Study looks into egg allergies

Adelaide researchers are feeding children allergic to eggs baked egg in a new study aimed at helping them outgrow the allergy.

The study is being conducted by the Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) and is testing to see if small amounts of baked egg help kids overcome their allergy more quickly.

Adelaide Uni PhD student Merryn Netting said egg allergy is the most common allergy in Australia, affecting 9% of young children.

"Ten years ago, if a child had an egg allergy we would recommend a totally egg free diet,” she said.

“However, our thinking on the issue has now changed – we introduce children early to baked egg, and if they tolerate it we encourage them to include it in their diet regularly.”

So far, more than 40 children have taken part, but they need at least 100 more volunteers.

They need children aged between six months and five years of age with a known or suspected egg allergy, who are already on an egg-free diet.

To get their kids involved, parents can call Merryn Netting on 8161 7443 or email merryn.netting@adelaide.edu.au.