About this Research Topic
The incidence of various allergies and intolerances is on the rise. In high-income countries, the prevalence of food allergies among children can be as high as 10%. Avoiding the ingredient causing the allergy or intolerance and replacing it with alternative foods when necessary are both key elements of treatment. There are also several studies on the relationship between dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids and allergy prevention. However, these special diets may influence not only n-3 fatty acid supply of these children, but the availability of other biologically important substances such as lipid-soluble antioxidant vitamins.
The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled in recent decades, and being overweight or obese is now one of the leading health issues in pediatrics. To prevent or treat childhood obesity, a balanced diet is recommended, but other special diets (vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean diets) may also be beneficial. However, following a special diet can not only beneficially influence body weight, but may also have significant impact (positive or even negative) on fatty acid supply.
Over the past decades, a wide range of dietary n-3 fatty acid supplements for children has appeared within the dietary supplement market. Moreover, these n-3 fatty acids are not only available as dietary supplements, but many foods are also fortified with them. Numerous studies have addressed the potential beneficial physiological effects of n-3 fatty acid supplements and dietary enrichments on early neurodevelopment and inflammation.
This Research Topic aims to collect research data (both in original research papers and in review articles) within the topic of special diets in children and their potential effect on fatty acid supply. Data on the effects of special diets for food allergies, intolerances and neurodevelopmental disorders would be especially welcome. We also focus on alternative food substitutes (e.g. plant-based substitutes for cow’s milk, yoghurt or cheese), and on dietary supplements or fortified food recommended for this age group.
In this Research Topic we will welcome original articles, mini-reviews, and reviews covering themes including but not limited to:
• Special diets and their effect on fatty acid supply (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, paleo, Mediterranean diets);
• Special (elimination) diets in food allergies (e.g. cow milk allergy, nut allergy) and their effects on fatty acid status;
• Fatty acid intakes with special diets and their health effects;
• Relationships between fatty acid intake and/or supply and pediatric allergies;
• Diets preventing/treating obesity and their effects on fatty acid supply;
• Health effects of nutritional supplements (e.g. n-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) or fortified food containing fatty acids;
• Molecular basis and mechanisms of these aforementioned diets.
The prevalence of childhood obesity has doubled in recent decades, and being overweight or obese is now one of the leading health issues in pediatrics. To prevent or treat childhood obesity, a balanced diet is recommended, but other special diets (vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean diets) may also be beneficial. However, following a special diet can not only beneficially influence body weight, but may also have significant impact (positive or even negative) on fatty acid supply.
Over the past decades, a wide range of dietary n-3 fatty acid supplements for children has appeared within the dietary supplement market. Moreover, these n-3 fatty acids are not only available as dietary supplements, but many foods are also fortified with them. Numerous studies have addressed the potential beneficial physiological effects of n-3 fatty acid supplements and dietary enrichments on early neurodevelopment and inflammation.
This Research Topic aims to collect research data (both in original research papers and in review articles) within the topic of special diets in children and their potential effect on fatty acid supply. Data on the effects of special diets for food allergies, intolerances and neurodevelopmental disorders would be especially welcome. We also focus on alternative food substitutes (e.g. plant-based substitutes for cow’s milk, yoghurt or cheese), and on dietary supplements or fortified food recommended for this age group.
In this Research Topic we will welcome original articles, mini-reviews, and reviews covering themes including but not limited to:
• Special diets and their effect on fatty acid supply (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, paleo, Mediterranean diets);
• Special (elimination) diets in food allergies (e.g. cow milk allergy, nut allergy) and their effects on fatty acid status;
• Fatty acid intakes with special diets and their health effects;
• Relationships between fatty acid intake and/or supply and pediatric allergies;
• Diets preventing/treating obesity and their effects on fatty acid supply;
• Health effects of nutritional supplements (e.g. n-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) or fortified food containing fatty acids;
• Molecular basis and mechanisms of these aforementioned diets.
Keywords: children, allergy, obesity, development, neurodevelopment, health, nutritional supplement, special diet, fatty acid, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
