The PIC Foundation 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.

We plan to fulfill this mission by accomplishing the following goals: 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 tongue, lips, 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/MFPI:
  • Mucus/Blood in Stools
  • Inconsolable and Extended Crying/Colic
  • Disrupted Sleep
  • Eczema or rash-like marks
  • "Spit-up" an hour+ after feeding
  • Sulfur/sour smelling stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Red ring around the anus
  • Peeling diaper rash
  • Gas/wind
COMMON SYMPTOMS for FPIES also include:
  • 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.


If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this website; please contact us:
dwestman@thepicfoundation.org or jsnell@thepicfoundation.org
The PIC Foundation