The potential role of preventive and therapeutic immunonutrition strategies for pediatric food allergy: A mini-review

Abstract

Food allergy (FA) represents one of the main chronic conditions of the pediatric population. The gut microbiome (GM)-immune system axis is a milestone in affecting FA susceptibility. The dynamic and bidirectional crosstalk between the GM and immune system starts early in life, and it is deeply modulated during the first 1,000 days of life. Nutritional factors during this crucial period mainly influence the proper GM-immune system development and function across the lifespan, with potential beneficial or detrimental effects on health status. Immunonutrition strategies, applied from conception, could represent an innovative target for prevention and treatment of pediatric FA. Here we described the potential role of preventive and therapeutic immunonutrition strategies for pediatric FA, highlighting putative future perspectives in this field.

Keywords: active diet; allergic diseases; allergy; gut microbiome; immunonutrition; pediatric food allergy.

Figure 1

The GM-immune system axis is responsible for pivotal regulation of long term health status, mainly through epigenetic mechanisms. For instance, healthy dietary and lifestyle habits such as Mediterranen diet (full of fibers, fermented foods, antioxidants, omega-3), breastfeeding, exposure to pets and/or rural environment, vaginal delivery, and use of probiotics are responsible for a positive influence on the axis. Conversely, cesarean section, prenatal, and early-life exposure to antibiotics/gastric acidity inhibitors/antiseptic agents, unhealthy diet (low fibers/high saturated fats and junk foods) influence negatively the axis. These environmental variables are becoming important targets for active prevention of FA.

Figure 2

Through a positive modulation of GM-Immune System axis, nutritional factors are able to prevent and potentially treat FA.