Canned tuna tolerance in children with IgE-mediated fish allergy: an allergological and nutritional view.

Scientific research, diagnostic tools and clinical experience have shown that children suffering from IgE-mediated fish allergy do not need to follow a strict exclusion diet. In fact, they could tolerate some species of fish, which could be reintroduced in the diet by verifying their tolerance with an oral food challenge in a clinical setting. Consequently, it is possible to look a new insight on diagnosis and management of IgE-mediated fish allergy in children, considering the use of canned tuna in clinical settings. Authors performed a literature search through the Cochrane Library and Medline/PubMed databases. All quantitative and qualitative pediatric studies involving diagnosis and management of IgE-mediated fish allergy and the use of canned tuna in clinical settings were considered. Articles related to allergological and nutritional features of fish, and especially canned tuna, were selected. This research was conducted on May 2020. Canned tuna shows peculiar allergological and nutritional characteristics. Relating to allergy, canning process, characterized by cooking the fish under pressure for a time equal to about 7 hours, can lead a conformational change in parvalbumin, making it less allergenic. In terms of nutrition, canned tuna contains B, D and A vitamins and, above all, omega-3 fatty acids and shows a favourable and significantly sustainable nutritional profile. Lower allergenicity, adequate nutritional value and its rich availability in markets at reasonable costs, could make the use of canned tuna as a solution with an excellent risk/benefit ratio in the field of IgE-mediated fish allergy.

From conception to infancy - early risk factors for childhood obesity.

Maternal lifestyle during pregnancy, as well as early nutrition and the environment infants are raised in, are considered relevant factors for the prevention of childhood obesity. Several models are available for the prediction of childhood overweight and obesity, yet most have not been externally validated. Moreover, the factors considered in the models differ among studies as the outcomes manifest after birth and depend on maturation processes that vary between individuals. The current Review examines and interprets data on the early determinants of childhood obesity to provide relevant strategies for daily clinical work. We evaluate a selection of prenatal and postnatal factors associated with child adiposity. Actions to be considered for preventing childhood obesity include the promotion of healthy maternal nutrition and weight status at reproductive age and during pregnancy, as well as careful monitoring of infant growth to detect early excessive weight gain. Paediatricians and other health-care professionals should provide scientifically validated, individual nutritional advice to families to counteract excessive adiposity in children. Based on systematic reviews, original papers and scientific reports, we provide information to help with setting up public health strategies to prevent overweight and obesity in childhood.