DYK: The 5 Ds of Food Allergy Prevention
By now, you’ve probably heard us talk about introducing peanuts and other common food allergens early and often - because according to leading organizations, that’s one of the best things parents can do to help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.*
But what you may not have heard of? The “5 Ds” of food allergy prevention - an easy-to-remember set of habits that may support a healthy immune system from the start. Let’s dive in!
The “Ds” include: Dry skin, Dogs, Diet, Dirt, and Vitamin D, which are simple ways to help build up your little one’s immune system at a young age. Early and often exposure to common allergens (what we’re all about!) falls into the “diet” D.
Various research has led to these findings and recommendations:
—Throw Fido a bone: Believe it or not, having a dog in the home during infancy might help reduce the likelihood of allergies later in life. Research suggests that early exposure to pet dander can help develop immune tolerance. (Plus, who doesn’t love puppy snuggles?)
—Let your LO get dirty: Good dirt (healthy bacteria in soil) can be good for kids and help strengthen their immune system! Translation: Make mud pies, go all in at the playground and run wild.
—Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Babies with dry skin or eczema are more likely to become sensitized to allergens through skin exposure. In fact, infants with eczema are 6x more likely to develop food allergies. Regular moisturizing helps support the skin barrier - your little one’s first line of defense! Read more about the connection between eczema and food allergies on our blog here.
—Vitamin D-lightful: Infants who are vitamin D deficient were 3x more likely to have an egg allergy and 11x more likely to have a peanut allergy, as well as more likely to have multiple rather than single food allergies, according to a Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Study. Speak with your pediatrician about safe ways to get more vitamin D – whether that’s through sunlight, supplements, or fortified foods.
—Mix it up: Diversify diets from a young age, including early introduction and ongoing inclusion of common allergens in your little one’s diet. The LEAP Study, led by Mission MightyMe Co-founder Dr. Gideon Lack found that early and regular consumption of peanut foods, starting in the first year of life, could prevent the majority of peanut allergies- a discovery that changed feeding guidelines globally. Plus, common food allergens are some of the most nutrient-dense foods, which means benefits for growing bodies! Research has also shown that diverse diets in infancy lower the risk of developing a food allergy substantially. Check out our Early Allergen Introduction Guide and Early Allergen Introduction Checklist for tasty sample meal plans and easy ways to diversify and consistently incorporate common allergens into your little one's diet.
In conclusion: enjoy all the foods, moisturize, more puppy snuggles, safe sun and mud pies for our little ones? Challenge accepted! The 5 Ds are about helping you feel confident in the everyday choices that support your child’s health and wellness from the very beginning.
Sources:
*FDA HEALTH CLAIM: For babies with an increased risk of peanut allergy (babies with severe eczema, egg allergy or both), introducing age-appropriate, peanut-containing foods as early as 4 months may reduce the risk of developing a peanut allergy. Caregivers should check with the baby’s healthcare provider before feeding the baby peanut-containing foods.
Mission MightyMe products must be avoided by anyone who has a known or suspected allergy to any of the ingredients. If you have any questions about what you’re feeding your baby, consult your pediatrician.
Please note: This blog post is for information purposes only and shouldn’t be used as personal, health, nutritional, or medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician with any questions about what to feed your child.
