Do Fish and Birds Reduce Eczema in Infants?

Investigators in Sweden surveyed 8176 families with infants to determine the prevalence of eczema and identify its triggers. Families responded to questionnaires concerning their infants at ages 6 months and 12 months. The questionnaires covered family history, environmental factors, perinatal history, parental tobacco use, breast-feeding, food introduction, and disease status. The response rate was 69% at age 6 months and 88% at age 12 months.

Having a mother or a sibling with eczema was the strongest risk factor for eczema. Having a pet bird in the home and early introduction of fish into the diet were associated with lower prevalences of eczema. Neither breast-feeding status nor age at introduction of dairy or egg affected eczema risk.

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