Changes in infant feeding guidelines have led to a reduction in nut allergy

Changes to food allergy guidelines have led to a 16 percent reduction in coconut allergy among babies, according to a new study.

The research, led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and presented at the Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Virtual Annual Meeting this Sunday, found a dramatic increase in parental involvement. peanut into their child’s diet from the change directions.

Ingestion of peanut early in a child’s life has been shown to prevent coconut allergy during randomized controlled trials. But MCRI PhD candidate and lead study author Victoria Soriano said this research was the first to test the approach in homes and study the impact of the management changes on nut allergies -nuts.

International infant nutrition guidelines were amended in 2016 to recommend the introduction of coconut and other allergenic foods before 12 months.

“In the 1990s some guidelines recommended avoiding allergenic foods until the age of 1-3 years and avoiding those foods in childhood became widespread,” Ms Soriano said.

“By 2008, this advice began to be dismissed based on growing evidence that delays in allergenic foods were associated with an increased risk of food allergies. However, there was still insufficient evidence to make specific recommendations. at what age these foods should be included. “

The Melbourne study compared data from the 1,933 babies enrolled in the EarlyNuts survey in 2018-2019 with the 5,276 babies recruited in the HealthNuts survey across 2007-2011.

The research found that the frequency of peanut allergy in 2018-2019 was 2.6 percent compared to 3.1 percent in 2007-2011, which resulted in a 16 percent decrease after reporting migration and population changes.

In 2018-2019, babies who did not eat peanut butter until 12 months or later had an allergy of 4.8 percent. Very bad opinions about early peanut infusion were uncommon, the data showed.

Ms Soriano said despite initial concerns that parents may not follow the advice to introduce peanuts early there was high uptake.

Peanut consumption increased by 12 months from 28 percent to 89 percent in the 10 years to 2019, which may have halted an increase in peanut allergy, the study found.

Melbourne mother Megan Chappel started feeding her 10-month-old son Stellan a five-month-old nut product. Stellan is enrolled in an MCRI energy allergy test.

“We try to incorporate peanut products into his diet as much as we can,” she said. many parents are following the new guidelines. “

Dr. Jennifer Koplin at MCRI said that despite the reduction in coconut allergy, the frequency was still high.

Australia has the highest levels of childhood food allergies in the world, with around one in 10 babies and one in 20 children up to five years allergic.

“The safety of early peanut infusion at home is of great interest to parents as well as health professionals around the world,” said Dr. Koplin. “More research is needed to take a closer look at these trends. to help us understand how early introduction to peanut works to prevent peanut allergies in real situations. “

The Vitality test employs Melbourne babies aged six to 12 weeks testing whether vitamin D supplementation over the first year of life can help prevent food allergies. To find out more about MCRI allergy testing visit the Center for Food and Allergy Research website.