Allergy experts release new infant feeding advice

Leading allergy specialists have released new advice on when infants should be fed solid (complementary) foods, including foods that are considered to be allergenic.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has published this advice,  based on new evidence which is inconsistent with  previous  recommendations to delay the introduction of solids foods beyond  6 months to prevent food allergies from  developing in children.

The document entitled ASCIA Infant Feeding Advice is based on current scientific evidence regarding introduction of foods and the development of allergic disease in children.

“The development of allergic diseases in children continues to be an area which is complex and not well understood.” said allergy specialist Professor Susan Prescott who was one of the lead authors of the document. 

“The best timing for introducing solid foods into infant diets is a controversial topic that has recently undergone review by several professional and regulatory bodies.”

The ASCIA Infant Feeding Advice document was developed in response to the urgent need to clarify discrepancies between established infant feeding guidelines and new information.

Professor Prescott said that recent publications challenged previous recommendations.

“Current evidence does not support the delayed introduction of solid foods, including allergenic foods into infant diets beyond 6 months,” said Professor Prescott.

“There are even some limited studies which suggest that delayed introduction of solid foods beyond 6 months of age may actually be to blame for an increased risk of food allergy, celiac disease and autoimmunity, although further studies are needed to confirm this.”

(Source: ASCIA Infant Feeding Advice: Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy: December 2008)