A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Australia has the highest rate of food allergies in the world, affecting one in ten babies by their first birthday. While the exact cause of this rise remains unknown, research is ongoing, and several treatment trials are underway.
New Guidelines for Introducing Allergens
Previously, parents were advised to avoid all allergenic foods. However, recent research has shown that delaying the introduction of allergens can actually increase the risk of developing food allergies.
In 2016, the Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention Guidelines were updated to recommend introducing common allergens like eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts as soon as your baby shows signs of being ready for solid foods (around six months, but not before four months).
Introducing Allergens Safely
When introducing allergens, it's important to do so one at a time to identify potential problems. If there's no reaction, continue serving the allergen at least twice a week. This helps decrease the likelihood of developing a long-term allergy.
Recognizing Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions usually occur within minutes, but can take up to two hours. Symptoms can range from mild (hives, vomiting, swelling) to severe (anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, wheezing).
If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, stop feeding the food immediately and seek medical advice. For severe reactions, lay your child flat, call triple-zero, and use an adrenaline injector if available.
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no approved treatment for food allergies in Australia. However, innovative options are available through clinical trials. One example is the Egg-Up Trial, which investigates whether gradually introducing egg at home can help resolve egg allergy in infants.
Future Outlook
Most infant egg allergies and 30% of peanut allergies naturally resolve by age six. However, some allergies, like those to tree nuts and seeds, are usually long-standing.
For more information and support, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.