Preventing Food Allergies in Children :

Food Allergies are becoming increasingly common, and many parents wonder how to reduce the

risk for their children.

Understanding Food Allergies :

Definition : A food allergy in an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless food.

Common allergic foods : Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, and wheat.

Symptoms : Can range from mild (rashes, swelling) to severe (vomiting, diarrhea, or 

anaphylaxis).

Risk Factors :

Family history : Children with a family history 

of allergies, asthma, eczema, or hay fever are

at higher risk.

Severe eczema : Strongly associated with an 

increased risk of food allergies.

Environmental  exposure : Early exposure to 

certain allergens in the environment may 

influence the immune system.

Evidence-Based prevention Strategies : 

A - Early Introduction of allergens : Research, including the landmark LEAP study, suggests 

that introducing allergenic foods like peanuts early (between 4-6 months) can significantly

reduce the risk of allergies .

Important :  High-risk infants should be evaluated by a doctor before introducing allergenic 

foods. 

B - Exclusive Breastfeeding : The world health organization recommends exclusive 

breastfeeding for the first 6 months.

Breast milk may provide protective factors against allergies by influencing gut microbiota and

immune system development.

C - Diversified diet during pregnancy and lactation : Contrary to past advice, pregnant or 

breastfeeding mothers should not avoid common allergenic foods unless they have a 

diagnosed allergy themselves.

A varied diet may help expose the child to allergens through the mother's milk.

D - Avoiding delayed introduction : Delaying the introduction of allergenic foods beyond 

6 months might increase the risk of allergies.

For example, delaying peanuts, eggs, or dairy may result in a missed window of immune 

system tolerance development.

E - Maintaining a Healthy Gut : A healthy gut microbiome in both the mother and child can 

play a role in allergy prevention.

Include probiotics (fiber-rich foods) in the diet.

practical tips for parents :

- Start with small amounts of allergenic foods, one at a time, and monitor for reactions.

- keep a food diary to track any potential triggers.

- Discuss with a pediatrician especially if the child has eczema or a family history of allergies.

- Know how to recognize signs of an allergic reaction and have an action plan in place.

When to seek Medical Advice :

If there are early signs of food intolerance (eg: eczema flare-ups), consult an allergist.

A skin prick test or blood test can help identify specific allergies.

Key Takeaways :

Early exposure, a healthy diet, and proactive monitoring are critical in reducing the risk of 

food allergies.

Educating parents about allergy prevention  can lead to healthier  outcomes for their children.