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BPJ SE Prescription Food May 2011

Best Practice Journal

Allergy to cows' milk protein and the appropriate use of infant formula

Extensively hydrolysed formula for infants aged under six months and soy formula for infants aged over six months are the first-line choices for infants with cows’ milk protein allergy, without anaphylaxis, if formula is required. Amino acid formula is the first choice for infants with anaphylaxis due to cows’ milk protein allergy or eosinophilic oesophagitis. Breast feeding is recommended for infants whenever possible and should be encouraged, however, successful management of cows’ milk protein allergy may require elimination of dairy products from the maternal diet. View Article

Dietary advice for people with coeliac disease

People with a confirmed diagnosis of coeliac disease must adhere to a life-long gluten-free diet. When first diagnosed, nutritional status may be compromised and repletion doses of vitamins and minerals may be necessary. A small number of gluten-free foods are available, partially subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Schedule, however, a much greater range of products can be purchased from retail outlets. View Article

Strategies to improve nutrition in elderly people

The incidence and impact of malnutrition in older people is underestimated. The best option for treating malnutrition is to enhance normal eating and drinking. A “Food First” approach encourages eating frequent, small, high energy and protein meals and snacks. Nutritional supplements for weight gain are generally not required unless body weight is unable to be maintained with a normal balanced diet, or if food cannot be eaten safely. View Article

The nutritional management of unintentional weight loss in people with COPD

People with COPD are generally underweight, have reduced muscle mass and are often malnourished, leading to other health problems. Opportunities for dietary intervention should be explored, aiming at early detection and early treatment of involuntary weight loss. View Article

Prescription Kitchen videos

Links to video files of the TV show broadcast on Sky channel 950, Thursday May 5th View Article