Research suggests introducing eggs to infants in first 6 months may reduce allergy risk

Research from Australia suggests that introducing eggs to infants by the time they are 6 months old may reduce the prevalence of egg allergies — a recommendation supported by evolving guidelines and U.S. experts.Dr. Carla Davis, president of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Howard University, emphasized the importance of early introduction to allergenic foods. "Based on research and evidence, we absolutely know early introduction is the way to go for all infants," Davis said. She elaborated on the growing evidence supporting this approach. "We absolutely know that, that for specifically peanut allergy and the data is coming out more and more like the study for egg, that early introduction definitely prevents food allergy," Davis said. In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that infants at high risk of allergies avoid eggs until age 2, believing it might help prevent allergic reactions. However, this guidance has changed over the years. In 2008, the AAP updated its recommendations to support introducing eggs by the time they are 6 months old. Dr. David Hill, an attending allergist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, highlighted the growing evidence supporting this change. "We have shown that it, it is safe and effective, and in addition, now we're starting to have actual population data now from two different countries, two different methodologies, thousands of children showing that, indeed, we're having some effect on food allergy rates," Hill said. While the study was conducted in Australia, experts expect similar results in the U.S. Hill hopes these findings will provide reassurance to parents who may still be uncertain about when to introduce certain foods to their babies. "Families have told me that this is hugely meaningful for them. Anything they can do to reduce the risk of a severe, life-threatening, chronic condition is of course going to be welcome news," Hill said.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.