Effects of early diet on childhood allergy

Abstract

Food allergies are classified into two categories: those that are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and those mediated by immune cells (non-IgE mediated) [1]. Although it is possible to develop an IgE-mediated allergy to any food, most individuals with allergies react to one, or a combination, of nine common foods: cow’s milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, fish, and shellfish [2]. The most common symptoms associated with food allergy in children include urticaria (hives), angioedema, eczema, enterocolitis, enteropathy, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis [1].