Work

Cow’s milk protein allergy damages not only the baby’s health but also the mother’s health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status, especially calcium deficiency, of breastfeeding mothers of infants diagnosed with cow's milk food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) on an elimination diet and to investigate the relationship between daily calcium intake and body composition of these mothers. Our prospective cohort study included 86 patients with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and their mothers on an elimination diet. The mother's body fat, muscle, and water percentages were measured with the Bioelectrical Impedance Method (Tanita MC-580). All mothers were administered a diet containing an average of 2000 kcal (kilocalorie), 1000 mg of calcium, and 400 units per day of vitamin D. The final measurements were repeated 1 month later and the results of the first and second assessments were compared. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 3.8 ± 1.8 months, and the M/F (male to female) ratio was 18/17. In all, 54.3% of the patients had only CMPA, while 45.7% had multiple food allergies, including milk. A comparison of the mother's body measurements before and after the diet showed a significant decrease in fat but with an increase in calcium levels. In contrast, muscle and water ratios did not change (p < 0.001, p = 0.332, p = 0.189). Despite the recommendation of a 2000 kcal per day diet, the second evaluation found that calorie, fat, and protein ratios were significantly reduced (p = < 0.001, p = 0.011, p = 0.009, p < 0.05, respectively). The metabolic health of breastfeeding mothers who follow an elimination diet for CMPA is affected even with dietician support.

Source: Allergologia et Immunopathologia

DOI: 10.15586/aei.v54i2.1361