Calcium intake in children with positive IgG RAST to cow's milk.
OBJECTIVE
This study was made to: (i) identify the prevalence of low calcium intakes in a paediatric population with loosely defined 'milk allergy'; and (ii) assess long-term (mean 21 months later) changes in calcium intake following a single nutrition counselling session with those patients initially found to have a low intake.


METHODS
Calcium intake was assessed in a cross-sectional study of 58 patients ages 5-16 years (mean 9.9 years) with IgG radioallergosorbent test (RAST) class II or higher for cow's milk protein. Those 31 patients found to have a low calcium intake were prospectively re-evaluated 12-30 months later following a single nutrition counselling session.


RESULTS
Calcium intake was < recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for 31 of 58 (53%) patients. The patient's perception of their intake was unreliable; 44% of those who rated their calcium intake fair or good did not meet their RDA. Taking a calcium supplement did not ensure adequate intake; 21% of those taking supplements still did not meet their RDA. Milk intake predicted calcium intake; 8% of those who did not drink milk vs 68% of those who did drink at least some milk met their RDA without supplementation. The 31 patients with low intakes received counselling and were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of nearly 2 years. Calcium intake was increased a mean of 360 mg/day and use of supplements increased from 10 to 52% of the group. Despite these positive changes, 48% still did not meet their RDA.


CONCLUSIONS
Limited milk intake is likely to be associated with suboptimal calcium intake. Efforts should be made to educate the family about the importance of calcium and its non-dairy sources. With many families repeated discussions of this issue may be necessary to influence calcium intake.
Madsen
C D
CD
Division of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7055, United States of America.
Henderson
R C
RC
D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002417:Cattle; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003376:Counseling; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis*; D008892:Milk / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016269:Milk Hypersensitivity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D007074:Immunoglobulin G