Dietary and Nutritional Opportunities and Concerns for Patients with Food Allergy

Individualized avoidance is the cornerstone of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy (FA) management. Education on proper avoidance, including label reading, avoiding cross-contact, eating safely away from home, and alternatives, is paramount. Individuals with FAs are at increased risk for growth faltering, and the involvement of a dietitian to ensure the diet is complete is essential. Nutrients provided by the avoided food need to be considered, and appropriate substitutions should be offered. Individual needs, based on factors such as the patient's age, cultural background, dietary preferences, etc, should be incorporated into dietary advice.