[A new biscuit free of cow's milk, chicken egg protein, lactose and gluten for children with food hypersensitivity].

Objective: Evaluation of the clinical reaction of 10 children with food allergy, including allergy to cow's milk protein, to the introduction of a new biscuit, free of cow's milk protein, chicken egg protein, lactose and gluten.
Design: Descriptive prospective study.
Setting: Outpatient clinic, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Hospital Groningen.
Method: In 10 patients (mean age 28 months, range 13-78 months) with a proven cow's milk protein allergy the new biscuit (25 biscuits of 15.5 g each in 2 weeks) was introduced without otherwise changing the diet. The clinical symptoms, total serum IgE, the IgE radio-allergosorbent test (RAST), the skin test, the intestinal permeability (measured with the sugar absorption test), and energy and nutrient intake were determined before and after the introduction of the biscuits. Results were evaluated by the Wilcoxon test.
Results: Laboratory results were not significantly different between the groups. A recurrent clinical reaction was seen in one patient after consumption of a biscuit (probably due to a potato component). During the period of biscuit consumption energy and nutrient intake were increased in all children when a maximum of 1.5 biscuit per day was consumed.
Conclusion: No problems were seen in 9/10 children following introduction of the new biscuit. Energy and nutrient intake were improved. An allergic reaction was seen in 1/10 children, probably due to the potato component.