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Food hypersensitivity and allergic disease: a selective review
1Department of Pediatrics, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Preventing food allergy in infants involves exclusive breastfeeding and delaying the introduction of common allergens like wheat, egg, fish, and peanut. These strategies can significantly reduce allergy prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Food intolerance encompasses various non-immunologic mechanisms.
- Food allergy is an immunologically mediated adverse reaction to food or additives.
- Incidence rates are 1.3% in children and 0.3% in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes and prevention strategies for food allergy.
- To highlight the role of infant feeding practices in allergy development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on food allergy and intolerance.
- Analysis of risk factors including parental atopy and infant exposure.
- Evaluation of recommended dietary guidelines for infants.
Main Results:
- Parental history of atopy is a significant risk factor for food allergy.
- Early exposure to common allergens increases infant allergy risk.
- Exclusive breastfeeding and delayed allergen introduction are effective preventive measures.
Conclusions:
- Maternal avoidance of allergens during lactation and delayed introduction of specific foods (wheat, egg, fish >12 months; peanut >36 months) can reduce food allergy.
- Environmental precautions alongside dietary strategies are crucial for lowering allergy prevalence.