Dietary exposures and allergy prevention in high-risk infants

Question 1

What is the prevalence of food allergy in Canada?

Answer 1

~7%

Question 2

What is the definition of a high risk infant?

Answer 2

First-degree relative (at least one parent or sibling) with an allergic condition (e.g. atopic dermatitis, food allergy, asthma, or allergic rhinitis)

Question 3

What restrictions should be placed on maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation?

Answer 3

None

Question 4

What are the recommendations re: breastfeeding?

Answer 4

Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6m of life

Question 5

Does breastfeeding prevents allergy?

Answer 5

Unclear

Question 6

What formula should be used if breastfeeding is not an option?

Answer 6

Hydrolyzed cow’s milk-based formula

Question 7

What are the benefits of hydrolyzed cow’s milk formula?

Answer 7

1. Limited evidence preventive effect against atopic dermatitis
2. Extensively hydrolyzed casein formula is more effective than partially hydrolyzed whey formula
3. Amino acid based formula has not been studied for allergy prevention
4. No role for soy formula in allergy prevention

Question 8

What are the recommendations regarding introduction of solids?

Answer 8

1. Do not delay the introduction of any specific solid food beyond six months of age
2. More research is needed on the early introduction of specific foods to prevent allergy

Question 9

What is the suggestion regarding introduction of new foods?

Answer 9

Regular ingestion of newly introduced foods is important to maintain tolerance