Early solid feeding and recurrent childhood eczema: a 10-year longitudinal study.
The relationship between early solid feeding practices and risks of recurrent or chronic eczema in childhood was examined in a birth cohort of New Zealand children studied to the age of 10. By the age of 10 years, 7.5% of children had chronic or recurrent eczema. There were clear and consistent associations between the diversity of the child's diet during the first 4 months and risks of eczema. Even when due allowance was made for a range of confounding factors--including parental atopic illness, atopic illness in siblings, the child's early milk diet, and family social background--children exposed to four or more different types of solid food before 4 months had risks of recurrent or chronic eczema that were 2.9 times those of children who were not exposed to early solid feeding. It is concluded that early exposure to a diet diverse in potential food antigens may act to predispose susceptible children to recurrent or chronic childhood eczema.
Fergusson
D M
DM
Department of Paediatrics, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
Horwood
L J
LJ
Shannon
F T
FT
D002908:Chronic Disease; D004485:Eczema / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors