Infant feeding and the development of food allergies and atopic eczema: An update

Abstract

There is an increasing awareness of food allergies in the community. Dermatologists frequently see patients with atopic eczema, where parents are extremely concerned about the role of food allergy. Advice given to parents regarding the timing of introduction of solid foods has changed markedly over the past decade. Whereas previous advice advocated delaying the introduction of solid foods until the infant's gastrointestinal system had matured, recent studies suggest that the introduction of solids from around 4 to 6 months may actually prevent the development of allergies. Studies on maternal dietary restrictions during pregnancy and lactation have led researchers to believe that antigen avoidance does not play a significant role in the prevention of atopic disease. Breastfeeding exclusively for 4 to 6 months has multiple benefits for mother and child, however, it does not convincingly prevent food allergies or decrease atopic eczema. New evidence suggests that the use of hydrolysed formulas does not delay or prevent atopic eczema or food allergy. This article aims to highlight current evidence and provide an update for dermatologists on the role of food exposure in the development of atopic disease, namely atopic eczema.

Primary prevention of food allergy in children and adults: systematic review

“…It has been hypothesized that mothers may inadvertently sensitize their children to certain foods through breast milk , but there is little evidence that changing what mothers consume when breastfeeding prevents food allergy in infants. Two nonrandomized comparisons found that maternal dietary changes while breastfeeding may not prevent food allergies in high‐risk infants , and one trial of probiotics found no benefit .…”

Atopic dermatitis and the atopic march revisited

“…Other general interventions tested to date in the primary prevention of allergies fall into the following categories: modification of the infant (formula interventions and promotion of breastfeeding) and maternal diet (avoidance of allergenic foods) and manipulation of the maternal/infant intake of fatty acids. While controversy remains concerning many of these interventions and research continues, in general the results from such interventions have been disappointing . Recent evidence on timing the introduction of solids and the role of vitamin D in allergic diseases has led to current trials on supplementation with vitamin D during pregnancy and early life, and early introduction of allergenic foods into the infant diet.…”

A review of current evidence on food allergies during pregnancy

“…The occurrence of food intolerance and food allergy was found to be more common in females at 2.9% and 4.2%, respectively, and in Asians, it is 3.6% and 4.3% (Acker et al, 2017). There has been a lack of proof linking maternal diet to childhood allergies, but this is still controversial among health professionals (Gamboni et al, 2013). Researchers are investigating preventive measures as the prevalence of food allergies is increasing day by day.…”