A study from Sweden reveals that feeding infants a diverse diet, particularly around 9 months of age, can significantly lower the risk of developing food allergies. The study, published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, analyzed data from 2,060 children diagnosed with allergies, primarily to cow's milk and eggs. A 45% reduction in allergy risk was observed when diverse foods were introduced by 9 months, but no such benefit was found if the introduction occurred earlier at 6 months. Even with family history and other factors considered, diverse diets showed effectiveness, especially for children with eczema.
Researchers analyzed the data of 2,060 babies and found that introducing them to a diverse diet - categorized as consisting of 13 or 14 different foods - at 9 months of age was associated with a 45% decrease in the risk of food allergies by the time the infant reached 18 months.
Experts attribute the rise in food allergies to factors such as refined diets, vitamin D deficiencies due to lack of sun exposure, and the 'hygiene hypothesis', which suggests a cleaner environment leads to reduced immune system exposure to microbes.
The study indicates that the protective effect of a diverse diet does not seem to occur when implemented at an earlier age, such as 6 months.
The researchers noted that 'children with a history of eczema may benefit the most from eating a diverse diet early in life for food allergy prevention.'
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