Nutritional and Anthropometric Characteristics of Children With Food Allergy

Overview

This observational study evaluates the nutritional habits and anthropometric measurements of children aged 0-6 years with food allergy (FA). Children with FA (case group) and healthy children (control group) were included. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants' parents, and the study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data collected included children's nutritional history, family sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory parameters. The study compares case and control groups to provide insights into the growth and nutritional profiles of children with food allergy.

This observational case-control study investigates the nutritional habits and anthropometric characteristics of children aged 0-6 years with food allergy (FA). The study included children diagnosed with FA (case group) and healthy children of the same age and sex (control group). Sociodemographic data were collected from families, including parental education, occupation, income, and family history of allergies. Nutritional information included breastfeeding history, age at introduction of complementary foods, and types of complementary foods. Anthropometric measurements recorded were height, weight, body mass index, upper mid-arm circumference, and head circumference. Laboratory parameters, such as complete blood count, total and food-specific IgE, albumin, and tryptase, were also recorded. Data collection was conducted by trained personnel: nutritional and sociodemographic data via face-to-face interviews with parents, and anthropometric measurements by a dietician using standard methods. FA diagnosis was confirmed based on clinical history, skin prick tests, and/or serum-specific IgE tests. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all parents, and the research protocol was approved by the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (protocol number: 04.10.2019, 2019/2011). This study provides information on the growth, nutritional habits, and health profiles of children with food allergy compared to healthy peers.

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