Maintaining Optimal Nutrition During Food Allergy Management

In the Nutrition Assessment step, the individual's usual dietary intake is evaluated and compared to optimal nutritional guidelines, such as general population guidelines (e.g. My Plate, the Australian Dietary Guidelines, or disease- or condition-specific guidelines).  In cases where modified diets are necessary, such as in the elimination of food allergens, an additional analysis is required to identify and replace the nutrients normally provided by the eliminated foods. If a significant nutrient deficiency is identified, it may form the basis of a Nutrition Diagnosis, which would subsequently guide the Nutrition Intervention and inform the Nutrition and Monitoring and Evaluation indicators. 

The more food allergies an individual has, the greater the concern for their growth, development, and overall quality of life. Certain food allergens carry a greater nutritional impact than others. For example, cow’s milk plays an important role in pediatric nutrition providing essential nutrients such as protein, energy, fat, calcium, B12, & iodine. Milk is also a common ingredient in both packaged and home-prepared recipes, making its elimination particularly challenging. 

Peanuts contribute several important nutrients to the diet, including fiber, fat, vitamin E, magnesium, niacin, copper, manganese, and protein making them a valuable component of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Peanuts contain approximately 21-36% protein by weight, with 1 oz (30 grams) of peanuts providing an average of 7 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat. From a food allergy elimination perspective, the primary nutrient of concern in peanuts is fiber, which can be easily obtained from other food sources. In addition to their nutritional value, peanuts may hold dietary or cultural significance beyond their role in nutrition, particularly in vegan or vegetarian diets. Cultural dietary considerations, such as those prevalent in regions like Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia) and Africa, should also be taken into account when assessing the impact of peanut elimination.

References

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