Food Allergy and Intolerance

Are you seeking individual dietery advice for your child?

As a research facility, the CNRC is unable to offer individual dietary advice to parents or health professionals. For specific advice on diet and nutrition for your child, please seek the advice of your local general practitioner, or an accredited practising dietitian.

Welcome to the Food Allergy and Intolerance research theme. Headed by Dr Rebecca Hill and Professor Peter SW Davies, studies under this theme seek to explore the relationship between food allergies, food intolerances and nutrition in both otherwise healthy individuals and those with chronic disease. Foci include irritable infants, FODMAPs and eating difficulties.

Colic Irritability Reflux Intolerance Allergy Study (CIRIAS)
This research is a collaboration with the Infant Feeding Theme.

Cows’ milk protein allergy and other food intolerances may cause irritability in otherwise healthy babies. This study aims to identify sources of food intolerance in the breast feeding mother’s diet and its impact on irritability, colic and reflix in babies.

Research Team:
Dr Rebecca Hill – Children's Nutrition Research Centre, The University of Queensland
Ms Tracy Harb – Children's Nutrition Research Centre, The University of Queensland
Dr Pamela Dodrill – Queensland Children’s Medical Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital
Dr Frances Connor – Children's Nutrition Research Centre, The University of Queensland; Queensland Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Service, Royal Children's Hospital
Dr Sue Shepherd – Department of Gastroenterology, Monash University

The Role of Food Intolerance in Functional Gastro Intestinal Disorders in Children
Functional Gastro Intestinal Disorders (FGID) including Irritable bowel syndrome affects up to 30% of the adult population. FGID is common in children as well, and impacts on their quality of life. Surprisingly, until recently there have been few successful treatments available. It has long been known, however, that food intolerances play a role in producing the symptoms of FGID. This study aim’s to show that food intolerances are a significant area to target in the treatment of children with FGID. In turn, these studies will help clinicians decide which dietary intervention to use with individual clients.

Research Team:
Ms Kate Wilson, Children’s Nutritional Research Centre, The University of Queensland
Dr Rebecca Hill, Children’s Nutrition Research Centre, The University of Queensland
Dr Frances Connor – Children's Nutrition Research Centre, The University of Queensland; Queensland Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Service, Royal Children's Hospital
Dr Sue Shepherd, Department of Gastroenterology, Monash University