Childhood food allergies have increased in the last few decades and according to the authors of this week’s study, several of these allergies are life long, including fish, tree nut, sesame, and peanut. It has been found that earlier exposure to food allergens in the infant diet helps to prevent allergies, such as introducing peanut protein and hen eggs to infants before rather than after 12 months of age. Conversely, avoidance of allergenic food proteins in the infant diet combined with early skin exposure to the allergens increases the risk of food allergy.
The authors for this week’s study review evidence on the role of vitamin D, prebiotics, probiotics, maternal diet elimination, maternal allergen ingestion, exclusive breastfeeding, and timing of infant allergen introduction in the prevention of infant food allergies.
Check out the question to check your knowledge!
Kristi Cortina
There are parents who do not use formula at all and babies have CMPA. Parents who consume dairy also increase their risk of their baby having CMPA, not just early formula use.
IABLE
Hi, Cows milk protein allergy, also known as food protein induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is a non-IgE food allergy. These kids are not at increased risk of hives, wheezing, anaphylaxis from exposure of cows milk in the parental diet. This study is discussing some different- IgE related food allergies, that cause severe, possibly life threatening reactions.
B Lichy
Is the continuing low exposure to cow’s milk mean it is recommended for formula to continue? Or does it mean low level exposure through a breastfeeding mother ingesting milk? So many newborns are supplemented in hospital and the pedis are not talking about risks.
IABLE
Unfortunately there are now guidelines out there recommending that if a breastfed infant is given cows milk based formula in the first few days after birth, that continued daily formula supplementation of about 10-30 ml will decrease the risk of cows milk allergy by age 2. There is no evidence that the dairy in the parental diet reduces the risk of cows milk protein allergy in these situations.
However, this is all so frustrating and disrespectful of families. We should be recognizing that newborns of parents who intend to exclusively breastfeed or provide exclusive breastmilk should be given either donor milk or elemental formula when supplementation is indicated to reduce the risk of cows milk allergy. They should NOT be given cows milk based formula.
MRE Lite
The findings of this study highlight the crucial role of the maternal diet and supplements in preventing infant food allergies. It is alarming to witness the rising cases of childhood food allergies, with many becoming lifelong burdens. Early exposure to allergens through the infant diet, particularly with foods like peanut protein and hen eggs, has been shown to reduce allergy risks. On the other hand, avoiding allergenic foods in infancy combined with early skin exposure to allergens can increase the likelihood of allergies. This research emphasizes the significance of factors such as vitamin D, prebiotics, probiotics, maternal diet elimination, and timing of allergen introduction. Implementing these recommendations can be a vital step towards safeguarding our children’s health and wellbeing.