Late introduction of fish and eggs is associated with increased risk of allergy development - results from the FARMFLORA birth cohort
Journal article, 2017

The prevalence of allergy is markedly low in children growing up on farms. An increasing number of studies indicate that the timing of food introduction may affect allergy development. We aimed to investigate if protection against allergy in farm environments may be mediated through differences in food-introduction practices between farm and non-farm families, using an explorative approach. Twenty-eight farm and 37 non-farm children were included in the FARMFLORA birth cohort. Practices of breastfeeding and introduction of formulas and complementary foods were collected by questionnaires at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. Allergy was diagnosed by pediatricians at 3 years of age. The only difference in food-introduction practices observed between farm and non-farm children was an earlier introduction of nuts in farmers (median month: 11 [IQR: 8-6] in farmers, 15 [12-19] in non-farmers). One farm child (4%) and 10 non-farm children (27%) were allergic at 3 years of age. Lower risk of allergy development was associated with early exclusive breastfeeding (continuous variable; OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.89), but also having received eggs (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.13-0.54) and fish (logistic regression not applicable, P = 0.01 in likelihood ratio testing [chi(2)]) at 10 months of age or earlier compared to later. Our results were not affected by reverse causation, as judged by a questionnaire sent to the families in retrospect. Timing of introduction of complementary foods is unlikely to contribute to the lower risk of allergy among farm children. Although early exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a lower rate of allergy development, postponed introduction of complementary foods might increase the risk of developing allergy. Owing to the limited sample size, our results are only indicative, but support prior findings.

fish

introduction of solids

complementary foods

breastfeeding

allergy

eggs

farmers

Author

Karin Jonsson

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Malin Barman

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Hilde Kristin Brekke

University of Gothenburg

Bill Hesselmar

University of Gothenburg

Susanne Johansen

Ann-Sofie Sandberg

Chalmers, Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science

Agnes E Wold

University of Gothenburg

Food and Nutrition Research

1654-6628 (ISSN) 1654-661X (eISSN)

Vol. 61 1 1393306

Areas of Advance

Life Science Engineering (2010-2018)

Subject Categories

Health Sciences

Nutrition and Dietetics

DOI

10.1080/16546628.2017.1393306

PubMed

29151834

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Latest update

4/5/2022 6