Study Reveals Parents Are Delaying Introduction of Allergic Foods Despite Health Guidelines

A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights a concerning trend among parents who are not following recommended guidelines for introducing highly allergenic foods to infants. The research found that many parents delay giving children foods like eggs and nuts until after 12 months, contrary to advice from health authorities such as the NHS, which recommends starting these foods around six months. The delay may increase the risk of developing food allergies, as early exposure has been linked to allergy prevention. Led by Dr. Suzannah Helps from the University of Portsmouth, the study sampled 390 families, tracking their feeding practices from pregnancy through toddlers aged 24 months. The findings revealed that families with a history of allergies were more likely to avoid allergenic foods, which paradoxically raises the chances of their children developing allergies. Although most infants began eating allergenic foods between 6 and 9 months, a significant number—about 20%—had yet to try eggs by 12 months, and one-third had not tried nuts, showing a gap between professional guidance and real-world practices. Historical advice to avoid allergenic foods may have inadvertently contributed to the allergy epidemic. This new research echoes findings from studies like LEAP and EAT, emphasizing the importance of early exposure for allergy prevention. Experts stress the need to better educate parents and caregivers on current guidelines to help curb the rise of food allergies in children. Addressing this gap can promote healthier dietary habits and potentially reduce allergy cases in future generations.