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Abstract

Background

Food allergies have become a global problem with negative clinical results. Food allergy management currently involves avoiding food allergens, which is not always possible and may lead to accidental reactions. Food restrictions may also lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can stunt growth. This study compares two groups to investigate the effects of dietary limitations due to allergies on children's intake, growth, and nutritional status.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 94 children aged 1 to 10 diagnosed with food allergies, accompanied by/without food restrictions. Child characteristics, socioeconomic status, parental history, and allergy status were collected with dietary data using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ).

Results

Food restriction (limiting ≥3 foods) was observed in 37.2% of participants. Frequently avoided items include: chocolate (30.9%), cow’s milk (29.8%), and egg yolk (25.5%). Energy intake was significantly reduced in the restricted group ( = 0.050). There was a significant difference in mean body weight between groups ( = 0.041). However, Z-scores for BMI, weight-for-age, and height-for-age showed no significant differences. Notable differences in micronutrient intake were observed for vitamin A ( = 0.024), vitamin D ( = 0.026), iron ( < 0.001), and magnesium ( = 0.005).

Discussion

Dietary restriction was associated with lower body weight, but Z-scores remained within reference standards, suggesting nutritional vulnerability needed continuous monitoring. Children with dietary restrictions exhibited lower overall energy intake while maintaining a comparable macronutrient distribution, notably choosing plant-based alternatives such as tofu and tempeh. This pattern illustrates the problems and adaptive strategies present in the cultural setting of Indonesian households managing with food allergies.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the need for parental education and expert healthcare advice to avert unwarranted limitations, encourage nutrient-rich alternatives, and facilitate supervised reintroduction procedures in accordance with contemporary international norms. Culturally appropriate dietary recommendations for Indonesian children with food allergies are needed to ensure nutritional adequacy and growth.

© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Science Publishers.
This is an open access article published under CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
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2026-01-13
2026-02-02

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Nutritional Disparities and Growth Outcomes in Children with Food Allergies: Comparison of Restricted and Non-Restricted Dietary Intakes
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734013418383251125113816
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013418383251125113816
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013418383251125113816
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: nutritional status ; food intolerance ; immunological reactions ; Child ; macronutrient ; food hypersensitivity ; food allergy

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