Can We Prevent Atopic Disease by What We Feed Our Babies?

Mothers-to-be and breast-feeding mothers need not restrict their food choices, but they should plan on breast-feeding exclusively for the first 4 months, if possible.

Asthma incidence in preschoolers has increased 160%, and rates of peanut allergy and atopic dermatitis (AD) have increased two- to threefold over the past several decades. Atopic diseases have a clear genetic basis, but environmental factors are likely to play an important role. Can nutritional interventions during the first year of life decrease the risks for asthma, AD, and food allergy? Does breast-feeding help prevent atopic disease?

Pediatric allergy experts reviewed data from international studies on prevention of atopic diseases through maternal and infant dietary interventions. Most studies focused on the diet of high-risk (having a first-degree relative with AD) infants up to 6 months old.

The committee concluded:

1) Maternal dietary …

Reviewing Author

Mary Wu Chang, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Pierre Fabre; Valeant

Speaker’s bureauPierre Fabre

Mary Wu Chang, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Pierre Fabre; Valeant

Speaker’s bureauPierre Fabre

Can We Prevent Atopic Disease by What We Feed Our Babies?

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Reviewing Author