What to feed your kids so they don't get food allergies
Australia has been identified as the food allergy capital of the world and new infant feeding guidelines are currently being introduced to curb those statistics.
It has been revealed that a staggering one in 10 infants and two in 100 adults are affected.
Until now many parents have been uncertain what foods they can introduce into their babies diets however experts are hopeful the new recommendations will clear up any confusion for parents.
Mother Verity Bristow knows the difficulty of managing childhood allergies as her two year old son Bryn can’t eat wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, rice and even some meats.
“It’s getting easier now but trying to work it out was really tough but I can’t just go to a supermarket and find something to eat, everything has to be planned in advance,” Bristow told 7 News.
The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has brought out new rules and experts in Europe and the US have been quick to follow suit.
The institute recommends introducing solid foods at around six months, but not before four months.
“Families are totally confused by the plethora of guidelines out there in Australia as we’ve had nine infant feeding guidelines across Australia,” Professor Katie Allen told 7 News.
They also recommend introducing allergenic foods like peanut butter, cooked egg, dairy and wheat products within the first year of the child’s life, even if babies are suspected to be at high risk of allergy.
“What we’re saying is these foods are not harmful if done and given in a cautious manner and the introduction early is not only safe but it looks like it’s protective,” Allen told 7 News.
The new guidelines were shared at an international allergy conference in Melbourne on Monday where experts discussed research that could one day help children build their immunity.
“I think anything that means he can lead a more normal life and be healthy and happy is just incredible,” Katie Allen told 7 News.
News break – August 22
