However, a new study suggests otherwise.
Early introduction of certain foods linked to decreased risk of allergies
A study lead by Maxwell Tran, a health sciences student at the McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, gathered 1,400 children and fed them various foods as they grew up.
The study found that by consuming peanuts, eggs or cow’s milk during the first year, the children were less likely to become allergic to these common foods.
According to Dr Sears, a professor in the division of respirology at McMaster University, eating certain foods at an early age, can desensitise children to them.
Keep in mind however that even with early introduction, there are some children who will still develop an allergy to certain foods later in life.
This study raises some concerns from Dr Jennifer Appleyard, Chief of Allergy and Immunology at St John Hospital and Medical Centre in Detroit, who said that during the first three years of a child’s life, exposure to food allergens can easily cause allergic reactions because the child’s immune system is still weak.
As such, there is still a lot more to be studied into the development of allergies in children.
For now, the early introduction of foods looks safe enough. However, it is always best to consult your doctor about the introduction of common allergy-causing foods.
How to know if your child has an allergy to certain foods
Allergy symptoms in children:
• Itchy, watery or prickly eyes
• Red or swollen eyes
• Dark undereye circles
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen, itchy lips and/or tongue
• Stomach ache
• Vomit and nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Acid reflux
• Poor growth
• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Blocked ear
• Hives, bumpy, itchy skin
• Rashes
• Eczema
• Angiodema
One of the first allergens a child can get is from mother’s milk. If the child shows any of the above symptoms, they should be tested for a possible allergy.
Common foods that cause allergies are:
• Peanuts and milk
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish (crab, lobster, crayfish, and shrimp)
• Soy
• Tree nuts (pecans, cashews, and walnuts)
• Wheat
Consider genetics as well as there are some cases of childhood allergies identical to that of the parents. In such cases, parents should take note of their own allergies when deciding to have a child.
Still, not all children from an allergic-prone couple will develop allergies. The environment also has a great influence on the development of allergies.
It is important to remember that if your child has developed an allergy, their symptoms will be easier to manage with early diagnosis and treatment.
This article first appeared in hellodoktor.com and was reviewed by Dr Duyen Le. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.