Welcome to the PIC Foundation

We are a charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Protein

Intolerant Children (PIC) and their families. We are a chapter of the Partnership for Cures, a 501c3 organization that funds research to promote faster cures for sick children.

As parents of protein intolerant children, we are navigating very muddy waters. We

have found that not much is known about protein intolerance nor how to treat it and

live with it. There seems to be a lack of standardized treatment methods in the medical profession leading to much confusion for families and much suffering for children. We hope to change all of that.

Our mission is to improve the lives of protein intolerant children and their families by providing information, resources, support forums, and by promoting public awareness and supporting medical research.

It is our hope that this website will serve as a solid source of information to help families make educated decisions about caring for their protein intolerant infant/child.

“How do I know if my child has a food allergy or food intolerance? What is the difference?”

FOOD ALLERGY	FOOD PROTEIN INTOLERANCE
The body’s abnormal immune response to a food, usually a protein (i.e. peanut allergy)	An abnormal reaction to a food protein usually caused by the body’s lack of a digestive enzyme required to breakdown that specific protein (i.e. lactose intolerance)
COMMON SYMPTOMS Vomiting Diarrhea Cramps Hives Eczema Swelling Itching/Swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth Severe reactions can be life threatening and require immediate medical attention and can include: Itching or tightness in the throat Difficulty breathing Wheezing/Coughing Low Blood Pressure Symptoms usually occur within minutes to 1-2 hours after ingesting the food.	COMMON SYMPTOMS (For MSPI and MFPI) Mucus and/or blood in stools Inconsolable crying/colic like symptoms for long periods of time Disrupted sleep Eczema or rash like marks “Spit up” an hour or more after feeding Sulfur like or foul smelling stools Diarrhea Red ring around the anus Peeling diaper rash Gas/Wind COMMON SYMPTOMS (for FPIES can include the above and the following:) Profuse and projectile vomiting Lethargy Dehydration Loss of appetite Low blood pressure Symptoms can occur hours to days after ingesting the food.
*Some information taken from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia website.	*This list is compiled from the experience of many different parents as well as from several different books on the subject.

Many children will experience both allergies and intolerances. It is important to see your pediatrician if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.