Infantile anorexia or food refusal is a feeding disorder that has its onset around six to nine months of age.1,2 It is characterized by extreme food refusal and apparent lack of appetite, leading to failure to thrive (or poor weight gain).1,2
Infantile anorexia therefore carries significant developmental risks for the child, including growth deficits, which can be particularly dangerous for a growing baby.1,2
What
Causes Food
Refusal in
Infants?
There are many reasons why infants can be finicky about food and feeding. It is suggested that food/feed refusal could be related to teething, or if the baby is tired, if they are being overfed or if they have an underlying illness, causing pain. It may also be the result of an aversion to, or a traumatic event associated with, the ingestion of a certain food, for example an allergic reaction.3
Could It Be a
Symptom of
Cow’s Milk
Protein Allergy?
Infantile anorexia or food refusal has been associated with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).3
Consider it as part of the full work up once CMPA is being diagnosed.
DIGESTIVE
Up to 34% of infants with CMPA have gastrointestinal manifestations19
RESPIRATORY
Up to 30% of affected infants with CMPA have respiratory symptoms15,20
ANAPHYLAXIS
Anaphylactic shock is a severe, immediate, allergic reaction, which can affect many organ/systems
SKIN
Up to 75% of infants with CMPA can have skin-related symptoms21
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
Inconsolable crying is very common in infants with CMPA associated with sleeping problems and food refusal
