Parental intentions regarding introduction of common food allergens during complimentary feeding

Food allergy affects 5-6% of Irish children with 3-6% of preschool children affected. Common food allergens in preschool children are milk, egg and peanut while peanut, tree-nut, fish and shellfish allergies are more common in older children1 . Recent studies such as LEAP2 and EAT3 reported that regular consumption of common allergy associated foods early in the complementary feeding period resulted in a protective effect on the development of food allergy2,3 . Current guidelines recommend that solid foods should be introduced into the infant diet around 6 months of age, including the common allergenic foods, and these foods should be continued on a regular basis. For children at a higher risk of developing food allergy, the early introduction (from 4 months of age) of egg and peanut may be beneficial.