Dubai, UAE – Food intolerance in children is a widely discussed topic, especially in parenting forums. Many parents turn to the internet for information before they start giving solid food to their little ones. When it comes to food intolerances and allergies, it is always best to discuss your concerns with a pediatrician and nutritionist in Dubai.

“Sometimes, children may develop a reaction to particular foods that they consume, which is what we call a food intolerance,” says Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, renowned kids specialist and Medical Director of myPediaclinic in Dubai. “These reactions occur when their body is unable to break down the food leading to digestive issues. It is important to identify them at the earliest so that children can eat safe and healthy foods aiding their growth and nourishment.”

It is important to understand that food intolerances are not the same as food allergies. Pediatric nutritionists note that food intolerance generally causes milder symptoms in both children and adults as compared to allergies, as they only affect the digestive system. Allergies on the other hand trigger an immune system response, which causes severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

If your child consumes foods that they are intolerant to, they may develop the following symptoms:
Stomach pain
Bloating
flatulence
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea
Ulcers in mouth
Rashes

More often than not, symptoms of food intolerance are delayed in children, much similar to the case of adults. These issues can appear in hours or days after your child has consumed foods that they are intolerant to.

“We commonly observe food intolerances in children towards lactose, which is a sugar found in dairy products and food additives such as MSG,” continues Dr. Medat. “Some naturally occurring food chemicals such as amines and salicylates may also cause some intolerance issues, especially in children.”

If you frequently observe any of the above symptoms when your children have their meals, it’s safe to assume that they may have some kind of food intolerance. In that case, it is best to visit your nearest pediatric clinic in Dubai and consult with a Pediatrician as well as a nutritionist. Your kid’s doctor will be able to give you a better diagnosis by ruling out other possible issues such as gut health problems or reflux issues.

If your child’s nutritionist suspects food intolerance is the reason for the symptoms mentioned, he will recommend an elimination diet, where you remove foods that might be causing the symptoms from your little one’s diet. Removing one food at a time and observing for a period of time will help you work out which food is causing digestive issues and intolerance symptoms in your child. Keeping a food diary regularly will help you get a clearer idea of your child’s food intolerances and how to prepare meals by working around them.

In any case, it is prudent that you consult with the best pediatrician and pediatric nutritionist in Dubai before putting your child on an elimination diet. These experts can help you ensure that your child is receiving all the necessary nutrients for his/her growth, even if a specific food is removed from their diet.

For more information on food intolerances and to get your child tested, visit myPediaclinic, one of the best pediatric clinics in Dubai today.

About My Pedia Clinic:
myPediaclinic is a multi-specialist pediatric clinic in Dubai offering a wide range of healthcare services for young patients. The specialties include pediatrics, orthodontists, pediatric dentistry, and nutrition. As one of the most trusted and kid-friendly clinics in the country, the doctors and staff at myPediaclinic are focused on delivering quality treatment and consultation for the long-term health and well-being of their patients.

Source:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-intolerance/