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Late introduction of solids into infants' diets may increase the risk of food allergy development
Anna Hicke-Roberts1, Göran Wennergren2, Bill Hesselmar2
1Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. anna.hicke-roberts@vgregion.se.
Insights
Delayed introduction of solids and maternal allergy history are key risk factors for childhood food allergy or intolerance. This Swedish study highlights regional differences in incidence and potential dietary influences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Investigating risk factors for food allergy or food intolerance in school children.
- Examining prevalence in two distinct Swedish towns: Mölndal and Kiruna.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with food allergy or intolerance in children.
- To compare the cumulative incidence of self-reported food allergy or intolerance (SRFA) between two Swedish regions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized questionnaires for 7-8-year-old children in Mölndal and Kiruna.
- Collected data on specific food allergies, onset, symptoms, cessation, family history, diet, and lifestyle.
- Analyzed questionnaire responses from 1029 children.
Main Results:
- Cumulative incidence of SRFA was 19.6%, significantly higher in Kiruna (28.5%) than Mölndal (15.7%).
- Later introduction of solids (≥7 months) and maternal history of allergic disease were identified as risk factors.
- Solids were introduced at a later age in Kiruna, potentially explaining the higher SRFA incidence.
Conclusions:
- Late introduction of solids may be a significant risk factor for developing food allergy or intolerance.
- Regional dietary practices, such as delayed solid food introduction, could contribute to varying food allergy prevalence.
- Maternal allergic disease history is a notable risk factor for childhood food allergy or intolerance.
Background:
This study investigated risk factors associated with food allergy or food intolerance among school children in two Swedish towns.
Methods:
Questionnaires were used to collect data on self-reported food allergy or intolerance (SRFA) in children aged 7-8 years from Mölndal in southwestern Sweden and Kiruna in northern Sweden. It included questions about specific food allergy or intolerance to cows' milk, hens' eggs, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, and cereals and also age of onset, type of symptoms and age of cessation. Information was also gathered on family allergy history, dietary habits, and certain lifestyle aspects.
Results:
Of 1838 questionnaires distributed, 1029 were returned: 717/1354 (53%) from Mölndal and 312/484 (64%) from Kiruna. The cumulative incidence of SRFA was 19.6% with a significantly higher cumulative incidence in Kiruna (28.5%) than in Mölndal (15.7%), P < .001. Solids were introduced at a later age in Kiruna. Introduction of solids into a child's diet from the age of 7 months or later, and maternal history of allergic disease, were both risk factors associated with a higher risk of food allergy or intolerance.
Conclusion:
Late introduction of solids into an infant's diet may be one risk factor for developing food allergy or intolerance. Later introduction of solids in Kiruna may be one explanation for the higher cumulative incidence of SRFA in that region.
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