Need suggestions for those w/kids with mult. food allergies

[disneyandme]

My DD 20mo. was retested this week for her allergies. (skin test- scale 0-5)All of her numbers went up. At the same time our doctors are telling us to increase her intake to 1200 calories. She needs to gain weight. Now, her food choices are getting even more limited. What do you do? SHe now uses Neocate ( in limited amounts as the corn in it is a trigger), rice cereal, prunes, bananas, puffed rice and peas. She also eats an oat cereal ( though oat # went up) applesauce(apples just went up) hamburger (just went up) eggs( went up) wheat (went up). Her number were 0-2's and now are almost all 3's. Any suggestions on how I can get her to gain some weight? Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[SueM in MN]

The only thing I can think of is to ask for a referral to a dietician.

 

[Selket]

I second Sue's suggestion to see a nutritionist. We did that for William when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 26 months of age and then had a very bad allergic reaction to peanuts at 27 months. Fortunately he remained allergic to just those things (peanuts/tree nuts). We obviously have some other issues with the diabetes (amount and type of carbs, etc.) but it was very helpful those first few months of getting used to both the diabetes and food allergy.

There are many good general allergy websites but it would be difficult to suggest food items for your child without a lot more info! There is a website just devoted to food allergy issues and children (especially those with multiple allergies) - if I can find it (I think you might have to pay to access the discussion areas - not sure) I'll post the info for you here.

Good luck!

 

[momof2inPA]

Can she have milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt with fruit (some have lots of sugar, too, which should be a plus)? You could always add sugar to her cereals, although you'll have to watch her teeth. What about soy? You could make some cookies with soy or rice flour or oat flour if she can tolerate it, butter, sugar, and egg substitute. There's a really helpful Yahoo group for multiple food allergies- POFAK (Parents of Food Allergic Kids). Let me know if you have any questions about recipes or anything. My kids have tons of food allergies, but they're different from yours, no corn would be tough. I think wheat is the worst to deal with.

 

[SueM in MN]

I just wanted to point out that if you do talk to someone about diet, it is important to know what their qualifications are.
To most lay people, dietician and nutritionist are pretty much the same and the words are used interchangeably. But, they are not the same.
A dietician has training in the basics of nutrition, physiology, science. Many (at least all I know) are registered, which means they have passed a test that demonstrates they have basic knowledge in those subjects. I don't know if all states require them to also be licensed, but the states I am familiar with do.

There is no standard education to become a nutritionist. Some nutritionists are also dieticians, but many are not. In some states, anyone could call themself a nutricianist and set up a dietary practice. Some are well trained - I have a friend who is an RN and took a year long course of study in nutritional therapy. Some have very little training.

So, it is important to know the backround/training of the person you see.
I don't know anything about this website, except that it had a good explanation of the differences.
And here's a link to the American Dietetic Association, which is the professional organization for Dieticians in the US. There are similar national organizations in other parts of the world.

 

[spotdog]

I just want to encourage you to take Sue's suggestion and see a registered dietician. Hopefully your doctor (or a children's medical center) in your area can refer you to one.

I'm far from an expert, but do know that young children need protein, fat and various carbohydrates to grow and thrive. Hopefully the dietician can help you come up with an adequate diet that both you and your child can live with.

Good luck

 

[Selket]

POFAK was exactly the group I was talking about! I had forgotten the name. However they shut down their Yahoo location and moved. You can still find the info to their new site at Yahoo though at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/POFAK/
and it is free!

We had foods from this company at the diabetes conference we attended in July http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/index.asp (The food was served through WDW catering but they special ordered these products for our conference). They have some items perhaps hard to make (?) like bagels. You might want to check them out as they sell some baking items that might interest you if the prepared foods do not. I've had the snickerdoodle cookies and they were great. Their products do not contain:
wheat/gluten
dairy/casein
peanuts
tree nuts
egg
soy
fish
shellfish

I have no affiliation.

 

[swoosie34]

First you have to get a 4 year degree in nutritional science or simular, then you HAVE TO go to an ADA approved 900 or more hour internship then you take your boards to become a registered dietician. Most dieticians are also called nutritionist, now I have read that you can be a nutritionist and they also have to take an internship also. But nobody practices w/o a license and if they are, its illegal. Im assuming they mean they are into holistic medicine.

 

[SueM in MN]

First you have to get a 4 year degree in nutritional science or simular, then you HAVE TO go to an ADA approved 900 or more hour internship then you take your boards to become a registered dietician. Most dieticians are also called nutritionist, now I have read that you can be a nutritionist and they also have to take an internship also. But nobody practices w/o a license and if they are, its illegal. Im assuming they mean they are into holistic medicine.

If you are asking about the friend of mine that I posted about, she is an RN, who took courses and got a certificate in holistic medicine and nutrition. She is a practionioner in holistic medicine and nutrition (not putting herself out as a dietician). I'm not exactly sure what her entire education was, but I know she took a test and is certified as an advanced practice RN.

But, in some states, it's possible for someone with very little training to call themself a nutritionist.

 

[swoosie34]

Im also a nurse and there isnt a nursing certification for holistic nutrition or whatever she said...shes not a nutritionist. Being a nurse doesnt make you qualified. I wish I could take a certification to become a dietician. Anyhow I wouldnt believe anyone unless they are officially a registered dietician. They are the ones qualified. I wouldnt dare treat people until I completely finish my B.S. and Internship. And you cannot do this unless its ADA approved. Anyhow, just wanted to clarify this for anyone who want information on nutrition from a true professional. Also go to the American Dietetic Association website thats where the real information is. Go to yahoo and type in ADA and the website comes up....

Have a great day!!!