A Dutch study, led by Ilse Tromp of Erasmus University in Rotterdam, has shown that there is no need to avoid solid or allergenic foods in young children who are otherwise in good health. The recommendations have been, until now, that parents wait a few years before feeding their children allergenic foods such as cow’s milk, hen’s eggs, soy, gluten or nuts, but the new research shows that this does not prevent allergies.

Nearly 7000 children participated in the study that took place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, between April 2002 and January 2006. The age of introduction of these allergens was collected by questionnaires at six and 12 months. The results showed that the introduction of the allergens before the age of six months was not associated with eczema or wheezing at any age, and these results did not alter after stratification according to the child’s history of cow’s milk allergy and parental history of atopy.

However, if a child shows any signs of an allergic reaction – trouble breathing, breaking out in hives or vomiting – the parents must talk to a doctor.

Source: Archives of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine

More research reports on infant and children

First Published in June 2011

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