Comité de nutrition de la Société française de pédiatrie. [Evidence-based dietetics: what has to be kept in mind for the prescription of infant formulae and follow-on formulae in 2007th?]

Veganism and paediatric food allergy: two increasingly prevalent dietary issues that are challenging when co-occurring

Vegan diets - defined as the exclusion of all foods of animal origin from the diet- are becoming popular. In recent years, the prevalence of food allergy has also increased, and disproportionately affects children. When vegan diets and food allergy co-occur, this combination can be challenging and pose risks of nutritional deficiencies, particularly during childhood. In this paper, we aim to summarise the major concerns regarding vegan diets and food allergy, review the literature on this topic, and provide some suggestions for healthcare providers, particularly dietitians and nutritionists, who work with food allergic, vegan patients and their family. When working with this patient population, a regular and complete medical nutrition history, including screening for any possible nutritional deficiencies, is warranted. Likewise, the routine tracking of serum markers (especially iodine, iron, zinc, calcium, Vitamins B12, D, B2, and A, selected n-3 fatty acids and protein, which are more abundant in animal vs. plant foods) and symptoms of co-morbid diseases, including asthma, is important, as comorbid diseases may increase energy and nutrient requirements. For infants and children, anthropometry ought to be tracked longitudinally at regular intervals to identify any deviations from the child's previous growth pattern, and to accommodate any increased requirements for growth and development. Correct diagnoses, education and allergy management must be disseminated to the family in a clear and appropriate manner. Children with allergy may have increased nutritional needs due to comorbidity. This is complicated by coincident food allergy and vegan diet as both impose diet restrictions (limiting sources of important nutrients, need for dietary variety and/or increased consumption due to reduced bioavaliability).

Conduite alimentaire des nourrissons et jeunes enfants âgés de 1 à 36 mois en France: évolution des habitudes des mères

The SFAE conducts every eight years since 1981 a national survey on feeding behavior and consumption in children under 3 years old. In 2005, the authors noticed a great improvement of milk feeding behaviour in infants compared to 1982, 1989, and 1997. Infant formulas get more importance compared to cow milk before the age of 1 year, and growth milk takes more and more cow milk's place since 13-18 months old. Feeding diversification is postponed between 5 and 6 months old.