Timing of introduction of allergenic solids for infants at high risk. Issue 1 (15th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abrams, Elissa; Hildebrand, Kyla; Blair, Becky; Chan, Edmond S
• Is Part Of: Paediatrics & Child Health. Volume 24:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2019-02-15
• Subjects: Allergy prevention -- Eczema -- Food allergy; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxy195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1205-7088

Abstract

Abstract: Food allergy affects an estimated 2 to 10% of the population, with evidence of increasing prevalence over time. Preventing food allergy has become an important public health goal. Health Canada currently recommends breastfeeding infants exclusively until they are 6 months old, while acknowledging that in individual practice, signs of infant readiness may guide the introduction of complementary foods a few weeks earlier. There is emerging evidence that early food introduction, between 4 and 6 months of age, may have a role in preventing food allergy, particularly for egg and peanut, in high-risk infants. For infants at high risk for allergic disease, it is now recommended that commonly allergenic solids be introduced at around 6 months of age, but not before 4 months of age, and guided by the infant's developmental readiness for food. Continued breastfeeding should be encouraged and supported because of its many health benefits.