Feeding difficulties in children with food allergies: An EAACI Task Force Report.

The term "feeding difficulties" refers to a spectrum of phenotypes characterized by suboptimal intake of food and/or lack of age-appropriate eating habits. While it is evident that feeding difficulties are prevalent within healthy children, no consensus has been reached for those with food allergies. The aim of this study was to systematically review all the available literature reporting the prevalence of feeding difficulties within food allergic children. We searched eight international electronic databases for all published studies until June 2022. International experts in the field were also contacted for unpublished and ongoing studies. All publications were screened against pre-defined eligibility criteria and critically appraised by established instruments. The substantial heterogeneity of included studies precluded meta-analyses, so narrative synthesis of quantitative data was performed. A total of 2059 abstracts were assessed, out of which 21 underwent full-text screening and 10 studies met the study criteria. In these, 12 different terms to define feeding difficulties and 11 diagnostic tools were used. Five papers included data of feeding difficulty prevalence in children with food allergies, ranging from 13.6% to 40%. Higher prevalence was associated with multiple food allergies. The current literature suggests that feeding difficulties are prevalent within food allergic children, particularly those with multiple food allergies. However, the heterogeneity of terminologies and diagnostic tools makes drawing conclusions challenging. Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of feeding difficulties within food allergic children and further research on the development and perpetuation of feeding difficulties are needed to appropriately manage such patients.

IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy in Brazilian children: Outcomes of oral food challenge.

Background: Oral food challenge (OFC) is useful for diagnosing food allergies and assessing tolerance, but severe reactions may occur during the procedure. Objective: To characterize the frequency and severity of reactions during cow's milk (CM) OFCs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the outcome of cow's milk oral food challenges (CMOFCs) performed to confirm IgE-mediated CM allergy or to assess food tolerance. CM was given first as baked milk (BM), followed by whole CM if there was no prior reaction to BM. An OFC was considered positive if IgE-mediated symptoms developed up to 2 h after ingestion. Symptoms were described and variables including age at OFC, prior anaphylaxis, other atopic diseases, and skin test results were compared according to the OFC outcomes. Results: A total of 266 CMOFCs were performed, including 159 patients with a median age of 6.3 years old. One hundred thirty-six tests were positive and 62 resulted in anaphylaxis. Thirty-nine anaphylactic reactions were observed up to 30 min after the first dose. Severe anaphylaxis (cardiovascular and/or neurological involvement) was reported in 5 tests. A second dose of epinephrine was required in 3 tests, and 1 presented a biphasic response. Younger patients had a higher risk of anaphylaxis during baked milk oral food challenge (BMOFC) (p = 0.009). The frequency of anaphylaxis was higher in patients submitted to BM (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Anaphylaxis is a known complication of CMOFCs even when there is no prior anaphylaxis or when conducted with baked products. This study reinforces the importance of conducting OFC in appropriate settings with a well-trained team.

ORAL AND ENTERAL NUTRITION THERAPY IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES AMONG THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW.

OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on oral and enteral nutrition therapy and investigate the evidence of its efficacy as a treatment, as well as in preventing relapses and reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases in the pediatric population. DATA SOURCE: We performed a bibliographic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde - Lilacs) databases, using the keywords "inflammatory bowel disease," "diet," and "diet therapy" in English and Portuguese, with filters for pediatric studies published in the previous five years. DATA SUMMARY: We selected 16 articles for this study, nine on exclusive and/or partial enteral nutrition and seven on modified oral diets, such as the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) and the Crohn's Disease exclusion diet (CDED). The studies found evaluated the anthropometric profile of patients and the inflammatory profile of diseases in children before and after the introduction of each specific nutrition therapy. All interventions presented positive changes in these parameters; however, the results were inconclusive regarding the efficacy of SCD and CDED in the treatment and prevention of relapses. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive enteral nutrition has proven to be effective in inducing remission of Crohn's Disease, and the use of partial enteral nutrition for maintenance treatment has shown promising results. Other modified oral diets are inconclusive concerning their effectiveness, requiring further randomized controlled clinical trials.

Correction to: Rate and determinants of non-adherence to a gluten-free diet and nutritional status assessment in children and adolescents with celiac disease in a tertiary Brazilian referral center: a cross-sectional and retrospective study.

CORRECTION: Unfortunately, after publication of this article [1], it was noticed that the names of the second and third authors were incorrectly displayed, respectively, as Glauce Hiromi Yonaminez and Carla Aline Satiro. The correct names are Glauce Hiromi Yonamine and Carla Aline Fernandes Satiro and can be seen in the corrected author list above. The original article has also been updated to correct this error.

Impacto psicossocial e comportamental da alergia alimentar em crianças, adolescentes e seus familiares: uma revisão / Psychosocial and behavioral impact of food allergies on children, adolescents and their families: a review

Objetivo: Analisar as evidências da literatura sobre a relação entre alergia alimentar infantil e o impacto psicossocial e comportamental em crianças, adolescentes e seus familiares. Método: Realizou-se uma busca bibliográfica nas seguintes bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), National Center for Biotechnology Information (PubMed) e na biblioteca eletrônica Scientific Electronic Library On-line (SciELO), com foco em artigos publicados no período de 1995 a 2017, em português e/ou inglês. Os descritores utilizados foram: food allergy, children, anxiety, feeding disorders e quality of life. Resultados: A prevalência das doenças alérgicas tem aumentado nas últimas décadas, sobretudo entre as crianças, com impacto significativo sobre os aspectos da vida diária e qualidade de vida tanto da criança quanto da família. Ansiedade, faltas escolares e bullying têm maior incidência em crianças com alergia alimentar. Quanto aos cuidadores, há maior prevalência de estresse, depressão e isolamento por medo de exposição a alérgenos. Conclusão: É possível verificar uma relação entre alergias alimentares em crianças e uma piora da qualidade de vida. Ademais, as dificuldades alimentares advindas de alergias (motoras, neofobias e preferências alimentares) podem prejudicar o desenvolvimento e crescimento das crianças. É necessário o acompanhamento por equipe multiprofissional especializada e treinada, além de mais estudos que abordem novas estratégias e técnicas específicas para o tratamento desta população.

Objective: To analyze evidence available in the literature on the relationship between food allergies in children and their psychosocial and behavioral impact on the patients (children or adolescents) and their families. Method: A literature search was conducted in the following databases: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), National Center for Biotechnology Information (PubMed), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), browsing for articles published between 1995 and 2017, in Portuguese and/or English. The following descriptors were used: food allergy, children, anxiety, feeding disorders, and quality of life. Results: The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased over the past few decades, especially among children, with significant impact on daily living and quality of life of both the child and the family. Anxiety, school absenteeism and bullying have higher incidence rates in children with food allergies. Among caregivers, higher prevalence rates of stress, depression and isolation for fear of exposure to allergens were observed. Conclusion: It is possible to identify a relationship between food allergies in children and worse quality of life. Furthermore, the difficulties resulting from food allergies (motor skills, food neophobia and food preferences) may affect the children's development and growth. Follow-up by a specialized, trained multidisciplinary team is required, as are further studies addressing new strategies and techniques specifically designed for the treatment of this population.

Rate and determinants of non-adherence to a gluten-free diet and nutritional status assessment in children and adolescents with celiac disease in a tertiary Brazilian referral center: a cross-sectional and retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Compliance with a gluten-free diet (GFD) is difficult at all ages but particularly for teenagers due to social, cultural, economic, and practical pressures. The multidisciplinary team responsible for the treatment of patients with celiac disease and give support to their parents plays a special role on strengthening GFD and assessing the nutritional and physical health. METHODS: A cross-sectional and retrospective study including patients under 20 years of age, with biopsy-confirmed CD, followed regularly at the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hospital das Clínicas, University of Sao Paulo, School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil, were surveyed using a questionnaire and serologic test applied between November 2011 and February 2012. A retrospective chart review of these patients was performed to collect the anthropometric data along with the results of the serologic test performed at the time of diagnosis and after at least 1 year of treatment with a GFD. RESULTS: We evaluated 35 patients aged between 2.4 and 19.9 years. Of these 68.6% were female, 88.6% had the typical form of the disease and 51.4% had other comorbidities. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.4 years. Despite dietary guidance, 20% reported non-adherence to the diet. Most children recovered the weight and height deficit after 5 years of treatment, and in some children, excessive weight gain became a concern. CONCLUSION: The majority of transgressions occurred intentionally at home or at parties. There was a risk of excessive weight gain, especially in the first two years of treatment. More alternatives and easier access to low cost gluten-free foods, increasing the discussion about the benefits of adhering to a GFD among patients, families, and the general population, besides the acquisition of self-management skills, are crucial to fostering independent children and adolescents who have the knowledge and tools to manage life with CD.

Cow's milk allergy: Evaluating tolerance through skin-prick test.

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate the wheal diameter in allergy skin-prick tests (SPT) with cow's milk extract (CM) comparing tolerant and persistent patients. METHOD:: A retrospective cohort study involving database analysis of children with diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) mediated by immunoglobulin E in a specialized outpatient clinic that regularly performed SPT between January 2000 and July 2015. Patients were allocated into two groups: tolerant or persistent. Comparisons were made at diagnosis and over time between tolerant and persistent patients using Fisher's, Mann-Whitney or Wilcoxon tests and significance level at 5%. RESULTS:: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample includes 44 patients (29 tolerant and 15 who persisted with CMPA). In the tolerant group, the medians of SPT were: 6 mm at diagnosis and 2 mm at the development of tolerance; a significant difference (p<0.0001) was found. In the persistent group, the median SPT at diagnosis was 7 mm, while in the last SPT it was 5 mm, with no statistical difference (p=0.173). The comparison of medians in the last SPT between groups was significant (p=0.001), with a reduction greater than 50% in SPT in the tolerant group. CONCLUSION:: Serial SPTs were useful for diagnosis, and a decrease higher than 50% in diameter can indicate the moment to perform oral food challenge (OFC) tests, helping to detect tolerance in CMPA.

Cow's milk allergy: Evaluating tolerance through skin-prick test / Alergia ao leite de vaca: avaliação da tolerância pelo teste cutâneo alérgico

Summary Objective: To evaluate the wheal diameter in allergy skin-prick tests (SPT) with cow’s milk extract (CM) comparing tolerant and persistent patients. Method: A retrospective cohort study involving database analysis of children with diagnosis of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) mediated by immunoglobulin E in a specialized outpatient clinic that regularly performed SPT between January 2000 and July 2015. Patients were allocated into two groups: tolerant or persistent. Comparisons were made at diagnosis and over time between tolerant and persistent patients using Fisher’s, Mann-Whitney or Wilcoxon tests and significance level at 5%. Results: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample includes 44 patients (29 tolerant and 15 who persisted with CMPA). In the tolerant group, the medians of SPT were: 6 mm at diagnosis and 2 mm at the development of tolerance; a significant difference (p<0.0001) was found. In the persistent group, the median SPT at diagnosis was 7 mm, while in the last SPT it was 5 mm, with no statistical difference (p=0.173). The comparison of medians in the last SPT between groups was significant (p=0.001), with a reduction greater than 50% in SPT in the tolerant group. Conclusion: Serial SPTs were useful for diagnosis, and a decrease higher than 50% in diameter can indicate the moment to perform oral food challenge (OFC) tests, helping to detect tolerance in CMPA.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar o diâmetro da pápula do teste cutâneo alérgico (TCA) com extrato de leite de vaca (LV) comparando pacientes tolerantes e persistentes. Método: estudo de coorte retrospectivo de análise de banco de dados de crianças com diagnóstico de alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) mediada pela imunoglobulina E, em ambulatório especializado, que realizaram TCA de forma evolutiva, sendo alocados em dois grupos: tolerantes ou persistentes, entre janeiro de 2000 e julho de 2015. As comparações foram realizadas ao diagnóstico e evolutivamente entre tolerantes e persistentes, pelos testes de Fisher, Mann-Whitney ou Wilcoxon, utilizando níveis de significância de 5%. Resultados: aplicando critérios de inclusão e exclusão, a amostra incluiu 44 pacientes (29 tolerantes e 15 que persistiram com APLV). No grupo tolerante, as medianas do TCA foram: ao diagnóstico, de 6 mm, e, no desenvolvimento de tolerância, de 2 mm, com diferença significante (p<0,0001). No grupo persistente, a mediana do TCA ao diagnóstico foi de 7 mm e no momento do último TCA, de 5 mm, sem diferença estatística (p=0,173). A comparação das medianas no último TCA entre os grupos mostrou-se significante (p=0,001), com redução maior de 50% no valor do TCA no grupo tolerante. Conclusão: os TCA seriados foram úteis para o diagnóstico, e a redução maior que 50% em seu diâmetro pode indicar o momento para realização de testes de provocação oral (TPO), auxiliando na detecção de tolerância na APLV.

Alimentação no primeiro ano de vida e prevenção de doenças alérgicas: evidências atuais / Feeding in the first year of life and prevention of allergic diseases: current evidence

A prevalência de doenças alérgicas aumentou significantemente nos últimos anos. Devido a este rápido aumento, surgiu o interêsse em se identificar estratégias de prevenção ou redução do risco de se desenvolver alergia. Acredita-se que esta alta prevalência seja consequência de mudanças ambientais modernas, como o desenvolvimento industrial, mudanças climáticas e de hábitos alimentares que poderiam afetar a função imunológica, independente do seu caráter genético. O presente estudo tem como objetivo discutir o papel da alimentação no primeiro ano de vida sobre a prevenção de doenças alérgicas, através de revisão bibliográfica com base em artigos publicados entre 2003 e abril de 2014, disponíveis nos bancos de dados PubMed, SciELOe LILACS. Com relação ao aleitamento materno, existem poucas evidências do seu efeito protetor para o desenvolvimento de alergia. A recomendação de manter o aleitamento materno exclusivo por período de 4 a 6 meses deve-se a outros benefícios associados a esta prática. Há dados suficientes para a indicação da utilização de fórmulas parcialmente ou extensamente hidrolisadas, com alergenicidade reduzida comprovada, para aqueles com alto risco de desenvolvimento de atopia, quando a amamentação exclusiva não for possível. O início da alimentação complementar é recomendado após 4-6 meses, com atenção à variedade dos alimentos. A alimentação no primeiro ano de vida parece ser importante para a modulação do desenvolvimento do sistema imunológico e prevenção de alergias...

The prevalence of allergic diseases has significantly increased in recent years. Such rapid increase has stimulated research into strategies to prevent or reduce the risk of allergy. It is believed that this high prevalence may be due to recent environmental changes, including industrial development, climate change, and dietary habits, all of which may affect imune function, regardless of genetic background. The aim of the present study was to discuss the role played by feeding in the first year of life in the prevention of allergic diseases. In order to do that, the literature was browsed for articles published between 2003 and April 2014 and available in the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases. With regard to breast feeding, there is little evidence of a protective effect of this practice against the development of allergy. The recommendation of maintaining exclusive breast feeding for 4-6 months is based on other associated benefits. Conversely, there is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of partially or extensively hydrolyzed formula, with proven low allergenic activity, in infants at high risk of developing atopy when exclusive breast feeding is not possible. The initiation of complementary feeding is recommended after 4-6 months, and the variety of foods should be selected with care. Feeding in the first year of life appears to be important to modulate the development of the immune system and to prevent allergies...

Perceptions of caregivers of patients with cow's milk allergy regarding the treatment / Percepção dos familiares de pacientes com alergia ao leite de vaca em relação ao tratamento

The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the perceptions of caregivers of children and adolescents with cow's milk allergy regarding the disease and its treatment. Nine caregivers were interviewed and content analysis method was used. Three categories with subcategories emerged: treatment and education of the patient and their caregivers (life experiences, bases of treatment, coping with the disease), resolution of the disease (hope, gradual improvement), quality of life (social inclusion, family daily activities, costs of dietary treatment). Caregivers experienced difficulties during the initial treatment but pointed out that the guidance given during follow-up made the adjustments easier. Family members commented on the difficulties about lack of cooperation from other family members regarding the restrictive diet, their experience coping with the allergic reaction, doubts about the treatment and gaps on knowledge about the disease by other physicians and people. Some of them believed that there is no treatment for the disease, because there are no drugs or vaccines, but they were waiting for cure. The majority of relatives were satisfied with the gradual improvement of patients observed by reduction on the severity of symptoms and tolerance of milk traces within foods. In addition, they commented on the efforts to give a normal life for their children, the changes in their daily lives and the difficulty to buy special products. Concluding, caregivers of children and adolescents with cow's milk allergy feel a great burden of the disease.(AU)

Este estudo qualitativo teve como objetivo compreender as percepções de familiares de crianças e adolescentes com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) em relação à doença e seu tratamento. Foram realizadas nove entrevistas e foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo. Surgiram três categorias com subcategorias: tratamento e educação do paciente e familiares (experiências vividas, base do tratamento e como lidar com a doença), resolução da doença (expectativa e melhora gradativa), qualidade de vida (inclusão social, cotidiano familiar e custo dos alimentos). Os familiares vivenciaram dificuldades durante o início do tratamento, mas revelaram que as orientações fornecidas no seguimento tornaram as adaptações à doença mais fáceis. Comentaram sobre as dificuldades em obter a colaboração de outros membros da família em relação à dieta de exclusão, suas experiências frente a uma reação alérgica, dúvidas quanto ao tratamento e lacunas do conhecimento sobre a doença entre outros médicos e na população em geral. Alguns deles acreditavam que não havia tratamento para a APLV, porque não existiam medicamentos ou vacinas, mas mantinham a esperança da descoberta de uma cura. A maioria dos familiares estava satisfeita com a melhora gradativa dos seus filhos, percebida pela redução da gravidade dos sintomas e tolerância a traços de leite. Também comentaram sobre os esforços em proporcionar uma vida normal para seus filhos, as mudanças em suas vidas e a dificuldade em comprar alimentos especiais. Em conclusão, os familiares de crianças e adolescentes com APLV sentem grande impacto da doença.(AU)

Percepção dos familiares de pacientes com alergia ao leite de vaca em relação ao tratamento / Perceptions of caregivers of patients with cowÆs milk allergy regarding the treatment

Este estudo qualitativo teve como objetivo compreender as percepções de familiares de crianças e adolescentes com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) em relação à doença e seu tratamento. Foram realizadas nove entrevistas e foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo. Surgiram três categorias com subcategorias: tratamento e educação do paciente e familiare(experiências vividas, base do tratamento e como lidar com a doença), resolução da doença (expectativa e melhoragradativa), qualidade de vida (inclusão social, cotidiano familiar e custo dos alimentos). Os familiares vivenciaram dificuldades durante o início do tratamento, mas revelaram que as orientações fornecidas no seguimento tornaram as adaptações à doença mais fáceis. Comentaram sobre as dificuldades em obter a colaboração de outros membros da família em relação à dieta de exclusão, suas experiências frente a uma reação alérgica, dúvidas quanto ao tratamento e lacunas do conhecimento sobre adoença entre outros médicos e na população em geral. Alguns deles acreditavam que não havia tratamento para a APLV, porque não existiam medicamentos ou vacinas, mas mantinham a esperança da descoberta de uma cura. A maioria dos familiares estava satisfeita com a melhora gradativa dos seus filhos, percebida pela redução da gravidade dos sintomas e tolerância a traços de leite. Também comentaram sobre os esforços em proporcionar uma vida normal para seus filhos, as mudanças em suas vidas e a dificuldade em comprar alimentos especiais. Em conclusão, os familiares de crianças e adolescentes com APLV sentem grande impacto da doença.(AU)

Percepção dos familiares de pacientes com alergia ao leite de vaca em relação ao tratamento / Perceptions of caregivers of patients with cowÆs milk allergy regarding the treatment

Este estudo qualitativo teve como objetivo compreender as percepções de familiares de crianças e adolescentes com alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) em relação à doença e seu tratamento. Foram realizadas nove entrevistas e foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo. Surgiram três categorias com subcategorias: tratamento e educação do paciente e familiare(experiências vividas, base do tratamento e como lidar com a doença), resolução da doença (expectativa e melhoragradativa), qualidade de vida (inclusão social, cotidiano familiar e custo dos alimentos). Os familiares vivenciaram dificuldades durante o início do tratamento, mas revelaram que as orientações fornecidas no seguimento tornaram as adaptações à doença mais fáceis. Comentaram sobre as dificuldades em obter a colaboração de outros membros da família em relação à dieta de exclusão, suas experiências frente a uma reação alérgica, dúvidas quanto ao tratamento e lacunas do conhecimento sobre adoença entre outros médicos e na população em geral. Alguns deles acreditavam que não havia tratamento para a APLV, porque não existiam medicamentos ou vacinas, mas mantinham a esperança da descoberta de uma cura. A maioria dos familiares estava satisfeita com a melhora gradativa dos seus filhos, percebida pela redução da gravidade dos sintomas e tolerância a traços de leite. Também comentaram sobre os esforços em proporcionar uma vida normal para seus filhos, as mudanças em suas vidas e a dificuldade em comprar alimentos especiais. Em conclusão, os familiares de crianças e adolescentes com APLV sentem grande impacto da doença.

Conhecimento da rotulagem de produtos industrializados por familiares de pacientes com alergia a leite de vaca / Knowledge of industrialized dairy products labels by parents of patients allergic to cow's milk

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade de identificação dos termos relacionados ao leite de vaca em rótulos de produtos industrializados por familiares de pacientes com alergia à bebida. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, descritivo, baseado em entrevista com familiares de pacientes. Inicialmente, aplicou-se um questionário sobre o hábito de leitura de rótulos e identificação de termos relacionados ao leite e, posteriormente, apresentaram-se rótulos de 12 produtos industrializados para que os familiares decidissem sobre a sua exclusão da dieta do paciente. RESULTADOS: Dos 52 entrevistados, 80,8 por cento eram mães e 79,0 por cento apresentavam nível médio ou superior de escolaridade. A mediana do tempo em seguimento já com orientação para dieta de exclusão era de dois anos e sete meses (três meses a 17 anos e seis meses). A leitura habitual de rótulos de alimentos, medicamentos e cosméticos foi relatada por 57,7 por cento, 59,6 por cento e 46,2 por cento dos familiares, respectivamente. Entre as reações alérgicas ocorridas no seguimento, 39,5 por cento foram relacionadas a erros na leitura de rótulos. Lactose, caseína e caseinato foram os termos identificados por 92,3 por cento, 38,5 por cento e 23,1 por cento dos familiares, respectivamente. Lactato foi interpretado como presença de leite de vaca por 51,9 por cento dos entrevistados. Na segunda etapa, os familiares identificaram a lactose (55,8 por cento), a caseína (26,9 por cento) e o caseinato (5,8 por cento) como substâncias relacionadas ao leite. CONCLUSÕES: Constatou-se deficiente compreensão e identificação, por parte dos pais, dos termos relacionados ao leite apesar das orientações recebidas. É fundamental a adequação da rotulagem e a adoção de novas estratégias para orientação da leitura de rótulos, possibilitando a busca e a identificação de produtos que contenham leite de vaca.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of relatives of patients with cow's milk allergy to identify terms related to cow's milk on labels of manufactured products. METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive study based on interviews with relatives of patients with cow's milk allergy. Initially, a questionnaire about the habit of reading labels and the identification of terms related to cow's milk was applied. Next, 12 original labels of manufactured products were shown to the interviewees so that they could decide whether to exclude or not those products from the patient's diet. RESULTS: Of the 52 interviewees, 80.8 percent were mothers and 79.0 percent had at least 8 years of schooling. The median time of follow-up after receiving information about exclusion diet was 2 years and 7 months (from 3 months to 17 years and 6 months). The habit of reading labels of foods, drugs and cosmetics was reported by 57.7, 59.6, and 46.2 percent of the relatives, respectively. Among the allergic reactions during follow-up, 39.5 percent were related to mistakes when reading labels. Lactose, casein, and caseinate were the terms identified by 92.3, 38.5, and 23.1 percent of the family members, respectively. Lactate was interpreted as presence of cow's milk by 51.9 percent of the interviewees. During the second phase of the study, family members identified lactose (55.8 percent), casein (26.9 percent) and caseinate (5.8 percent) as related to cow's milk. CONCLUSION: There was a deficient understanding and identification of cow's milk-related terms in spite of previous counseling. It is important to improve labels and to establish new strategies that allow lay people to identify labels of products containing cow's milk.