New nutrition guideline from AHS
Alberta Health Services Nutrition Services is pleased to share the new Nutrition Guideline for Healthy Infants and Young Children: Introduction of Complementary Foods – Commonly Allergenic Foods. This nutrition guideline provides more comprehensive recommendations that expand on those provided in the now retired 2019 Introduction of Commonly Allergenic Foods for Infants - AHS Public Health Practice Change document.
About the nutrition guideline
The Introduction of Complementary Foods – Commonly Allergenic Foods nutrition guideline provides nurses, physicians, dietitians and other health professionals with evidence informed, practical feeding and nutrition recommendations to support parents in introducing commonly allergenic foods to their infants.
Summary of key practice recommendations
- Intentionally introduce commonly allergenic foods (peanut, egg, cow’s milk, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame) when starting complementary foods.
- Continued and regular ingestion is recommended to maintain tolerance. Aim for weekly exposure to peanut and egg and include other commonly allergenic foods regularly, as per family preferences and cultural practices.
Key questions addressed in the nutrition guideline pertain to rationale for recommendations, recognition of food allergy symptoms, practical considerations for families and relevant public health resources. (Note: Healthy Parents Healthy Children as well as Public Health Nutrition modules on My Learning Link have been updated to match messaging in this nutrition guideline. Well Child Clinic Clinical Nursing Guidelines will also be updated to reflect these recommendations in the upcoming weeks.)
How to access and promote the nutrition guideline
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