Nutritional behaviour and attitudes in food allergic children

Abstract

The results showed school-aged children are significantly less interested in tasting new foods (p<.01) than younger children. Most of the children (76;71%) claimed to have a “monotonous” diet; in a rising rating scale from 1 to 5 they reported a mean score of 3.3. No differences were found between the two groups of age. When asked about causes of repetitive diet, the participants answered: strict avoidance (36), difficulties in making traditional recipes (23), a limited choice of food industry safe products (21) and low curiosity about food (23). Regarding participation to social events involving food, 17.5% of older children reported they never attend parties. Those who participate always (22;62.5%), or sometimes (7;20%) eat only “safe foods” (45%), or bring foods from home (24%), or take on both solutions. Younger children answered “sometimes” for the majority (39; 54%), a few “always” (27;37.5%) and only some “never” (6;8.5%). Conclusion The results underline the impact of food allergy in reducing interest about food and in influencing patients’ approach to social life. It is important to support families in arousing curiosity in children, suggesting recipes for a varied and stimulating diet.