Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods or probiotics Shields Against childhood Allergies

Shumin Wang and team found strategies to reduce the risk of allergic diseases in children by introducing certain foods early in life. According to a comprehensive study published in Advances in Nutrition, the timing of introducing complementary and allergenic foods plays a crucial role in influencing the development of allergies in children.

The study, which involved a thorough analysis of existing data, was conducted using a wide range of sources including the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed. The researchers looked at the impact of introducing specific foods, including eggs and fish, at different ages on the risk of developing allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in children.

One significant finding was that introducing eggs to children at or before six months of age may reduce the risk of food allergies in preschoolers under six years old. This early introduction appeared to have no effect on the development of asthma or atopic dermatitis.

Additionally, introducing fish between six and twelve months of age was associated with a decreased risk of asthma in children aged five to seventeen. Early introduction of allergenic foods to infants under six months of age, as opposed to later introduction, was found to be protective against the risk of atopic dermatitis in children under ten years old.

The study also highlighted the benefits of probiotic intervention for infants at high risk of allergic diseases. This intervention significantly reduced the risk of food allergies in children up to three years of age, asthma in those aged six to twelve, and atopic dermatitis in children aged under six.

Notably, the study did not find any association between early introduction of complementary foods or high-dose vitamin D supplementation during infancy and the risk of developing food allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis in childhood.

These findings provide valuable insights into how parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of allergic diseases in children. By introducing specific foods at the right time, particularly eggs and fish, and considering probiotic interventions for infants at high risk of allergies, families may be better equipped to protect their children from these health concerns.

Source:

Wang, S., Yin, P., Yu, L., Tian, F., Chen, W., & Zhai, Q. (2023). Effects of early diet on the prevalence of allergic disease in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2023.10.001