Individualized Nutritional Counseling Closes Growth and Nutrition Gaps in Infants with Food Protein-Induced Allergic Proctocolitis: 6-Month Follow-Up Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and nutritional intake of infants with food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) on a therapeutic elimination diet until 1 year of age, compared to healthy controls. This case-control study followed 13 FPIAP infants and 22 healthy controls from 6 to 12 months. FPIAP infants and their mothers adhered to a cow's milk protein elimination diet. All mothers received complementary feeding education; FPIAP mothers had individualized dietitian counseling. Growth and nutritional intake were assessed at 6, 7, 9, and 12 months. During the study, the weight-for-age of infants with FPIAP was found to be lower compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Height-for-age was shorter in infants with FPIAP than in controls at the beginning of the study (p < 0.05), and this difference disappeared when the infants were 12 months old (p > 0.05). During and after the elimination diet, total protein (g) and animal protein intakes of infants with FPIAP were lower than those of controls (p < 0.05). Similarly, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B2 intakes were lower in the FPIAP group during and after the elimination diet (p < 0.05). Individualized nutritional counseling supports adequate growth and nutrition in FPIAP infants, highlighting the importance of breast milk continuity and tailored complementary feeding.