Journal of Nutritional Disorders & Therapy

Exploring the Factors Contributing to Nutritional Deficiencies and Food Allergies

Litonjua Weiss^* Department of Pediatrics, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
^*Correspondence: Litonjua Weiss, Department of Pediatrics, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China, Email:

Received: 25-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. JNDT-23-23064; Editor assigned: 28-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. JNDT-23-23064(PQ); Reviewed: 11-Aug-2023, QC No. JNDT-23-23064; Revised: 18-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. JNDT-23-23064(R); Published: 25-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2161-0509.23.13.260

Description

Oral food allergies are a relatively common health issue, particularly in children. They occur when the immune system identifies a specific food as harmful and triggers a reaction upon consumption. Unlike systemic food allergies, which can lead to severe and life-threatening reactions, oral food allergies typically manifest with localized symptoms in the mouth and digestive system. While these reactions are generally less severe, they can still have a significant impact on a person's nutritional status. In this article, we will explore oral food allergies and their potential role in nutritional deficiencies. Oral food allergies are often referred to as "pollen-food syndrome" or "oral allergy syndrome" because they frequently occur in individuals who also have pollen allergies.

These allergies are usually caused by proteins found in certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that are structurally similar to pollen proteins. Common triggers include apples, peaches, cherries, hazelnuts, and almonds. Symptoms of oral food allergies typically include itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or throat, as well as swelling and redness. Some individuals may also experience abdominal discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea. Unlike systemic allergies, such as peanut or shellfish allergies, oral food allergies rarely lead to anaphylactic reactions. While oral food allergies themselves do not typically cause severe health issues, they can lead to nutritional deficiencies over time.

One of the primary challenges individuals with oral food allergies face is the need to avoid certain trigger foods. This avoidance can lead to a restricted diet as these individuals must be vigilant about what they eat to prevent allergic reactions. Unfortunately, the downside of this caution is that it can result in a diminished variety of foods consumed on a regular basis. For instance, if someone has an oral allergy to strawberries, they may eliminate strawberries and related fruits from their diet, thus limiting their fruit options. This can have a ripple effect on the intake of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.

The avoidance of specific foods can also result in an imbalanced diet. For example, someone with oral allergies to apples might eliminate not only apples but also a variety of other fruits from their diet due to the fear of cross-reactivity. This dietary exclusion could lead to inadequate intake of critical nutrients like vitamin C, which is abundant in many fruits, including apples. Additionally, fruits are rich in dietary fibre, an essential component for digestive health. The absence of such foods can leave a nutritional gap that needs to be addressed through alternative sources. A diverse diet is essential for obtaining a wide range of nutrients necessary for overall health. Each food group brings its unique set of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients to the table.

However, individuals with oral food allergies often find themselves gravitating towards a limited selection of "safe" foods, which can result in a lack of dietary variety. For instance, if a person is allergic to multiple tree nuts, they may exclude all nuts from their diet, missing out on the nutritional benefits these foods provide. This reduced variety can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, as each food group contributes specific nutrients that collectively support well-being. Another challenge associated with oral food allergies is the potential for overconsumption of certain foods as a means of compensating for the avoidance of allergenic foods. This can lead to imbalances in the diet for example, if someone experiences oral allergy syndrome when consuming raw fruits, they might rely heavily on processed and less nutritious alternatives as substitutes.

Conclusion

Oral food allergies may not pose the same immediate risks as systemic allergies, but they can still have a significant impact on nutritional health. It was critical to be proactive in managing oral food allergies by seeking professional guidance, maintaining a well-balanced diet, and addressing any nutritional deficiencies that may arise. By doing so, individuals with oral food allergies can lead healthy and fulfilling lives while minimizing the risk of nutritional challenges. This overreliance on specific foods could result in excessive intake of sugars, unhealthy fats, and other less desirable nutrients.