High Risk vs. Low Risk Foods In FPIES

Every FPIES parent probably has come across the high risk vs. low risk food chart. The food is categorized into high, moderate or low risk based on how frequent it is the offending culprit within a group of FPIES kids. So it is more helpful when applied in a GROUP context than an individual.

When it comes to predicting whether or not YOUR baby will react to any food (be it low risk or high risk), it is essentially a coin toss. Yup, that is why FPIES is so friggin stressful!! You won't know if your baby will react until you introduce the food repeatedly. A baby can react to low risk foods like blueberries or quinoa while tolerating high risk foods like soy or dairy just fine. However, the chart is a good starting point, especially for an anxious parent whose baby is newly diagnosed.

Important note: Do not avoid introduction of high risk foods simply because they are labeled 'high risk' (unless specifically directed by your allergist due to a history of adverse reaction). There is data suggesting that unnecessary food avoidance can increase the risk of IgE-mediated food allergy (ie. anaphylactic reaction). This is consistent with studies that show that early introduction to allergens such as peanut can decrease risk of IgE-mediated food allergies.

Let me know below in the comments if your baby tolerates a high risk food or reacts to a low risk food.