Rice Allergies in Babies

[KristyAnne]

This article talks about an Australian study that reveals "rice can trigger a rare but severe allergic reaction in babies and toddlers."

The condition, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, causes vomiting and diarrhoea and was thought to be brought on by milk and soy, and more rarely by vegetables, meats and grains.

But an investigation at the Children's Hospital at Westmead found that about half of cases appear to be triggered by rice.

...Professor Andrew Kemp, who led the study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, said the symptoms also were more severe than those caused by cow's milk or soy proteins.

"Four out of 10 children for whom rice was the trigger required resuscitation with intravenous fluids," Prof Kemp said.

"This compares with one in six of those for whom cow's milk or soy proteins were the triggers."

He said food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome was a relatively rare disorder compared with widespread egg and peanut allergies and eczema.
But the severity of the symptoms from the gut inflammation mean the disorder is often misdiagnosed as blood poisoning or an acute stomach problem requiring surgery.

I'm mentioning this here, as so often some form of rice is a first food for babies. I personally went with sweet potatoes and other vegetables rather than rice, simply because of lack of nutritional benefits of rice, but never even though about the possibility of rice allergies. Something to consider.

God Bless.

Kristy

 

[jgonz]

We tried rice cereal for my little one (who's going to be 6 months in a few days) and it constipated him. So we'll be doing something different.

 

[Hadassah]

I have been hearing in my Celiac circles (the ones I "run" in) much like on Kellymom, regardless of if your child may or may not develop CD (50% chance if one of the parents or a 1st degree relative has it), that ALL grains should be last on the menu, after meats.
Start with veggies, fruits, meat and then allergen causing fruits, cereals and later on (around 2 or so) with nuts.

A lot of people with CD can go into refractory sprue if they are not treated adequately and it can lead to rice allergies.

With so many people who are misdiagnosed and undiagnosed who have CD, it is a wonder we are not finding more children with allergies to the things they should be able to eat, and having CD on top.

I hate having to take it that slow, but for all our health and safety it's the smart way to go.