Implications of food allergy on the nutritional status of children and adolescents

Food allergies (FA) affect 6-8% of children under the age of 18 years old, a pathology that has been increasing in recent years and can alter nutritional status. However, evidence regarding the association between specific food allergies and nutritional status in Colombian children and adolescents remains limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the associate the type of FA with the nutritional state of children and adolescents. An Observational, cross-sectional-analytical study. 709 patients under 18 years of age were included. Yuen's test and the Algina–Keselman–Penfield standardized difference coefficient (effect size) were used to evaluate the association between the type of FA and nutritional status. An exploratory multivariate analysis of median quantile regression was performed using the stepwise estimation method for variable selection and adjustment. Among children younger than five years of age, a significant association was observed between cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and the decrease in the height-for-age indicator ( p =0.001; t =-3.48). In weight-for-height a significant reduction was reported for CMPA ( p =0.005; t =-2.80) and nuts and seeds ( p =0.010; t =-2.60). Among participants aged 5-18 years, egg allergy was associated with a decrease in the height-for-age indicator ( p =0.016; t =-2.44). In this group vegetable allergy showed association with risk of excess weight ( p =0.004; t =2.94). In the group evaluated, FA was associated with growth impairment and underweight in children under five years of age. In children from 5-18 years of age, allergies to and other horticultural produce were associated with excess weight.