title: Early exposure to food and food allergy in children.
abstract: Question I have been under the impression that infants should avoid potential allergenic foods such as nuts, cow's milk, and eggs in order to avoid developing allergic reactions. What advice should I give parents regarding the introduction of food in infancy and the development of food allergy? Answer There is no evidence that delaying the introduction of any specific food beyond 6 months of age helps to prevent allergy. A recent Canadian Paediatric Society statement recommends no delay in the introduction of food in infancy. Recent research also appears to suggest that early introduction of potentially allergenic foods (at 4 to 6 months of age) might actually provide a form of protection and help prevent allergy, but more research is needed.
authors.affiliation: BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Room K4-226, Ambulatory Care Bldg, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4. rgoldman@cw.bc.ca.
authors.forename: Benetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Chin
authors.forename: Edmond S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Ran D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004032:Diet; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens
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