Current prophylactic feeding guidelines recommend a delayed introduction of solids for the prevention of atopic diseases. A recently-published study investigated whether such a delay (past 4 or 6 months) is protective against the development of eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food or inhalant sensitization at the age of 6 years.

The Life-Style-Related Factors on the Immune System and the Development of Allergies in Childhood (LISA Study) is an on-going birth cohort study. At the 6-year follow up, data for 2073 children were available for analysis. Questionnaires were completed by parents at several stages, and at ages 2 and 6 years, the children were given a blood test and a physical examination.

Results indicate that delayed introduction of solids was not associated with decreased odds for asthma, allergic rhinitis or sensitisation against food or inhalant allergens at the age of 6 years. In fact, food sensitisation was more frequent in children who were introduced to solids later. One reason for this could be that children whose parents have an allergy would be more likely to develop a food sensitivity, and allergic parents with allergies are more likely to introduce solids later. For eczema, the link between the timing of the introduction of solid food and development of the condition was unclear, but a protective effect of a delayed introduction of solid foods could not be excluded by the results of this study.

Reference: Zutavern et al. Pediatrics 2008;121; e44-e52. An on-line version of the article is available at www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/121/1/e44 or contact the Allergen Bureau.