Elimination Diet
An elimination diet is one common treatment option for eosinophilic oesophagitis.
It is important to speak with an Allergist and/or Gastroenterologist, and have a Dietitian experienced in food allergy before undertaking an elimination diet. Some individuals may be able to identify specific food(s) that trigger symptoms, but most cannot. More than one food may be involved.
Some doctors suggest removal of up to 6 common food allergens (milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut/tree nut, shellfish/fish). A common approach is the ‘step-up’ elimination diet with at first, only one or two food groups (usually milk/dairy and wheat as the most common triggers) being eliminated and then more if required. Foods outside of the common allergens can also be EoE triggers.
There is currently no test (skin prick test, blood test etc.) that can reliably indicate the specific food trigger(s) in EoE. With any elimination diet it is important to ensure diet is balanced, growth is maintained and a plan is in place to re-assess.
It is important to speak with an Allergist and/or Gastroenterologist, and have a Dietitian experienced in food allergy before undertaking an elimination diet. Some individuals may be able to identify specific food(s) that trigger symptoms, but most cannot. More than one food may be involved.
Some doctors suggest removal of up to 6 common food allergens (milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanut/tree nut, shellfish/fish). A common approach is the ‘step-up’ elimination diet with at first, only one or two food groups (usually milk/dairy and wheat as the most common triggers) being eliminated and then more if required. Foods outside of the common allergens can also be EoE triggers.
There is currently no test (skin prick test, blood test etc.) that can reliably indicate the specific food trigger(s) in EoE. With any elimination diet it is important to ensure diet is balanced, growth is maintained and a plan is in place to re-assess.
Dietary Management of EoE
In this video Dr Vicki McWilliam, paediatric allergy dietitian, explains the dietary approach to identifying food triggers of EoE.
This video is for general information only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider. If this video raises questions for you, it's important to discuss with your doctor, dietitian or other health professional.
Useful Links
- ASCIA Dietary Guide - Two Food Elimination Diet (2FED) for EoE
- ASCIA Dietary Guide - Four Food Elimination Diet (4FED) for EoE
- ASCIA Dietary Avoidance for Food Allergy
- ASCIA Dietary Avoidance for Food Allergy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia – Food Allergen Cards
- American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) GI Patient Center - Six-food elimination diet (SFED)
- APFED - Recipes
- ausEE - Allergy Friendly Foods and Products
- ausEE - Allergy Friendly Recipes
- Dietitians Australia - Help with costs
- Queensland Health - NEMO Factsheets:
Page last modified: 8 January 2024