[Specific IgE antibodies for nuts in infants]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Immunology
• Dietary Science

Context:

• Rising incidence of food allergies in infants in Poland.
• Increased consumption of foodstuffs containing nuts in the Polish diet.
• Limited understanding of early-life exposure to allergens and subsequent sensitization.

Purpose:

• To determine the incidence of nuts-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in infants presenting with food allergy symptoms.
• To investigate the potential link between maternal nut consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding and infant allergy development.
• To assess sensitization to common food allergens in infants.

Summary:

• A study of 163 infants (1-12 months) with food allergy symptoms and a control group measured specific IgE antibodies to various food allergens.
• Elevated levels of specific IgE antibodies were found for cow milk, soya, eggs, wheat flour, hazelnuts, and peanuts.
• Infants with nut-specific IgE antibodies had mothers who consumed nuts during pregnancy/breastfeeding, despite no direct infant nut intake.

Impact:

• Suggests maternal dietary exposure to nuts during critical developmental periods may influence infant allergy development.
• Highlights the need to counsel pregnant and breastfeeding women regarding nut consumption.
• Informs early dietary recommendations to potentially mitigate the risk of food allergies in infants.