Milk elimination diet improves symptoms, remission rates in children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eliminating foods containing Cow’s milk protein (CMP) induced histological remission in more than 50% of children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), according to a study.

In this prospective observational study, 41 children with EoE were treated with One Food Elimination Diet (1FED) excluding CMP. An upper endoscopy with biopsies was performed after 8-12 weeks of treatment.

In 21 (51%) children, histological remission was induced. Improvements in endoscopic abnormalities and symptoms were seen in 24 (59%) and 25 (61%) patients. Symptoms that improved included chest pain, dysphagia, and pocketing/spitting out food.

Children said their quality of life improved while on the diet, however parents said quality of life was worse.

The authors concluded that 1FED should be considered a first-line dietary treatment in patients with EoE.

Reference
A single food milk elimination diet is effective for treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in children. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2021.03.049