Combining breastmilk and solids from 17 weeks could prevent food allergies

New research shows that giving babies both breastmilk and solids could prevent them from developing an allergy. 

 

The study suggests that alternating between the two could teach a baby’s immune system that solid foods are safe.

 

Lead researcher, Kate Grimshaw, compared the diets of 41 babies who developed allergies with 82 children who didn’t.

 

She found that children who went on to develop allergies had been given solid foods at an earlier age than those with none. They were also less likely to be receiving breastmilk after they were introduced to cow’s milk.

 

“My theory was that if food allergens - those things that infants actually become allergic to - aren't there at the same time as the breast milk, the breast milk can't educate the immune system,” says Dr Grimshaw.

 

However, there are concerns that these findings fail to establish why some children go on to develop food allergies.

 

Dr Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, from Miami Children’s Hospital, said: “Unfortunately, we still don't have all the answers when it comes to food allergies. It appears that breastfeeding may be protective, but we still don't know why.”