerance, alcohol dehydrogenase
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to caffeine
sweating
palpitations
dyspepsia
withdrawal headache
depression
anxiety
Symptom of an allergic reaction to Salicylates
Salicylate found in herbs, spices, fruits + veg
GI disturbances
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to vasoactive amines
Vasoactive amines are histamine, tyramine + serotonin
Found in cheese, chocolate, citrus fruit, yeast + red wine
Migraines
What is Phenylketonuria?
Not being able to breakdown the amino acid phenylalanine; increasing levels in the blood
Requires special diet + supplements
Avoid aspartame or high protein foods
Failure to treat within 20 days results in neurodevelopmental (brain) delay
Fitting may occur
(every baby born has blood test within 6-10 days)
Discuss the diet of an phenylketonuria patient
Require reduced protein diet
Limit phenylalanine (still required
Supplement with Phe-free amino acid mix to provide adequate protein
Need to maintain Phe-free diet into adulthood so that neurological problems do not occur - especially in pregnant women
