Growth and micronutrient levels of 6-12 years-old children with food allergies, food sensitisation, and food restrictions

Abstract

Aim: We investigated the association of food allergy, food sensitisation, and food restriction with growth and micronutrients levels in schoolchildren.

Methods: A total of 195 schoolchildren (6-12 years old) from six elementary schools in Korea were enrolled, and questionnaires were administered to their parents during June and July 2015. Food allergy was defined by the presence of urticaria, skin rash, pruritus, throat tightness, gastrointestinal complaints, or respiratory difficulty after consumption of a food to which allergy was plausible during the past 12 months. Skin prick tests were performed and serum levels of haemoglobin and micronutrients were measured.

Results: Among 195 participants (51.3% males) enrolled, 35 (17.9%) were reported to have food allergies, 17 (8.7%) were on food restriction, and 27 (14.0%) were sensitised to at least one food allergen. Food allergy and food restriction were associated with a lower height-for-age z-score (p for trend = 0.018, p = 0.048; p for trend = 0.076, p = 0.008). Food restriction was related to reduced serum calcium level (aOR: -0.094, 95% CI: -0.156 to -0.032).

Conclusion: Signs and symptoms of food allergy and consequent food restrictions in children were related to lower height-for-age z-score and lower serum calcium levels.

Keywords: allergic disease; children health and growth; food restriction; micronutrient.