Dietary protein sensitivity: is it an important risk factor for persistent diarrhea?

Although the causes of persistent diarrhea are largely unknown, dietary protein sensitivity has been identified as one possible mechanism. Since nutritional therapy appears to be an essential component of treatment for persistent diarrhea, a clearer understanding of the importance of dietary protein allergy is needed to provide optimal dietary recommendations. This paper reviews the current concepts of the pathophysiology, clinical features and criteria for diagnosis of dietary protein sensitivity. Evaluation of the results of several clinical studies indicates that dietary protein sensitivity does occur especially in young infants fed cows' milk but that it is an uncommon event, especially in older infants and children.