Food allergies are a growing concern, and in 2020, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) released updated guidelines to help prevent them in infants. These guidelines present a fresh approach to infant nutrition, focusing on early dietary choices to reduce the risk of developing food allergies.
Key Recommendations from the EAACI 2020 Guidelines
The EAACI 2020 guidelines provide several important recommendations for parents:
Avoid Regular Cow's Milk Formula in the First Week
For breastfed infants, it’s advised not to use regular cow's milk formula as a supplement during the first week of life.
Introduce Well-Cooked Eggs Early
As part of complementary feeding, introduce well-cooked (but not raw or lightly cooked) eggs to your infant’s diet. This should be done by one year of age.
Peanut Introduction in High Allergy Areas
In regions where peanut allergies are common, introduce peanuts as part of complementary feeding. The best time to introduce eggs and peanuts is between four to six months of age.
No Diet Restrictions for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Mothers
The guidelines do not recommend that mothers avoid potential allergens during pregnancy or breastfeeding to prevent food allergies in their infants.
Other Considerations
There are no specific recommendations for using soy protein formula, vitamin supplements, fish oil, prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or infancy. The guidelines also do not suggest altering the duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
Understanding the EAACI 2020 Guidelines: Preventing Food Allergies
The EAACI 2020 guidelines represent a shift towards the early introduction of certain foods, like peanuts and well-cooked eggs, to help prevent food allergies. This new approach is based on moderate certainty evidence, marking a change from earlier guidelines that advised more caution.
What This Means for Parents
Here’s how parents can apply these guidelines:
Start Complementary Feeding Around 4-6 Months: Introduce a variety of foods, including potential allergens like well-cooked eggs and peanuts, during this period.
Continue Breastfeeding: Maintain breastfeeding while introducing complementary foods. Avoid supplementing with cow's milk formula in the first week for breastfed infants.
No Need to Restrict Maternal Diet: There’s no evidence that avoiding potential allergens during pregnancy or breastfeeding reduces the risk of food allergies in infants.
Consult Healthcare Professionals: Before introducing allergenic foods, especially if your child is at high risk for allergies, talk to healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Conclusion
Food allergies can be proactively managed, and the EAACI 2020 guidelines offer a practical approach to preventing them in infants and young children. By introducing certain foods early and maintaining a diverse diet, parents can help build their child's tolerance and potentially reduce the risk of food allergies. Remember, every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor these recommendations to your child’s needs and consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice.
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Reference: Halken S, Muraro A, de Silva D, Khaleva E, Angier E, Arasi S, et al. EAACI guideline: Preventing the development of food allergy in infants and young children (2020 update). Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2021 Jul;32(5):843-858. doi: 10.1111/pai.13496.