Causes of Chocolate Allergies in Children
Chocolate is one of the top foods on the list of known allergens and often causes a negative reaction not only in children, but also in adults who are not prone to allergies.
Chocolate allergies often occur in children under 5 years of age. Photo: Getty The reason is that it contains the following ingredients:
- Peanut, palm and coconut oils, which replace most of the cocoa butter in chocolate production.
- Milk powder, often causing allergies in children who do not tolerate milk protein.
- Soy lecithin - its intolerance is often found in children under the age of 3-4 years.
- Gluten - vegetable protein, an allergy to it can be detected long before the introduction into the diet of chocolate - during the first feeding with cereals.
- Nickel is an element that should be ingested in small doses.
- Tyramine is a substance that dramatically increases blood sugar levels and pressure.
In addition to the main allergens found in chocolate, it often contains nuts, raisins, vanilla, coffee and other additives that can trigger allergies.
Symptoms of Chocolate Allergies in Children
Dangerous components of chocolate can get intothe baby's body not only directly, but also with mother's milk. Therefore, nursing women should avoid eating chocolate for the entire period of breastfeeding. Symptoms of "chocolate allergy" in a child:
- multiple rashes on the body;
- severe redness of the cheeks;
- itchy skin;
- crust formation under the hair;
- loose stools, often with a greenish tint;
- flatulence and stomach pain;
- cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
If signs of sensitivity totreat, the baby should be shown to a doctor to determine which component of the product caused the allergy. Therapy usually includes taking antihistamines, adsorbents to cleanse the blood and intestines, and local application of antipruritic ointments and creams. In some cases, children are shown bathing in water with the addition of medicinal herbs and therapeutic fasting. Chocolate is a product that should be introduced into the baby's diet with caution. According to allergists, it should not be given to children under 5 years old. If a child has an allergic reaction, any sweets should be removed from his diet and a doctor should be consulted. Also interesting:
