New Dietary Advice for Early Introduction of Allergenic Foods

08/03/2013

The merits and pitffalls of early introduction of allergenic foods to children have long been debated. Two knew contributions have become available this week addressing issues around this controversial topic.

An article published this week in The Wall Street Journal summarises recommendations from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology in January, that highly allergenic foods such as peanut butter, fish and eggs can be introduced to babies between 4 and 6 months and may even play a role in preventing food allergies from developing.

A second piece by Rosan Meyer, Paediatric Dietician, discusses the issue of ensuring sufficient and desirable nutrition in children with food allergies and intolerances, including the recommendation in the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines that 'involving a dietitian in the management is not only recommended…to ensure optimal elimination of the food, but can make a significant difference to the day-to-day issues the family struggle with', as put by Meyer. She notes that it can be very challenging for parents to not only ensure that their child’s diet is completely free from the allergen, but also to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need and offers handy hints and tips for addressing common problems in nutritional management in allergy.

The full articles and comment by the Anaphylaxis Campaign are available below:

Allergy committee recommends early introduction of allergenic foods

The Challenge of Nutritional Management in Children with Food Allergy

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