Intake of Allergens in Michigan Children

Abstract

Over 5.6 million children in the United States are diagnosed with a food allergy and pediatric allergists are desperately searching for nutritional interventions and prevention strategies. As the recommendations for when to consume allergens change, it is unclear whether healthcare providers and parents are adapting to these changes.

In a longitudinal study, we assessed the dietary intake of Big 8 allergens in Michigan children from infancy through 3 years of age. I performed literature reviews to consolidate recommendations regarding consumption of allergens, most of which suggested that the early introduction of allergens in infancy may be preventative against developing food allergies later in childhood. In my presentation, I will share findings from our data on children’s dietary patterns, discuss the current recommendations for consumption of food allergens in children, and draw comparisons between the recommendations and what children are actually consuming. I anticipate to fill a gap in the literature regarding actual consumption and to aid healthcare professionals and parents in adapting to new recommendations in an effort to collectively reduce the risk for food allergy development in children.