By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Scientific research is constantly evolving and shedding new light on a variety of health topics. A new report by a leading group of US physicians suggests asthma, eczema, food allergies, and other atopic diseases may be delayed in high-risk infants if they are breastfed for at least their first 4 months.
The January issue of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reveals some brand new policy statements in regards to childhood food allergies. The report suggests there is not enough evidence to support the delaying of high allergen foods from the diet of high-risk infants. In addition, the AAP claims there is little evidence to support the restriction of allergenic foods in the diets of expecting mothers in order to prevent infants from getting an atopic disease.
This is a complete reversal of the AAP’s previous policy statement that recommended delaying the introduction of common allergens, for example, cow’s milk, until the baby was at least 12 months old. Children are considered to be high-risk if they have at least one parent or sibling with food allergies or atopic disease. The AAP did not feel that they had enough scientific evidence to back up their previous policy statement. They believe that if the high-risk child was going to be allergic after 4-6 months of age, then it did not seem to matter when the allergenic food was introduced.
According to the authors, there is evidence that breastfeeding for the first 4 months of life delays eczema, cow’s milk allergies, and wheezing in early childhood when compared to infants who are formula fed. High-risk infants who were not exclusively breastfed, but given hydrolyzed formulas had delayed atopic diseases when compared with infants who were fed a formula made with intact cow’s milk proteins. Researchers conclude that more research is needed on the comparison of types of infant formula and their long-term benefits or side effects. The report also explains that the new policies won’t have profound effects since most people did not adhere to their previous policies anyway.
Despite the ever changing policies and evidence, some principals have proved themselves tried and true over the years. Avoiding common allergens during the first year of life is still advised, not only to avoid future food allergies. Delayed allergenic food introduction can spare your infant of a myriad of symptoms including upset stomach, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, and skin reactions.
Reference:
"Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Timing of Introduction of Complementary Foods, and Hydrolyzed Formulas."
Frank R. Greer, Scott H. Sicherer, A. Wesley Burks and the Committee on Nutrition and Section on Allergy and Immunology.
Pediatrics 2008; 121: 183-191.
Vol. 121 No. 1 January 2008, pp. 183-191.
doi:10.1542/peds.2007-3022.
