Nutritional counseling for cow's milk protein allergy in infants from birth to 2 y of ages: Scoping review.

OBJECTIVES

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a clinical condition that requires appropriate nutritional counseling during breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary feeding. Using evidence-based dietetic advice is critical for correct growth and development during childhood. The aim of this study was to review the most recent literature on nutritional counseling aimed at infants between 0 and 2 y of age diagnosed with CMPA.

METHODS

Six databases were searched and updated on August 22, 2020. Retrieved articles were screened in duplicate and independently by all the authors, and these were selected according to the following inclusion criteria: clinical trials, reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines published since 2013 on any dietetic intervention aimed at infant populations between 0 and 2 y of age with CMPA. Critical appraisal through the AGREE instrument and CASP tools enabled the risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

We obtained 2874 results, of which 40 were included for reviewing. The retrieved information enabled us to answer all the research questions, including aspects of the nutritional counseling aimed at mothers who breastfeed infants with CMPA, as well as infants during breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary feeding. We also reviewed the specific nutritional requirements of infants with CMPA to assess nutritional supplementation and the evidence available on the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review collected, in a structured and comprehensive way, the most recent available information regarding nutritional counseling in CMPA for a successful dietetic intervention of the casuistry that may arise during early infancy.