Children should be exposed to allergens earlier in life: review

WINNIPEG —  With food allergies on the rise, parents often wonder how to prevent it. A new study suggests children should be exposed to allergens, such as peanuts and soy as early as possible.

The review, published Monday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, said most babies at four to six months of age can begin eating these foods.  The most common allergens are cow’s milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame.

In the past, it was recommended that parents avoid feeding their children potentially allergenic foods until they were 12 to 36 months old.

READ MORE: Best for babies to try peanut, other allergy triggers as early as 4 months: review

“In 2000, that was the guideline, wait up to three years,” said Dr. Elisa Abrams, an allergist and co-author of the study.

“But after that guideline was released, food allergy rates actually increased.”

Abrams said the new guidelines state parents should start introducing their kids to potential allergens at around four to six months of age.

“Current guidelines also say mothers don’t need to avoid foods that commonly cause allergies while pregnant or breastfeeding. And once those foods have been introduced, it’s important the baby continue to eat them on a regular basis, or an allergy could develop.”