Delaying solid foods to infants may prevent allergies

According to the researchers from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), feeding solid foods to infants before 6 months of age can increase the risk of allergies, while exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months may prevent the onset of allergic symptoms later in life.

This report reinforces the advice given by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, which recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months as optimal for infant and maternal health.

The timing after age 6 months at which specific foods should be introduced depends on a number of factors, including the individual infant's nutritional needs and risk for allergies. The researchers recommend that it is best to delay the introduction of hen's eggs, fish, peanuts and nuts until after the age of 12 months, or later in infants at high risk of allergy.