Expert Insights and Real Stories for Parents Navigating This Rare Food Allergy

If you’ve ever felt alone navigating an FPIES diagnosis—or if you’re wondering what FPIES even is—this episode is for you. 

I’m joined by Dr. Taylor Arnold, pediatric dietitian and mom of two children who had FPIES, and Dr. Manisha Relan, board-certified allergist and immunologist. Together, we break down what FPIES actually is, why it’s so often misdiagnosed, how it differs from typical food allergies, and what families can do to manage it confidently. Whether you're a parent seeking answers or a clinician wanting to deepen your understanding, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling more empowered, prepared, and less alone.

We discuss: 

• What FPIES is, how it differs from typical food allergies, and why diagnosis is often delayed.

• Navigating food introductions, managing reactions, and reducing anxiety around FPIES.

• Practical tips for daycare, social situations, and long-term support for children with FPIES.

To connect with Dr. Taylor Arnold follow her on Instagram @growing.intuitive.eaters, check out all her resources at https://msha.ke/growingintuitiveeaters 

To connect with Dr. Manisha Relan follow her on Instagram @pedsallergymd, and check out all her resources at https://www.101beforeone.com/ and her new book: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Leads-Way-Evidence-Based-Introducing/dp/1610027620

Additional Resources:

https://fpiesfoundation.org/

https://www.fpies.org/

https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/what-is-a-food-allergy/food-protein-induced-enterocolitis-syndrome-fpies/

We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!

00:00 – Intro & Why This Matters

02:00 – Meet the Experts

03:05 – What FPIES Is and Isn’t

08:20 – Hallmark Symptoms & Why It’s Missed

10:10 – Personal Story: Misdiagnosis & Learning Curve

15:00 – Diagnosing FPIES

18:30 – What Causes FPIES?

20:00 – What Parents & Pediatricians Should Know

23:30 – Figuring Out Food Triggers

25:00 – Managing Feeding Anxiety After Diagnosis

29:00 – Preventing Nutritional Deficiencies

32:00 – Practical Tips for School, Daycare & Social Events

35:00 – Emotional Support for Parents

38:00 – Outgrowing FPIES & What Comes Next

42:00 – Final Takeaways & Encouragement

Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠.

Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠!

And don’t forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.

We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices