Study Finds Early Egg Introduction Linked to Decline in Childhood Allergies

A new study has found that childhood egg allergies have fallen as more parents introduce eggs to babies at an earlier age.

The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, showed that egg allergy rates among children dropped by nearly 18 percent after updated feeding guidelines encouraged parents to introduce eggs by six months of age.

The Australian study analysed data from more than 7,000 infants and found that the number of babies introduced to eggs by six months more than doubled following the guideline changes.

Researchers reported that egg allergy prevalence fell from 9.2 percent before the new recommendations to 7.6 percent afterwards. Among infants with early eczema, who face a higher risk of food allergies, rates also declined significantly.

Experts said the findings provide further evidence that early introduction of allergenic foods can help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.

Health specialists advise parents to introduce eggs only when babies are developmentally ready for solid foods and to consult their paediatricians on the safest approach. Introducing solid foods before four months of age is not recommended.