Multiple Food Protein Allergies

MFPA is commonly considered to be a severe form of non-IgE-mediated or mixed IgE and non-IgE gastrointestinal allergy.3,4 Infants with severe forms of MFPA appear to be asymptomatic on exclusive amino-acid formula (AAF) but can develop gastrointestinal symptoms and irritability with introduction of solids.5

Hypersensitivity to multiple foods is also seen in children with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)3 a gastrointestinal disorder.

What’s Does
It Mean?

It means having an allergy to more than one food – and is surprisingly common (Warren et al 2022). In a large US survey, they found that around 40% of children with food allergies were avoiding more than one food, commonly including cow’s milk and eggs (Warren et al., 2022).

MFPA appear to be linked to early onset atopic dermatitis or eczema with poor growth and in some cases with food refusal (Koletzko et al., 2012). 

Did you know?

The majority of food allergic reactions can be attributed to just nine foods, which includes cow’s milk/dairy.6

  • Cow's Milk iconCow’s Milk
  • Wheat iconWheat
  • Fish iconFish
  • Shellfish iconShellfish
  • Soy iconSoy
  • Ground nuts (peanuts) iconGround nuts (peanuts)
  • Tree nuts iconTree nuts
  • Sesame iconSesame
  • Egg iconEgg
 

Experts still do not know exactly what causes these kinds of food allergies, but research is being carried out to help build a better understanding.

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