Nutrition resources for food allergy
For dietitians looking to upskill, or to gain confidence in recognising the need for onward referral, Education in Nutrition has a range of food allergy resources to help
Food allergy in adults. Two-part series
Amanda Jackson, APD
Dietitians are commonly the first point of contact for adults with an undiagnosed food allergy. Amanda emphasises that we need the skills to recognise food allergies in adults and be part of the team managing them.
Part 1. Overview of food allergy in adults
- Prevalence, mechanisms, co-factors
- Signs and symptoms
- Treatment
- Allergen avoidance
- Allergy action plan
- Diagnosis
- Skin prick tests
- Allergen specific IgE
- Oral food challenge
- Unorthodox allergy testing
- Dietitians’ role in the management of food allergy in adults
- Future treatment considerations
Read a review for Part 1 and 2 here
Part 2. Specific conditions linked with adult food allergy
- A summary of five allergic conditions seen amongst adults
- Food Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (FDEIA)
- Wheat Dependent Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA)
- Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (Oral Allergy Syndrome)
- Tick-induced Mammalian Meat Allergy
- Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EOE) in Adults
- The dietitian’s role in management
- Diet history
- Client education
- Challenges faced by food allergic adults
Plain English allergen labelling: What’s new?
Ingrid Roche, APD
With the introduction of the Plain English Allergen Labelling (PEAL) by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) in February 2021, allergen labelling has been revolutionised, making it much easier for consumers to identify foods that contain allergens. Ingrid clearly explains the changes and their relevance for dietetic practice.
- Background
- Why have mandatory allergen labelling?
- The most common foods that cause allergic reactions in Australia and New Zealand
- Food recalls
- Allergenic food labelling requirements as:
- Ingredients
- Components of food additives
- Components of processing aids
- New plain English allergen labelling requirements: what’s new?
- Format
- Location
- Language
- Font
- Precautionary allergen labelling
Read a review of the presentation here
Oral allergy syndrome
Ingrid Roche, APD
Signs and symptoms of oral allergy syndrome are similar to food chemical intolerance, so it is important for us to distinguish between them to ensure we provide appropriate treatment and management.
- What is oral allergy syndrome?
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Medical management
- Nutritional management
Read a review of the presentation here
Dietary management of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Dr Vicki McWilliam, PhD, AdvAPD
The dietary treatment of EoE is rapidly evolving, so it’s worth checking that your current dietary recommendations are up to date.
- What is EoE?
- How is EoE diagnosed and common symptoms?
- Treatment Options.
- The history and development of diet as a treatment option for EoE.
- What elimination diet should you choose and practical aspects of the diet.
- Food reintroduction/challenge phase.
- The Future
- Summary and case presentation examples
- Full Reference List
Read a review of the presentation here
Three paediatric allergy case studies
Dr Vicki McWilliam, PhD, AdvAPD
Vicki presents three paediatric allergy case studies describing in detail the diagnosis, the dietitian role and practical strategies for safely eliminating allergenic foods whilst maintaining nutritional adequacy.
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): case study
A six-month-old baby experienced profuse vomiting two hours after commencing rice cereal for the first time. Vicki explains how FPIES is diagnosed, which are the most common trigger foods and the medical management. The dietitian’s role in the management of FPIES is explained in detail
Non IgE mediated cows milk allergy: case study
A five-month-old exclusively breastfed baby presented to the doctor with a history of 4-5 loose, mucousy and bloodstained stools each day. Vicki describes what food protein-induced proctitis/proctocolitis is and the clinical presentation, which is the basis for diagnosis. Vicki describes her management of a cow’s milk and soy exclusion diet for both mother and baby. She gives practical suggestions to ensure they both have a nutritionally adequate diet.
A 10-year-old boy is referred for nutritional assessment and advice following an episode of anaphylaxis after eating muffin. He has a history of asthma and when he was a baby had eczema and an egg allergy which have both resolved. In this fascinating case where the anaphylaxis trigger is unknown, Vicki describes her management from diagnosis to ongoing care.
Teaching the gluten free diet. Two part series
Sally Marchini, APD
Sally is an APD with both Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Disease, so she brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to this topic. Many dietitians have little practical knowledge of the gluten free diet and so are ill equipped to deal with coeliac clients. This two part series will give you greater understanding and confidence in managing your coeliac clients.
Part 1 Gluten free diet essentials
- Client assessment
- Coeliac disease and the gluten free diet (including risks of not following it)
- Reading food labels
- Diet for the client to go home with suitable gluten free substitutes
- Maintaining CD professional competence
Read a review of the presentation here
Part 2 Gluten free diet practical details
- Eating out
- Nutritional adequacy of a GF diet
- Treating deficiencies with food and/or supplements
- Making recipes GF
- GF cooking on a budget
- Follow-up testing and screening of family members
- Ongoing symptoms