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 (Kemp et al., 2008; Heine et al 2015). Infants with MFPA appear to be asymptomatic on exclusive amino-acid formula (AAF) but can develop gastrointestinal symptoms and irritability with introduction of solids (McWilliams et al 2015).

MFPA is commonly considered to be a severe form of non-IgE-mediated or mixed IgE and non-IgE gastrointestinal allergy (Kemp et al., 2008; Heine et al 2015). Infants with MFPA appear to be asymptomatic on exclusive amino-acid formula (AAF) but can develop gastrointestinal symptoms and irritability with introduction of solids (McWilliams et al 2015).

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 (FARE Allergens (Online)).

  • 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.