[Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy. Updated literature review by the CMICA Food Allergy Committee].

BACKGROUND

Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy includes adverse reactions to food mediated by the innate immune system and cellular immunity. It is characterized by subacute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after ingestion of a relevant food allergen, making diagnosis difficult.

OBJECTIVE

To carry out an updated bibliographic review of non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy, that summarizes incidence, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic tools and treatment.

METHODOLGY: A search was conducted in the databases Medline, EMBASE, Scielo, Google Scholar and the Advanced Medicine Informatics Network (RIMA) using the keywords: non-IgE-mediated food allergy, allergic proctocolitis; cow's milk-induced anemia; food protein-induced enteropathy; food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome; Celiac disease and Heiner syndrome. The search was limited to articles published in English and Spanish from January 2015 to May 2024.

RESULTS

While progress has been made in the recognition of these diseases, the prevalence and pathophysiology remain uncertain. Involvement of the innate immune system and cellular immunity in gastrointestinal inflammation has been found, but further studies are needed to clarify the immunopathogenesis and associated biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-IgE-mediated gastrointestinal food allergy account for an unknown proportion of food allergies. Since there are no biomarkers or non-invasive confirmatory tests, the diagnosis relies on clinical features and is confirmed when the symptoms improve with elimination of the offending food. Management includes avoidance of the causative food from the diet, supportive treatment in case of accidental exposure, and nutritional counseling.