257 - Tolerability and Symptom Relief with a Novel Whole Food Plant-Based Pediatric Nutrition Drink Based on Almond Butter and Buckwheat in Children Previously Using a Hypoallergenic Formula.

Poster Number: 257
Publication Number: 257.141

Kayla M. Bridges, Else Nutrition, Westerville, OH, United States; Fabiana Bar-Yoseph, Else Nutrition, Tel Aviv, HaMerkaz, Israel; Renana Mizrahi, Else Nutrition, Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel; Jon A. Vanderhoof, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, United States

Background: Consumers are increasingly seeking plant-based milk alternatives for medical reasons, including functional gastrointestinal disorders; allergy to dairy, soy, or pea protein; and other food-related reactions involving the immune system, such as food protein-induced enterocolitis or eosinophilic esophagitis. In such patients, it is thus important to study effects of novel plant-based pediatric nutrition drinks based on almond butter and buckwheat (Else Nutrition), which recently became commercially available.

Objective: The study objective was to examine parent perception of their child’s acceptance and tolerance to a novel plant-based nutritional drink, after having previously used a hypoallergenic formula (extensively hydrolyzed protein or amino acid based).

Design/Methods: Data collected from a cross-sectional consumer survey, administered by a 3rd party vendor to a convenience sample, were retrospectively analyzed. Repeat consumers who had ordered product via company’s website were prompted to participate in an online survey. Survey content was adapted from validated pediatric questionnaires (ROME IV) and modified to include questions on usage, volume, demographics, and anthropometrics. Bristol Stool Form Chart was used to assess stool patterns. Data were analyzed from responders who reported transitioning off a hypoallergenic formula (Nf107).   Statistical significance with α=0.05 was examined using Student’s t-test for continuous parameters and Chi-square for relative frequencies.

Results: The products were well tolerated with high acceptance. Weight gain was improved (P < 0.05) in 95% these consumers who reported that their child was not previously gaining weight normally. Of those who reported previous hypoallergenic formula consumption, 69% reported dairy allergy diagnosis; of these, 38% reported a co-existing soy allergy. There was an 81% reduction in severely abnormal stools (Type 1 or 7), 94% improvement in GI symptoms (spit-ups, vomits, diarrhea, constipation, etc.), and 55% reported significant improvement or complete relief of symptom. Previous skin rash was reported in 31%; significant improvement (P < 0.05) in frequency, length, and severity of dermatologic symptoms was achieved following consumption of the plant-based nutritional drinks.Conclusion(s): This study revealed a high level of parents’ perception of clinical improvement of intolerance symptoms for patients previously using a hypoallergenic formula. This suggests a potential role for almond butter and buckwheat-based formulas in such children; however, these results need to be confirmed in a controlled clinical study.