Does cow's milk protein elimination diet have a role on induction and maintenance of remission in children with ulcerative colitis?

AIM: Aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of a cow's milk protein (CMP) elimination diet on induction and maintenance of remission and to define association with atopy in children with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients (mean age: 11.2 years; range: 4.6-17 years; F/M: 15/14) with newly diagnosed UC were randomized either to receive a CMP elimination diet (n = 14) or to continue a free diet (n = 15) associated with concomitant steroid induction and mesalazine maintenance treatment. Children were prospectively evaluated at four time points: within 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after diagnosis or at the time of relapse. RESULTS: Twenty-five of the 29 enrolled patients responded to the UC induction therapy with a complete remission (86.2%), 13 belonging to CMP elimination diet group and 12 to free diet group (p = 0.59). Overall, our data showed that 7 of 13 (53.8%) patients treated with CMP elimination diet and 8 of 15 (53.3%) patients on free diet and UC therapy relapsed within 1 year of follow-up (p = 1). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, data of this paediatric, randomized trial suggest that CMP elimination has no role in the management of UC in non-sensitized children.