Ellie’s Blueberry Trial FPIES Results

This is it. I’m going to do it. I am going to confirm that yes, blueberries are an FPIES safe food for Ellie. She has a safe food again! Halleluiah!

One Blueberry trial step forward

Such an incredible amount of relief in knowing we made one small step forward. The even more exciting part is she LIKES them! Okay well let’s clarify, she is still struggling with oral aversion so for her, a few bites of one particular presentation of food IS progress – no quibbling here. She ATE roasted blueberry puree and wanted more. Oh, be still my heart.

One fructose step back

Okay well now is when I feel like I need to give you the rest of the information too. There is good news, yes, but it is followed by some news that is quite frustrating. Blueberries are an FPIES pass, however they still seem to be an issue with fructose. They are technically supposed to be a more accepted fruit in terms of fructose intolerance. However, with Ellie’s incredibly limited diet, there just isn’t enough variety in her stomach to help with the fructose from the blueberries – even the limited amount.

Blueberry trial for the win

But back to good news, because heavens to Betsy, I want to focus on that! Even the fructose aspect has improved some as her body has acclimated a bit over the last several weeks with small amounts of blueberry daily. Have I mentioned that I am thrilled beyond words to be able to give Ellie a FOOD again!

Blueberry variations

One food can be presented in several ways through texture and shape. I’m sure you have this drilled into your head after this post about butternut squash presentation. I have done a more simplified approach so far with blueberries because honestly, I didn’t want to jinx it. Make a ton of different blueberry forms in the dehydrator and oven and stove all to have her react? I couldn’t do it, so I waited. Now that we have confirmation, I’m going to add some more variety to what we have already been doing. Until then I will share with you really quick what I have done so far.

Fresh Blueberries

Frozen Blueberries

Freeze-dried blueberries (with no additives – of course, we use these or these)

Roasted blueberries (blueberries on a Silicone mat at 350^oF for about 20 mins)

Stove-top blueberry puree from fresh or frozen

Reduced stove-top puree for a thicker texture

Roasted blueberry puree (Man this stuff is GOOD!)

Blueberry powder (freeze-dried blueberries ground up in the food processer until they are in a powder form)

Blueberry Crackers (See this post for instructions for squash crackers, just sub blueberry powder for the squash flour) Ellie LOVES these!

Blueberry limits

I have found that she has the biggest issue with the blueberry powder, which makes sense since all the moisture is removed which gives it an even higher fructose concentration. So, we just limit the amount of powder and crackers she has in one sitting. I just can’t even believe I am having to limit Ellie with food she is WANTING to eat. The girl who gagged when any food got in her mouth is feeding herself bites, swallowing those bites, AND asking for more. Excuse me for a minute while I wipe all these tears of joy off my face.

I know we have a long road ahead, but at least we are in the car, buckled up, and are finally in drive! Next stop – cauliflower!