Allergies: fish consumption before the age of one year would reduce the risk to young children

Contrary to popular belief, but also some evidence that regular consumption of fish before the age of one year seems to be associated with reduced risk of allergy and sensitivity to allergens during the first four years at risk young children, according to a study Swedish published in the "Allergy" journal.

Early fish consumption in infancy was first considered as a risk factor for allergies. Thus, in an article published in July 2006, the experts committee unwanted food to the American college of allergy, asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) reactions, considered in the light of available data, it was necessary to wait until the age of three years to taste the fish children.

In contrast, other studies have suggested that fish consumption during infancy could confer a protective effect against allergies. However, methodological limitations prevent provide some conclusions.

Inger Kull the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Council in the Stockholm region and his colleagues have therefore conducted a survey of 2,614 young children to assess the association between fish consumption during the first year of life and development of allergic diseases at the age of 4 years.

Parents answered a questionnaire about fish consumption and the health of their children, first at the age of 2 months at the age of 1 year, 2 years and 4 years. In addition, children underwent a clinical examination at the age of four years, including a blood test to detect the presence of antibodies specific to food and airborne allergens.

The researchers excluded from the analysis, the children inherited risk of allergies, as well as having developed eczema or wheezing during the first year for which the introduction of fish in their diet has been deliberately delayed by parents.

According to their results, the consumption of fish before the age of one year was associated with a reduced risk of allergic diseases (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis) and sensitivity to allergens at the age of 4 years risk. The reduction in risk was highest for eczema and allergic rhinitis.

The average age of the first introduction of fish in the diet of children amounted to 8.3 months. At the age of one year, 80% of children in the study ate fish at least 2-3 times per month.

The researchers point out that these results support the hypothesis that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, to prevent the risk of allergy by a beneficial effect on the immune system. However, they believe that further studies are necessary before establishing specific recommendations on infant feeding in the prevention of allergies.