The effect of elimination diet on the growth of a child with milk allergy - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cow's milk is the most common food allergen in children under 3 years of age. Milk allergy is treated by eliminating milk from the diet. METHODS: The present study was conducted according to international guidelines for systematic reviews. RESULTS: In all three articles included in the current study, children with milk allergy were of lower weight than the controls. Furthermore, in one of the studies included, growth of the children with mild allergy was stunted. DISCUSSION: The current review shows that milk allergy is associated with stunted growth in childhood. The reasons for this growth retardation are unclear.