Table 1 Suggestions for working with a food allergic, vegan patient and their family
Suggestion | Reference |
|---|---|
Caution parents of the need for professional dietary monitoring and potential need for supplementation to meet the needs of a growing child | [9] |
Careful attention must be given to the amount and quality of dietary protein, particularly as many plant-based protein rich foods are common allergens | |
Counsel families that portion sizes needed to achieve recommended/appropriate levels of energy and nutrients through a plant-based diet are greater than a traditional diet | |
Caution is warranted with pre-packed snacks with precautionary allergen labelling | [122] |
Food labels must be read every time a food is purchased, to reduce the risk of accidental ingestions and reactions | [139] |
‘May contain’ labels to alert consumers to possible traces of allergens in a food product, although the amount of allergens in a given food varies widely, resulting in a need for consumer vigilance | [140] |
Encourage cautious re-introduction of a food if a child outgrows an allergy | |
Encourage a diverse diet, as restrictive diets and selective eating may contribute to nutritional deficiencies | |
Discuss any new food and environmental allergies, as cross-reactivity can occur | |
Educate families that some allergies can be influenced by season and climate | [150] |