How Did Food Allergies Become an Epidemic?
Leading food allergy researcher and co-founder of Mission MightyMe, Dr. Gideon Lack, recently joined the ZOE podcast to share surprising insights on food allergies and debunk the common myths. We’re sharing key takeaways that all parents need to know.
ZOE, a health science company, is on a mission to help people live healthier lives through personalized nutrition. Founded by leading scientists, they conduct the world’s largest in-depth nutrition studies to understand our unique biological responses to food.
Listen and watch the entire podcast here!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT FOOD ALLERGIES is that we will protect our babies and children against developing allergies by avoiding those foods in their diet.
FOOD ALLERGIES HAVE BECOME AN EPIDEMIC. There’s been a 10 to 20-fold increase over the last 40 to 100 years.
PREVENTION RESEARCH (LEAP STUDY) found an 85% reduction in babies developing peanut allergies if they consumed peanut foods early and often. That percentage rivals the efficacy of a vaccine and yet, it is a simple intervention.
GUIDELINES CHANGED GLOBALLY based on the LEAP Study to recommend early and often consumption of peanut and other common allergens once babies start solids.
ECZEMA is the single biggest risk factor for allergies because sensitization happens through the skin, whereas tolerance develops through early oral consumption.
ALL BABIES benefit from early introduction, not just those with eczema.
TIMING & QUANTITY IS KEY. Most babies should start allergenic foods by 6 months. Babies with eczema should start by 4 months. Once introduced allergenic foods should be kept regularly in the diet in sufficient quantities.
BABY-FRIENDLY FOODS must be used for introduction to prevent choking risk. Nuts and undiluted nut butters are a choking hazard for babies.
